As we continue to highlight the experiences of our MBA students and graduates, we spoke with Rachana Mann, who leads the Service Operations Unit under Project Management at ABA Bank.
Working at the intersection of service operations, governance, process improvement, and project implementation, Rachana joined Paragon International University’s MBA program to strengthen her business knowledge while continuing to grow professionally. In this interview, she reflects on how the MBA has broadened her approach to decision-making, process improvement, and leadership in the banking sector.
1. What made you choose Paragon.U’s MBA, and what is your role at ABA Bank?
I chose Paragon.U’s MBA because I wanted to strengthen my business knowledge while continuing to grow professionally. Since I was already working full-time at ABA Bank, I wanted a program that would allow me to connect what I learned in class directly to real situations at work.
At ABA Bank, I currently lead the Service Operations Unit under Project Management. My role focuses on service operations, governance, process improvement, and ensuring that new services are properly designed, controlled, and ready for implementation.
It is a role that requires me to work across different departments while balancing business needs, operational requirements, risks, and execution.
2. Banking is highly competitive and fast-moving. Has the MBA changed how you approach your work or decisions at ABA?
Definitely. The MBA has helped me look at problems from a broader business perspective rather than only from an operational or functional point of view.
At work, I now think more about the bigger picture, including how a decision affects operations, risk, cost, people, and how well it aligns with the organization’s long-term objectives.
Subjects such as Project Management, Evidence-Based Management, Human Capital Management, and Strategy have helped me structure my thinking when analyzing situations and making decisions.
The MBA has also made me more comfortable challenging existing processes. Instead of simply asking, “How are we doing this today?”, I now also ask, “Is this still the best way to do it, and how can we make it more efficient and sustainable?”
3. What is one moment from the program that directly applied to your role at the bank?
One of the strongest examples was when I was working on structuring our Service Operations Unit.
The MBA concepts related to strategy, process management, organizational roles, and value creation helped me approach the process more systematically.
Rather than focusing only on the immediate issue, I started looking more closely at what was behind the problem, including the structure, processes, responsibilities, and long-term impact.
The MBA helped me look beyond the problem itself and understand its underlying causes. This has been particularly useful when designing processes and improving the way our unit operates.
4. How did you balance the demands of working at ABA with the MBA workload?
It was definitely challenging. I work full-time, have responsibilities as a team leader, and attend classes in the evening. On top of that, there are assignments, group work, presentations, and the usual responsibilities outside of work.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that I could not simply wait until I had “free time” to study because, in reality, there is rarely much free time. I had to become much more disciplined with my schedule and learn to prioritize what was most important.
At the same time, the MBA made the workload feel more meaningful because I was not simply studying theories for an exam. I could see how the concepts I was learning could be applied directly to my professional responsibilities.
That connection between study and work helped me stay motivated throughout the program.
5. What would you tell a colleague in banking who is considering an MBA?
I would tell them that if you are already working in banking, an MBA is not only about gaining another qualification. The real value comes from learning how to think differently.
It helps you develop a broader understanding of business and look beyond your own function or department. You begin to consider strategy, people, finance, operations, risk, and long-term organizational objectives when making decisions.
If you are willing to put in the effort, I believe the MBA can help you become a more well-rounded professional and, importantly, more confident when making decisions and progressing into leadership roles.