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When Nupur Jain stepped off the plane in Irvine, California, in 2009, she felt a rush of excitement that she still remembers vividly. "I was so excited. I still remember the day I landed...especially in Irvine, such a beautiful place," she says. It was the beginning of a transformative chapter—one that would take her from her roots in India to the halls of The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine, and eventually into key leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting and Experian.

Now, 16 years later, Nupur has just said goodbye to her position as Senior Finance Director at Experian and is moving back to India with her husband and two young sons. As she reflects on her journey, one thing is clear: her time at the Merage School was not just a stepping stone—it was the launchpad for a career and life built on courage, curiosity, and connection.

A Global Vision, Born at Home

Growing up in India, Nupur credits her father for planting the seed of international ambition early on. "My dad would bring home brochures of business schools," she recalls. "He was always encouraging me to look outside of India for opportunities, to get exposure and experience beyond our borders."

That encouragement stuck. After completing her undergraduate degree in technology, Nupur knew she wanted to pursue an MBA in the U.S.—and more specifically, in California. "It had to be California," she says with a laugh. "I don't think I can handle extreme cold weather."

The Merage School quickly rose to the top of her list, thanks to its reputation and personal referrals. "I had heard a lot of great things about Merage through my network—friends of friends who spoke highly of their experiences there. It was one of my top choices, and luckily, I landed here."

Finding a Home at Merage

What she found at the Merage School exceeded her expectations. "The collaborative culture really stood out to me," Nupur explains. "I had friends who went to business schools on the East Coast, and they described a very cutthroat, go-go-go environment. But Merage was different."

For Nupur, the environment was not only academically rich but emotionally supportive. "Whether it was the faculty, the classroom experience, or the friendships—I just had the best time," she says. "It was fun, engaging, and you were still focused on your career goals, but there was space for joy and connection."

Her voice softens a bit as she describes how those two years continue to shape her today. "It's like a slow discovery. At different phases of my life, I find myself thinking back to a course I took, a relationship I built, or a lesson I learned. It's not one big 'aha' moment—it’s a gradual unfolding."

From Consulting to Corporate Finance

Nupur came to the U.S. with a goal: to pursue a career in finance. But life had other plans. "When I joined Merage, I was very sure I wanted to get into finance," she says. "But I was new to the country, didn't know anyone, and was just trying to figure things out."

With a background in computer science and work experience in tech, Nupur was recruited through campus placement by Deloitte Consulting. "Next thing I knew, I had an offer. It was consulting, it was travel, it was exciting—so I went for it."

She spent nearly a decade at Deloitte, embracing the dynamic pace of consulting. But life shifted again. "The travel was no longer working—I had kids, and I wanted more stability."

That's when a role at Experian came along—one that combined her two career passions. "They needed someone to manage the financials for their tech transformation program," she explains. "It was the perfect blend of tech and finance, and I thought, 'This is it.' I knew I had to go for it."

Over time, she advanced to become Senior Finance Director, overseeing major corporate finance initiatives and contributing to strategic decisions. "I finally got to live out that finance dream I came here for—and with the added advantage of my tech background."

A New Chapter, A Full Circle

In a twist that felt serendipitous, just as she reflected on her 16 years in the U.S., Nupur and her family made the decision to return to India. "Last week was actually my last working week," she shared during the interview. "It's very, very recent. When Merage reached out, I thought—what perfect timing. It feels like the last hurrah, in a way."

Though she's stepping into a new phase of life, the Merage School remains a defining part of her journey. "I owe so much to that experience. It was where I started over, found my footing, and built the foundation for everything that came after."

Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation

For young professionals—especially women—who are considering an MBA or a leap into something new, Nupur offers heartfelt advice rooted in experience:

"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable."
"That was one of the biggest things I had to learn," she says. "You’re constantly meeting strangers, networking, figuring out how to present yourself. It can feel like a social overload—but if you're feeling uncomfortable, it means you're growing."

"Be conscious of your personal brand."
"How you conduct yourself—in person and online—matters. It paints a picture of who you are. Be intentional. Make yourself memorable in a way that reflects your values."

"And most of all, have fun."
"I think that part is so understated," she adds. "Make friends, travel with them, go out with them—really make the most of your time. Those relationships stay with you."

A Lasting Impact

From a determined young woman in India to a seasoned professional in California's competitive corporate world, Nupur Jain's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to follow her instincts.

As she steps into a new chapter back in India, Nupur carries with her not only the wisdom of years past but the indelible imprint of her time at the Merage School—a place that nurtured her potential and helped her soar.

"I've always been open to what life throws at me," she reflects. "When something feels meant to be, I let it happen."