Anushaa Shiv Shanker Das (MBA’25) on Driving Impact in Consulting and Supporting Other Women Along the Way

Meet Anushaa Shiv Shanker Das (MBA’25), a second-year Full-time MBA student at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, originally from South India. As an engineer and a lawyer, Shiv Shanker Das has a unique background that spans human rights law, employment, industrial disputes, women’s rights and directing legal compliance, ESG, and employee welfare for a global sports shoe company across four geographies. 

In summer 2024, Shiv Shanker Das interned as an associate at McKinsey & Company, working with the U.S. government capabilities practice, social sector, and banking clients. Her work at McKinsey focused on creating solutions for complex issues, and she’s set to return to the Washington, D.C., office full-time after graduation in May 2025.

At Georgetown, Shiv Shanker Das is fully immersed in the McDonough community, serving as an MBA Admissions Student Ambassador, interviewer, and president of the Partners and  Families Club. She is also active in the Student Organizations Review Committee, Georgetown Consulting Club, Georgetown Operations and Management Association, and South Asian Business Alliance clubs.Shiv Shanker Das also balances a busy family life, raising two preschoolers, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, skydiving, crafting her own pottery, and restoring ceramics with kintsugi. 

Here, Shiv Shanker Das shares insights on her journey at McDonough, how her experiences are shaping her path, and how the program is helping her build a foundation for her future in consulting and beyond.

Why did you choose the Georgetown MBA program?

It checked all the boxes — not just for me but for my family, too! Georgetown offers an incredible, community-driven program with strong values and access to global networks, which aligned perfectly with my career goals. Plus, being in D.C. means we can make the most of the city’s resources, like the excellent public preschool system, libraries, and family-friendly facilities. Georgetown has a great and welcoming vibe, making it a fantastic place to balance school, career, and family life.

Did you have experience in consulting prior to beginning the MBA program? Please describe your career path.

After completing my studies in engineering, I started at Deloitte through campus recruitment, though that was a short chapter. A major turning point in my personal life led me to law school, and practicing law became the core of my career for several years. I enjoyed the work, but I started to feel like my impact was limited to individual clients and cases. I wanted to tackle bigger challenges and work across different industries, finding solutions that had the potential to drive change in real-time. That’s what drew me to management consulting — a chance to make a broader impact, work on diverse problems, and keep things dynamic and fresh.

How are you involved in school events or activities that encourage more women to consider business school?

As an MBA Admissions Student Ambassador and peer advisor at the McDonough Career Center, I share my journey with prospective and current women students, offering an honest view of balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. Being part of panels and events like the recent “Can Women Have It All?” discussion during Focus on Diversity Day, along with my involvement in clubs – especially as president of the Partners and Families Club – and engaging with students at admissions welcome weekends helps to create a supportive, inclusive space for women at McDonough. My goal is to help women understand they can pursue their MBA program with confidence, knowing their unique circumstances are respected and valued. This isn’t just about mentorship – it’s about showing people that they’re not alone in figuring it out and they can thrive as they are.

Encouraging more women to pursue business school is personal to me, particularly as an international woman who came here with my family, determined to make it work. Moving to a new country, adapting to an intense academic program, and balancing family life has brought challenges and rewards I never expected. I understand the unique complexities that women — especially international students with families — face when considering an MBA, and that’s why I’m committed to supporting them on this path.

How do you mentor or advise younger women who are still exploring their career paths, particularly those interested in consulting?

When mentoring younger women, I focus on guiding them through career exploration with practical strategies. I encourage them to dive into hands-on experiences, like internships, case competitions, or short projects, to explore different industries and roles. Networking is also key – connecting with professionals across fields can open doors and reveal what truly resonates with them.

For those leaning towards consulting, I’d suggest starting by building a structured approach to problem-solving and staying flexible in dynamic client settings. Consulting is fast-paced, so I stress the importance of confidence and resilience. I encourage them to embrace feedback as a tool for growth, and I make myself available for mock case practice or networking prep whenever they need it.

I also offer my candid feedback on finding work-life balance (and I’m still figuring it out myself!). I reassure them that while consulting can be demanding, setting boundaries and relying on a support network makes it possible to thrive. More than anything, I want them to understand that exploration and growth are part of the journey, and I’m here to support them as they find their own paths.

Can you talk about the electives or specialization options you chose within the MBA program? How much flexibility do students have in customizing their academic experience?

I’ve loved being able to tailor my MBA experience with electives and specializations that align with my goals in consulting and leadership. Professor Nicholas Lovegrove’s consulting electives have been a standout. His nearly 40 years at McKinsey brings an unmatched depth to the classroom. I’m also pursuing the MBA Certificate in Nonmarket Strategy, and Professor Mark Whitener’s Miracles of the Market class has been a favorite. It’s debate-based, making each session engaging and thought-provoking. Another highlight has been Professor Jeremy Yip’s Leading Teams for Performance and Impact, where I gained practical insights.

The Ethical Leadership course was also an incredible experience. For the final project, we worked on routing surplus food from small farmers markets to those in need, creating a positive impact on both ends. With the right amount of flexibility in the program, I’ve been able to select courses and projects that truly align with my values and goals, making the entire experience both meaningful and rewarding.

Georgetown’s support has been invaluable, especially with the MBA Program Office going out of their way to accommodate class schedules around my childcare needs. The university genuinely embodies the Jesuit value of cura personalis – care for the whole person. It’s not just a motto here – they prioritize our well-being in tangible ways. I couldn’t have asked for a better community to support me and my family through this journey.

How does the program approach global business? Are there opportunities for international projects, study abroad, or classes that emphasize global economic issues?

The program’s approach to global business is truly immersive, offering many ways to gain international exposure. One of the highlights is the Global Business Experience (GBE), where we work with real clients abroad. It’s far more than a simple study trip. Over several months, we analyze a client’s challenges, then travel to their location to present our recommendations and experience the business environment up close.

Being in Washington, D.C., also adds a unique advantage, as it’s a global hub for policy, international business, and diplomacy. Georgetown’s location brings guest speakers, networking events, and connections with global organizations right to our doorstep. Many of my friends are also currently doing a semester abroad, which gives them firsthand exposure to global economic issues. Additionally, there are student-organized treks to places like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe that allow us to network, experience business culture firsthand, and see global economic principles in action.

Altogether, the program’s blend of D.C.-based opportunities, GBE, study abroad, and international treks provides a well-rounded, hands-on understanding of global business that’s woven into our MBA experience.