Originally from Surat, Gujarat India, Krunal Mehta chose the Whitman School at Syracuse University to blend his marine engineering abilities with managerial decision-making tools and understanding of global business, economy, and socio-political environment of the business.

In 2004, Krunal earned his bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India. Krunal spent the next five years at sea as an assistant engineer officer aboard various ships for the Wallenius Willhelmsen Lines and the Mediterranean Shipping Company. Aboard many ships, Krunal learned the value of team work and flexibility, as the crew was faced with high-risk challenges, such as fending off dangerous pirate attacks. While at sea, Krunal enhanced his leadership skills and had the opportunity to work with diverse people from around the world.

“Such diverse people making up a unique mosaic of working style, values, and work ethics have ingrained in me the importance of religious and cultural tolerance and of reciprocity of human emotions,” Krunal says. Krunal believes that the supply chain management program at Whitman will provide him with the best knowledge and experience to pursue his business and marine aspirations. “With a strong flavor of community service, student led local and global initiatives, and global outreach programs, Whitman MBA offered me a perfect fit for my penchant and aspirations.”