A note from Monica: Summer Intern, B-school Student, and Bride-to-be!

Monica and her fiance Omesh: B-school students at heart (note the accounting textbook!)

Hi, my name is Monica Punjabi, and I’m a Marketing/Business Development intern at Knewton this summer.  I am also a current Wharton Business school student and soon-to-be BRIDE (on Labor Day weekend… wow, I just realized how close that is!).

After spending 4 years in the corporate world (Investment banking at JPMorgan and then M&A and Strategy at Pearson, the education company), I knew I wanted to work for an innovative start-up in the education space during my summer off from Wharton. After some research, I landed on Knewton and was sold right away… I just needed to make sure they would have me!

I loved the company because:

1) The team at Knewton is amazing. They come from such esteemed and diverse backgrounds, and more importantly, they’re willing to open the door for me every time I lock myself out of the office (only 11 times so far!).

2) I actually really believe in the Knewton test prep products. After experiencing a horrific course during my GMAT prep days, I can say Knewton is far superior to any of the other providers out there.

3) The whole Knewton environment is empowering.  Everyone is able to suggest ideas (even interns!) and actually implement them as well. I really feel like I’ll be able to make an impact on the company in the short time I’m here.

So, I’m thrilled to be spending my summer helping Knewton expand into new and exciting international markets.  Well, that and juggling the photographer, decorator, caterers, and my fiancé—who is working full-time at Louis Vuitton (yes, I love his job) and attending the Cornell Executive MBA program on the weekends. (Did I mention we’re having a 4-day Indian wedding?)

In all seriousness, though, I’ve learned a ton already in my time at Knewton. I had no idea when I joined the company that 20% of Knewton’s student base is from outside the U.S. What’s more, there’s a great deal of potential for Knewton to expand its international presence even further.

I spent my first two weeks at the company interviewing current students and trial users. Not only do I feel like I’ve made a ton of new friends with my interviewees,  but I’ve also learned a lot about what international students are looking for in test-prep. It’s no surprise that most of these students are looking for a 700+ score, but now I also realize that their problem areas are different from US students, given the native language differences. Luckily, Knewton can address all their problems (and no, I’m not just saying that because I work here!). So geared with my interview insights and extensive research on these markets, I’m excited to help Knewton continue to offer test prep courses that cater to these students.

For those of you with international friends, spread the word about Knewton! And for those of you that are international students, rest assured that we’re looking out for you, and want to make sure we offer what you need!  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to wedding dance lessons with my fiancée. I can’t have him stepping on my toes the whole night!