On my 50th Birthday, I gifted myself an online MBA: Sarina D’Silva Menezes 

“It was always a heartfelt desire to pursue a Masters Degree in Business from a reputed University and I am pleased to have chosen Manipal University Jaipur. They have a good understanding of busy work lives and this for me was an opportunity to fulfil a desire right where I am,” says Sarina D Menezes, Head & Vice President- Brand Marketing & Corporate Communication at Oberoi Realty Ltd who has had an illustrious career of over 30 years with multiple hospitality and real estate luxury brands.

Sarina started her BA degree in Economics, Psychology and Sociology at St Xavier’s College Mumbai but soon realized she wanted to pursue a professional course and stumbled upon WGSHA at Manipal University (now MAHE) that offered a degree in hotel management & hospitality in collaboration with ITC Hotels. Making her a former Manipal University Alumnus too.    

The initial stages of her career were focused on developing business skills and finding opportunities to grow as a leader. However, having always known that she enjoys working and interacting with people – be it customers or colleagues in the service industry, she picked roles that involved plenty of opportunities for human interaction and connectivity. 

“I started off in Sales and Business Development in the luxury hospitality industry. Starting with ITC Hotels and then moving to Oberoi Hotels. Being a very demanding and fast paced industry, I did not have the time to think or pursue an MBA. Besides I was enjoying  the steep learning curve and every aspect of the industry. In 1996, I was approached by a hospitality veteran who was starting India’s first private membership club and that was an opportunity to make my foray into Branding and Marketing. I realized that my strength was in using storytelling, creativity and innovation as a Brand Custodian.