For Avanti Patil, business isn’t just a field of study; it’s a family legacy and personal mission.
Pursuing higher education was a natural path for Patil, a Bachelor of Business Administration student at DY Patil University in Navi Mumbai, India. Her connection to the school is personal: her family founded the institution and has led prominent colleges and healthcare centers for years. Growing up in that environment sparked an interest in business with a social purpose.
Inspired by her upbringing, she’s focused on a clear goal: “I want to build brands that are empathetic with customers.”
Now, in her final semester, Patil is looking ahead. She’s committed to advancing her family’s educational legacy while pursuing her passions in marketing and entrepreneurship, with plans to launch a wellness venture.
How HBS Online Enhanced Her University Experience
For Patil, learning extends beyond the classroom. Her undergraduate experience has included business plan competitions, internships with leading consulting firms, and summer sessions at the London School of Economics. These opportunities helped her build a broad foundation and sparked an appreciation for real-world, applied learning.
That’s why she jumped at the opportunity to enroll in Economics for Managers and Financial Accounting through Harvard Business School Online’s collaboration with DY Patil’s Vijay Patil School of Management, where more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students have taken an HBS Online course.
The case-based format, where business leaders share scenarios they faced and immerse learners in the decision-making process, stood out.
“It helped me step into the shoes of managers and decision-makers," Patil says. “It also helped me understand my classes better.”
While marketing is her primary focus, HBS Online’s business essentials courses enhanced her grasp of how marketing connects with broader business strategy. She developed confidence analyzing financial statements and interpreting economic trends—skills that will serve her well as she starts her career.
Going Beyond the Classroom
Patil dedicated an hour daily to her HBS Online coursework and found the courses’ flexibility and self-pacing to be well-aligned with her schedule. She encourages other college students to take the initiative and explore learning opportunities early: “Don’t wait until graduation. Start your journey earlier and push your limits. Don’t follow a fixed timetable with fixed subjects. Go beyond your classroom.”
She views HBS Online as a valuable complement to traditional education, providing foundational skills that are relevant across various industries and career paths.
What’s Next?
Patil plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Science in marketing. She’s currently developing a business plan for a skincare venture as part of her capstone project, but her focus extends beyond entrepreneurship. In her role at DY Patil, she applies what she’s learned to help shape the student experience and support campus initiatives.
HBS Online played a key role in that growth. The courses deepened her understanding of business fundamentals and introduced her to a global network of peers.
“These programs are important not just for upskilling,” she says, “but for connecting with a global community.”
Patil’s story highlights how HBS Online bridges academic study and career preparation, empowering learners with the skills, confidence, and global network to lead with impact. Academic institutions looking to enhance their curriculum can explore how HBS Online courses integrate seamlessly into existing programs to benefit their students.
To strengthen your curriculum and offer transformative learning experiences, consider collaborating with HBS Online. With flexible, high-impact programs designed to build critical thinking and leadership skills, HBS Online can help you enrich your offerings and stand out in a competitive academic landscape. Learn more about how HBS Online can support your goals on our Academic Solutions page.
