2019 Best Brightest Krish Patel, University of Illinois (Gies)

Krish Patel 2019 Best Brightest: Krish Patel, University of Illinois (Gies) by: Jeff Schmitt on March 22, 2019 | 0 Comments Comments 1,122 Views March 22, 2019Krish PatelGies College of Business, University of Illinoisâ€Å"An innovative and impact driven change maker with a passion for business, education, and healthcare.†Hometown: Normal, ILHigh School: Normal West High SchoolMajor: FinanceMinor: Pre-MedicalFavorite Business Course: Fin 435: Personal Wealth ManagementExtracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:Dean’s Student Advisory Board: PresidentBusiness Council International Student Mentor Program Coordinator Professional Development Chair College Relations Chair New Member ChairPhi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity: Vice President of FinanceEnactus: Community Engagement TeamIllinois Student Senate Ad Hoc Mascot Exploration Committee Financial Affairs CommitteeInvestment Portfolio OrganizationThe Career Center Advisory Co mmittee: Student ChairPhi Beta Lambda: Vice President of External AffairsNair Biochemistry Research Lab: Undergraduate Lab AssistantMultiple Time Dean’s List RecipientMerit ProgramEdmund James Scholar ProgramHomecoming CourtWhere have you interned during your college career? Teach For America–Campus Recruiting InternWhere will you be working after graduation? I will be working for Teach For America in Dallas, TX as a Science TeacherWhat company do you admire most? The companies I admire the most are those that use their capital to improve the lives of those facing inequitable situations. Corporate social responsibility has become a norm in today’s business environment, but the companies that are willing to think innovatively and risk their bottom lines to create solutions are those that are most admirable.Who is your favorite professor? Although he is not a professor of a class I took, Kevin Jackson, Dean of Undergraduate Affairs, has played a crucial role in my college experience. He is always willing to sit down and chat about an idea or give advice. He is very passionate about making Gies College of Business an even greater school by being transparent and innovative. He pushes students to think critically about issues and allows them to have the opportunity to enact change.What did you enjoy most about your business school? I love the family atmosphere at Gies College of Business. Everyone from the administration to the students is always willing to build relationships with you that extend beyond the classroom. I am not a traditional business student as I hope to pursue a career in medicine one day, but I never felt out of place and always had adequate resources and opportunities to succeed. Gies Business has taught me to think critically in a collaborative environment and has catalyzed my exponential personal and professional growth.What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? I think beyond the technical analysis of a nalyzing financial statements and spreadsheets, critical thinking stands out. Although it is something difficult to teach, being surrounded by innovative minds has pushed me to think differently and to approach every problem from multiple perspectives.What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Do something that pushes you outside of your comfort zone because that is truly the only way you will ever learn anything. Learn how to apply the technical skills you learn in your classes to real-world scenarios at your university and in your community.What has surprised you most about majoring in business? How impactful it can be. Majoring in business is not just about learning how to maximize your profits, it is about thinking critically to solve issues that people face on a day-to-day basis.â€Å"If I didn’t major in business, I would be majoring in or studying†¦Psychology. I find it very fascinating to understand how people think and why they make the decisions that they do.†Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? Eunice Wangadi has been a role model that I had in college. She graduated this past year from Gies and is now working at Deloitte.  I met Eunice through Business Council and Enactus and immediately I knew she would be an amazing role model and inspiration. She always helped me get through whatever I was dealing with. She also just has a very positive and motherly aura  about her that always brightens up every room. Eunice helped me understand how interesting, creative, and impactful a path through business can be.Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of serving as the President of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board. It was a board created to serve as the voice of undergraduate students for Gies College of Business. Ever since I entered the College, it has felt like home for me, and I wanted to ensure a mo re cohesive, connected culture and environment for all. I have been able to lead some of the most amazing students in addressing the most crucial concerns in the College.Which classmate do you most admire? I admire Nathan Gaertner. He always puts others ahead of himself, puts 110% into everything that he does, and will never back down from a challenge.Who would you most want to thank for your success? I want to thank my dad. He instilled the values of hard work, dedication, and selflessness from a young age. My dad is a small business entrepreneur, and the passion and care for his employees he brought to work every day is something that pushed me to live a life for others. It is because of him that I understand that success is not measured by the money, fame, or recognition – but rather the positive impact you make on those around you and those less privileged than you.What are the top two items on your bucket list? Travel to every countryLearn to surfWhat are your hobbies? C ooking, exploring, reading, playing and watching sports.What made Krish such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2019?â€Å"I had only served in my role as Associate Dean for a couple of months when I first met  Krish. He and a couple of other students reached out to me for an introduction and some casual conversation. As our conversation began, within minutes it was clear that  Krish  is a bright, passionate leader. To be clear,  Krish  doesn’t wear his passion on his sleeve. There are jokes about  Krish’s stoic demeanor and unflappable temperament. Yet  Krish’s passion is undeniable and felt (as much as observed) through his willingness to speak openly about the need for change, and his commitment to fostering change. As our College becomes more intentional in its efforts to build a serving and relational culture and community befitting its namesake, Larry Gies,  Krish  has been at the forefront in serving and encouraging other students t o own their community. Changing a culture is most effective when it comes from within;  Krish  has been invaluable to our College in leading the charge.†Kevin Jackson Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs and Associate Professor of Accountancy and PwC Faculty Fellow Gies College of Business, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Page 1 of 11