Dimple Dhawan
Current Title:
Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Pre-MBAxMS Title:
Consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Post-MBAxMS Goals:
Deep Tech Strategy Consulting OR Deep Tech Venture Capital
CBS Activities or Clubs:
CWiB, AlleyCon, Venture Capital Club
Favorite NYC Activities:
Eating my way through town!
Prior to starting, what were you expecting the program to be like? How was it different than your expectations?
I expected the program to feel like two distinct schools with very different environments. In reality, I found that Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School are more interconnected than I imagined. The MBAxMS community itself bridges both worlds—we learn to “translate” between engineering depth and business strategy in real time, which has been both more challenging and more rewarding than I anticipated.
Why did you choose Columbia and the MBAxMS program?
I was drawn to Columbia’s position at the intersection of business and technology, especially in New York City. The MBAxMS program uniquely combines the rigor of a top business education with advanced technical training. For someone passionate about shaping the future of deep tech—whether through strategy or investing—this felt like the perfect launchpad.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your class?
I bring an operator’s mindset shaped by consulting, but also an entrepreneurial curiosity about how emerging technologies can redefine industries. I often found myself connecting classmates from different backgrounds—say, an engineer building AI tools with an MBA student exploring fintech—so I think my role as a “connector” has been one of my strongest contributions.
What’s been the most valuable insight or skill you’ve gained from learning at both Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School?
My robotics focus at Columbia Engineering gave me the technical foundation to manage engineers and evaluate technologies, while my entrepreneurship training at Columbia Business School taught me the language of consulting and venture capital—negotiation, influence, and people leadership. Together, they’ve prepared me to bridge technical innovation with business impact.
What have been some of the most valuable relationships or connections you’ve built through this dual-degree program?
The MBAxMS cohort is small and tight-knit, which has made our relationships incredibly meaningful. Beyond that, I also found strong mentorship from alumni in deep tech investing and from professors who are leaders in both schools. These connections have shaped not only my career path but also my personal growth, giving me mentors and peers that I will carry with me well beyond the program.
How has access to both Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School’s resources and alumni networks shaped your professional opportunities or mentorship experiences?
One of the most valuable aspects of this dual degree has been the access to both schools’ resources while also being in the heart of New York City. From Columbia Engineering, I tapped into cutting-edge labs and faculty expertise, while Columbia Business School gave me mentors and peers who helped sharpen my leadership and entrepreneurial toolkit. Beyond campus, simply being part of Columbia opened doors in NYC — mentioning the school helped me get into the right rooms, meet founders, and connect with leaders I wouldn’t have reached otherwise. Together, the networks and the city itself have expanded my professional opportunities in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
What would you tell a prospective student about managing the fast-paced, 20-month structure of the MBAxMS program?
I’d tell them the following:
● You can’t do everything—and that’s okay. The 20-month pace forces you to be intentional about what matters most, whether that’s academics, recruiting, or building relationships. For me, the key was setting priorities each semester and being willing to say no when needed.
● This program can get intense at times (as can the regular MBA), but the beauty of it is that you are not doing it alone—the MBAxMS community is small and incredibly supportive. Relying on each other, sharing resources, and lifting each other up made the experience not just manageable but really rewarding for me.
What has been the most rewarding part of your MBAxMS journey so far?
The people. Being surrounded by peers who are equally passionate about business and technology has been energizing. I have grown not only because of the curriculum but also because of the perspectives and ambitions of the people I have had the privilege to learn alongside.
Post-MBAxMS career interests?
My long-term interest lies in deep tech—either through strategy consulting, where I can help organizations navigate transformative technologies, or through venture capital, where I can support the next generation of founders building breakthrough innovations.