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Viharika Mandappa Appaneravanda (she/her)

Tepper School of Business

Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

Hometown: coorg/mysuru, karnataka, india

1. Briefly describe the work you're doing in your program at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV.

   At CMU, my work lies at the intersection of analytics, strategy, and decision science. The program builds a strong technical foundation in optimization, data exploration and visualization, machine learning, AI, and advanced modeling–making us deeply grounded in how business analytics truly works.

    

   At the same time, we’re not confined to just the technical side. A major part of the learning experience is understanding how to translate complex analysis into strategic decisions. We’re trained to present insights to senior leadership, align analytics with business objectives, and communicate data in a way that drives real impact.

    

   Through team-based projects, industry collaborations, case competitions, and workshops, we solve real-world problems while constantly challenging our thinking. What makes this experience meaningful is that it’s also a space for exploration–a place where we can experiment, make mistakes, learn, and grow. It’s not just about building models/strategies; it’s about developing the confidence and leadership mindset to use them responsibly and effectively.

2. How did you develop an interest in this area? 

   My interest in business analytics grew from wanting to combine two worlds I genuinely enjoy–technology and business. With a background in computer applications and a strong interest in entrepreneurship, I was always curious about how technology could go beyond building models/systems and actually drive smarter, more strategic decisions.

    

   AI especially deepened that curiosity. Seeing how intelligent systems can enhance decision-making and create scalable impact made me realize that the future of leadership lies in understanding both the technical foundations and the business implications behind them.

    

   What truly drew me in was structured thinking–the ability to take complex problems, break them down logically, and approach them through data-driven frameworks. Watching analytics and AI transform industries showed me how powerful that combination can be. Business analytics became the natural/perfect space where my technical skills and business mindset could align. It became the bridge between innovation and impact.

3. What are your academic and/or professional goals? 

   Academically, I want to continue strengthening both my technical depth and strategic thinking. I’m particularly interested in AI-driven decision-making, optimization, and supply chain systems–especially how analytical solutions can be designed to scale within organizations. I don’t just want to understand how models are built; I want to understand how they influence long-term business direction and competitive advantage. For me, it’s not only about technical mastery, but about developing the clarity, judgment, and confidence to lead data-informed decisions at a higher level.

    

   Professionally, I aspire to grow into leadership and management roles where I can combine analytical strength with strong people skills. I naturally gravitate toward collaborative environments–I enjoy bringing teams together, aligning diverse perspectives, and driving execution toward a shared vision. While I value my technical training, I don’t see myself remaining in purely technical roles. I want to operate where strategy, innovation, and leadership intersect–where decisions shape organizations, not just dashboards.

   
   I’m especially drawn to industries like media, entertainment, and healthcare–sectors that directly influence how people experience the world. However, more than a specific industry, what matters most to me is meaningful impact. I deeply resonate with CMU’s motto, inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s words: “My heart is in the work.” I believe that when purpose drives performance, excellence follows naturally. My long-term goal is to grow into a leader who not only understands the numbers, but also understands people–someone who can combine analytical rigor with vision, empathy, and the courage to build something that truly matters.

4. How do you spend your time beyond academic work?

   Beyond academics, I’m deeply involved in student life at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV. As the Social Chair for the MSBA Student Leadership Council and a Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) representative, I help create experiences that bring our cohort together. I genuinely enjoy building community–organizing events, bringing energy into the room, and creating spaces where people connect beyond coursework.

    

   Outside of leadership roles, I’m naturally adventurous and curious. I love exploring new places–whether that’s discovering hidden corners of Pittsburgh, traveling across the U.S., or saying yes to experiences that push me slightly out of my comfort zone. I believe growth often comes from movement and exploration.

    

   I’m also very much a filmy person at heart. I love storytelling–through theatre, poetry, and long conversations that turn a little philosophical. I live a little in my own zone, and I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by music, emotion, and meaningful connections. Concerts, dancing, nights out, and even quiet moments of spirituality keep me energized and centered.

    

   A month-end getaway for me means traveling to Kansas to spend time with my family. As an international student, having that home away from home means more than I can express. It gives me comfort, stability, and perspective–something I truly value.

    

   At my core, I believe we get one life, and it should be lived fully–with ambition, curiosity, adventure, and joy. I care deeply about contributing to initiatives that create positive impact because growth, to me, should extend beyond individual success. It should uplift others too.

   For me, life beyond academics is about balance–leadership and fun, discipline and spontaneity, structure and imagination–all coexisting in a happy, grounded space.