Undergraduate Student Profiles

Name: Deeksha Hebbar
Year: 2006
Major(s): Systems Engineering (Logistics Systems), Finance/OPIM/Management in Wharton (Management & Technology Program)
Minor(s): None
Hometown: Originally from India but born and brought up in Kuwait

What’s your greatest accomplishment outside the classroom at Penn?
I would say that being a Resident Advisor (RA) in the Quad is my greatest accomplishment outside the classroom. The selection process is rather competitive- applicants go through a rigorous screening process. I was fortunate to be selected as an RA for Spruce (now Riepe) College House after my sophomore year. The role of an RA is an extremely important one, no matter which college house you are a part of. However, a Quad RA is a unique animal. Dealing with freshmen requires a person who wants to help incoming students discover themselves in college. Being a friend, supporter, advisor and constant resource for my residents (all of whom are freshmen) is an extremely fulfilling experience for me. Knowing that they look to me for advice, support and guidance makes me feel like I have made a positive impact on the world at large.

What’s your greatest accomplishment inside the classroom at Penn?
My greatest academic accomplishment would be participating in an independent study class during the summer after my sophomore year. I jointly prepared a case study on Hewlett Packard’s recent low cost strategy for consumer DeskJet printers with a teammate. With the guidance of our independent study professor, we arrived at a general topic for the study. Together we carried out thorough research into HP’s history and strategy. We were fortunate to be able to conduct interviews with a number of high-level HP executives to emphasize the first-person view of the situation. After incorporating the different viewpoints of all those involved we crafted the final draft of the case. Our professor was extremely pleased with our work; it might even become part of the syllabus of a Management class in Wharton!

Besides schoolwork, what takes up most of your time?
I enjoy being involved in a number of activities on campus. I’m a research assistant for a Marketing professor and I am also a Resident Advisor (RA) in the Quad. Additionally, I’m a Co-President of the Management and Technology Club- an organization that organizes professional and social activities for students interested in careers at the junction of engineering and business. I am the Vice President of Finance for the Penn chapter of an international student-run organization called AIESEC. I am also a Project Manager for the Innovation Fund at the Weiss Tech House, a student run incubator for technology and entrepreneurship on campus. I also tutor elementary school students once a week through the Kite and Key society. I also try to maintain balance in my life by spending a great deal of time with my friends! We love to eat at great restaurants, watch movies and generally enjoy the great city of Philadelphia.

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