Charting a course in finance and beyond

For Phani Sai Surya Anudeep Nanduri, every class has been a chance to see things differently, whether it’s designing investment portfolios, analyzing markets, or simply building confidence. He doesn’t talk about favorites. Instead, he talks about collecting skills, one course at a time, and shaping a toolkit for the future.

Building a strong foundation

Before CMU, Nanduri earned a commerce degree and worked nearly three years in business. But he wanted more.

“I always wanted to understand different ways of learning and see how education works in other parts of the world,” he said. “The U.S. offered a wide range of academic opportunities, and Central Michigan University stood out to me because of its strong business program and the ability to specialize in finance, which is my passion.”

That choice opened new doors. The MBA program has helped him blend technical knowledge with problem-solving while giving him the freedom to explore other areas of business.

A classroom without favorites

Ask him about a favorite class, and he’ll tell you there isn’t one.

“Each course has given me a new way to learn, and a different skill set to carry forward,” he said.

Global economy, marketing strategy, and international finance have taken it all on. Along the way, projects pushed him to research, present, and practice technical tools like Excel and Tableau. Each step added another layer of confidence.

Finding support and community

Nanduri is quick to point to people who helped him thrive. His advisor, Pam Stambersky, has been a “lifesaver.” Group projects, presentations, and discussions have connected classroom learning to the real world.

“Working with peers and mentors constantly pushes me to grow,” he said.

But he also values balance. A long walk to the library fountain has become his way to reset. “The walks calm my mind and help me think more efficiently,” he said.

Lessons beyond the classroom

Michigan winters weren’t easy at first. But even those challenges became part of the story.

“What I’ll remember most about CMU is how much I’ve learned and developed since my first day here,” he said. “From my first class in a new country to my first friend at the university, and even my first picture with a professor, these are memories I’ll always carry.”

His advice for future students: follow your heart.

“It’s normal to feel confused about what to study or where to go,” he said. “Take advice, but make sure the decision feels right for you. If you fall in love with a subject you didn’t expect, it’s okay to change your path. Do what you truly love, that’s the only way to grow.”

Looking ahead

Graduation won’t be the finish line for Nanduri; it’s the next step.

“My goal is to constantly upgrade myself, explore every field in finance, and become the best version of myself,” he said. “CMU is helping me prepare a clear map to get there.”

For him, the MBA has been more than coursework. It’s been a community that challenged him, supported him, and set him up for what’s next.