Meet Bentley MBA Students: Anastaysa Putri

Name: Anastaysa Putri
Home country: Jakarta, Indonesia
Program of study: MBA, MS Finance - Analytics Track
Graduation class: May 2021

1. Tell us more about yourself. Where are you from and what made you decide to study at Bentley University?

Hi! I’m originally from Jakarta, Indonesia. I went to undergrad in the Boston area and fell in love with the city and the opportunities Boston has, especially in the Finance and Tech industry. When I visited Bentley for a campus tour, I was amazed by how passionate the people are and the facilities Bentley has. On top of that, Bentley has a top-ranking Finance program so I decided to apply.

2. Why did you choose to pursue your program? Was it sparked from a childhood ambition, parent’s advice, etc.? What goals do you plan to achieve in this field?

I have always loved numbers and data, and I love using them to inform business decisions. I did my Bachelor’s in Accounting, but I knew there was so much more to learn. I would love to be in a position where I can gather and analyze data, tell a coherent story through the analysis and turn them to actionable plans.

3. What was your most memorable class and why? Who was the professor that taught this class?

The most memorable class for me would be ST 625 Quantitative Analysis for Business, taught by Professor Jiaying Weng. It was my first time learning the language R, and it was so much fun! We were free to do analysis for any company that we wanted, so it was the perfect blend of statistical and domain business knowledge.

4. What are the top three hard skills and soft skills that you’ve gained here? How do you plan to use your skills and knowledge in a post-pandemic world?

Top three hard skills are SQL, R and Tableau. Top three soft skills are time management, collaboration and leadership. I had to learn to be very adaptable in making sure that group projects were completed in time, and being understanding yet firm when other members of my group faced difficulties. I think learning how to communicate well and work effectively in a class with people from all over the world and across various industries is a skill that will continue to be useful in a post-pandemic world.

5. What do your day-to-day activities look like? Can you please describe what a typical day is like for you pre- and post-pandemic? How do you stay motivated during these trying times?

My routine pre and post pandemic are pretty much the same except for the commuting and going to the gym part. A typical day for me would be working during the day and going to class in the evening. I typically do my homework and readings in between. I have an on-campus job as a Senior Ambassador and as an intern at A24 Films, so juggling the two with classes can be challenging but I’m determined to do it! I think keeping yourself busy and reminding yourself of your goals is an important step in getting motivated. Also, having separate work and rest areas in my apartment has been crucial!

6. Tell us more about your online learning experience. Who were some of your favorite lecturers and what were your most memorable classes? Which lecturers are the most engaging in your e-classes and why?

I think even before the pandemic, Bentley already had a great technology infrastructure in place for flexible learning. So when the pandemic hit, the adjusting period and the learning curve wasn’t incredibly steep. I’ve actually found that the time I saved on commuting now can be spent towards studying, so that was a big silver lining for me. I am currently taking GR604 Global Strategy with Professor Brian Fox. He has been really great with engaging all of the students and doing group discussions and projects to make sure we are all still networking with our fellow classmates.

7. Tell us more about any internship or placement you’ve joined. How did the university help you to secure them?

I am currently a Production Accounting Intern at A24 Films Company. My main role is to track and manage how money is spent on a Film and TV Production. Before I secured this internship in the Fall, I was really anxious about the interview piece. Graduate Career Services helped me with Interview Workshops and industry-specific networking events. 

8. What are your plans after graduating? How do you think your education will help you achieve these goals?

I would love to work on the finance side of the media and entertainment industry. My time at Bentley has exposed me to various frameworks and strategies when it comes to analyzing business decisions and communicating with people from different disciplines. In a role where I would have to be the liaison for the business and creative sides of the company, these skills are absolutely crucial.

9. What are your top three favorite things to do on and off campus when you’re not studying?

My favorite things to do are watching movies, especially horror films. I can literally watch any scary movie whether it’s good or bad. Before the pandemic, I loved trying new restaurants. Now it’s turned into ordering from restaurants and cooking new recipes. On campus, the library is a great place to spend time relaxing and reading!