Roosevelt’s Custom-Built MBA program has allowed Avinash Khamitkar to thrive as both an international student and aspiring marketing professional. The program balances core business classes with the opportunity to specialize in a specific discipline, which has allowed Avinash to focus on his career goal of digital marketing. Roosevelt’s healthy international student population and dedicated support staff have also allowed Avinash to develop a community away from his home country of India.
His interest in website design and digital media drew him to the United States. Thanks to Roosevelt’s partnership with India’s GEMS B School, Avinash could transfer his completed MBA credits to Roosevelt and complete the rest of his education in Chicago. Avinash calls the opportunity a “golden bridge” where he could study business and marketing in a global city.
Read more to learn about Avinash’s praise for Roosevelt’s Heller College of Business and the benefits of attending college in Chicago.
What makes Roosevelt’s Custom-Built MBA program so special?
The MBA program at Roosevelt is special to me for several reasons: the way the curriculum is designed, the structure and flow of the coursework, the balance between theory and application and the affordability from a financial perspective. On top of that, Roosevelt has its own rich history and a campus environment that honestly feels a bit “magical” to me—supportive, diverse and full of opportunity. As a student coming from another country and system, the program has felt thoughtfully built and very human, not just a list of classes to complete.
How has guidance and support from the staff at Roosevelt improved your Roosevelt MBA experience?
When I look back to when I first landed in Chicago in January 2021, it’s striking how much has changed. In my first semester, I was adjusting to everything at once: the Chicago winter, a new climate and culture, different accents, meeting new people, making friends, exploring the city and handling all the usual ups and downs of graduate school. During that time, I regularly reached out to Deans Glen Brodowsky and Rifat Gorener with questions about academics, opportunities and University processes—and they always took the time to guide me.
I’m especially grateful to my academic advisor Erin Szczepaniak, who has consistently helped me choose and plan my courses each semester and navigate the program smoothly. I truly feel I couldn’t ask for more support than I’ve received. I also want to specifically thank Jane Wendorrf-Craps for creating such a positive, motivating learning environment. The guidance and encouragement I’ve had at Roosevelt have shaped not only my master’s experience, but also my confidence in this next phase of my life.
How has your perspective on business evolved since enrolling in Roosevelt’s MBA program?
Before starting the MBA, my view of business was more focused on individual functions like digital marketing tactics or specific campaigns. Since taking classes at Roosevelt, my perspective has broadened significantly. I now think much more holistically about how strategy, marketing, finance, operations and analytics all interconnect.
The courses have pushed me to think more strategically, to work effectively in teams and to translate ideas into complete real‑world plans. I’ve learned to see marketing not just as execution on channels, but as a strategic driver tightly linked to overall business objectives and long‑term value creation.
How has the Heller College of Business assisted with networking and potential job opportunities?
The Heller College of Business has been very supportive in helping students build their professional networks and prepare for career opportunities. In particular, Nancy Inkertsiah at the Office of Career Services has been an important resource by reviewing resumes, cover letters, portfolios and LinkedIn profiles and by providing personalized guidance.
Career Services has also organized career fairs, workshops and networking events, which have given me exposure to employers and helped me better understand the job market. For an international student like me, that kind of structured support is extremely valuable.
What would you say to encourage prospective students that Roosevelt University is the best fit for graduate school?
If you’re on the fence about applying to Roosevelt, especially as someone who might be coming from another country or a non‑traditional path, I would say “Don’t underestimate how much the environment matters.” At Roosevelt, you get more than a degree—you get a community that supports you as you adjust, grow and push yourself.
The program design, the collaborative learning, the accessibility of faculty and staff and the chance to study in Chicago make it a strong choice. If you’re willing to work hard and stay curious, Roosevelt is the kind of place that will meet you halfway and give you the support you need to reach your goals.
What do you enjoy most about living and studying in Chicago?
Living and studying in Chicago has been a huge part of why this experience is so meaningful to me. I love the energy of the city—the climate (even the winter, now that I’m more used to it), the vibes, the diversity of people around me and the overall environment. The beauty of the skyline, the lakefront and the different neighborhoods all add up to a place that feels alive and inspiring.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city, discovering new places to eat and relax and just taking in the atmosphere. Every small detail—the trains, the lights, the mix of cultures—makes Chicago feel like exactly the kind of dynamic environment I always wanted to be part of while pursuing my MBA.
