South Middlesex Times

Soon after her graduation this spring, Neha Bhat will begin her career as a Global Marketing New Analyst at Goldman Sachs. The role was offered to her following a successful internship with the company the previous summer.

"I’ve always had a passion for marketing, and I admire its ability to connect with people on a local and global scale. I knew that marketing is required in every industry, and something that drew me to the world of finance is the work ethic and ambition that people have," Bhat stated.

Reflecting on her choice of majors, Bhat said, "Goldman Sachs has so many people who are so talented and passionate about the industry that they work in. Whatever they do, they are one of the best in the industry, so I wanted to grow and get that experience working with people like that."

Upon choosing her major, Bhat decided on a combination of marketing, business analytics, and psychology, selecting Rutgers Business School for its variety of classes and opportunity for a minor outside the school. "I did not want to do just one path. I thought that a well-rounded education is really important, especially in business, to be able to process different points of view," she expressed.

Bhat emphasized the importance of understanding psychological aspects in marketing. "I think that creativity and the ability to think outside the box is valued in any industry, especially marketing," she added.

Having moved from India to the U.S. at age 11, Bhat quickly adjusted to the new culture. Choosing college, Rutgers was her top pick. "Rutgers is known to have such a strong network and alumni base, on a global scale. Wherever you go, if you say Rutgers, they know the school, they know the people and the culture. That was very important for me," she mentioned, recognizing the diverse backgrounds of her professors and their industry experience.

Bhat valued internships highly, citing guidance from professors and resources from Rutgers Business School Office of Career Management. She successfully landed internships at Bristol Myers Squibb and later at Goldman Sachs, which converted into a full-time job offer. "Especially when it comes to a big school like Rutgers, there are endless opportunities to better yourself and get access to resources that can help us, whether it's with our career preparation or classroom assistance," Bhat remarked.

Throughout her time at university, Bhat engaged in various roles. She worked as an intern for the Rutgers Business School Office of Career Management, and also served as a social media ambassador. Her initiative led to the founding of Rutgers Milana, a student group dedicated to South Indian culture. Bhat's experiences inspired her to aid peers in accessing resources and feeling supported during their college journey.

Her involvement extended to high school, where she was active in DECA, a non-profit organization preparing students for careers in marketing and finance. Bhat also launched Mental Health United, an online resource, to support young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recalled, "I thought there must be some way to help at least one person feel less lonely during such a vulnerable period, and the first resource I could think of was social media."

Cristina Cushing, a career counselor at Rutgers Business School, praised Neha’s attributes. "Neha’s creativity, passion, strong leadership, and ability to take initiative have set her apart as a role model for her peers and an asset to our department over the past two and a half years," Cushing affirmed. "Her strong work ethic, ability to inspire and guide others, adaptability under pressure, analytical skills, and strong teamwork skills undoubtedly made her a standout candidate for competitive internships, like Bristol Myers Squibb and Goldman Sachs."

As graduation approaches, Bhat's parents are eager to see her achieve this milestone. "I think it's going to be a really validating moment for all of us," Bhat said, reflecting on the journey since her relocation to the U.S.