Carnegie Mellon University
Integrated Innovation Institute

Engineering + Design + Business

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Shivani Ghuge

Student Spotlight: Creating a Collaborative Cohort

How Shivani Ghuge (MSSM ‘24) cultivates and participates in a cohort that feels like family

By Hannah Brelsford

Shivani Ghuge, a Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) student, has a background in computer science and previously worked as a software engineer before coming to the Integrated Innovation Institute (iii). 

She found her way to the iii when she realized she wanted more stake in the decision-making process of product development. With a technical background, she was used to solving problems, but she wanted to understand why they were being solved. 

“I realized I wanted more stake in decision-making rather than just implementing solutions. I wanted to understand the “why” of the process instead of just how we are supposed to build things. That’s what motivated me to study more about product management and business analyst roles.”

The Fast Facts: A Summary of Shivani’s Time in the MSSM Program

Learning from her Cohort 🫂

  • Strong bonds with classmates and professors 
  • Learning from professional’s experiences
  • Exposure to hands-on-learning 

Industry Experience 🏢

  • Product Manager Intern at ServiceNow
  • Software Development Engineer at Citi
  • Mentor to other students and professionals

What’s Next 🎓

  • Product Manager on the Instance Automatic team at ServiceNow
  • Travel to places on her bucket list
  • Learn to ski and surf

Shivani with her cohort at orientationShivani and members of her cohort during orientation

Learning from her Cohort

Shivani chose the MSSM program because it was product-focused and exposed her to the disciplines of engineering, design, and business. She also appreciated that the curriculum was iterative in nature and split into several mini-courses designed to help students digest information over time.

The final selling point? The location right in the heart of Silicon Valley.

“There are tremendous networking opportunities. No matter where you study in the US, some of the best tech and product startups are in the Bay Area. I wanted to come here and experience that.” 

The program has felt like a home away from home to Shivani. She has developed strong connections with her peers, not only through collaborative projects but also by taking the time to understand each other on a personal level.

The faculty at the Silicon Valley campus have also been instrumental in enriching her education by offering practical and invaluable insights from their professional experience. 

“Everybody knows each other personally. You form bonds with the faculty as well as your peers, which is difficult to do in a bigger cohort. It also gives you time to learn everyone’s story.”


Students at the iii don’t just connect inside the classroom but also outside of it. They come from all over the world, bringing with them unique cultures, experiences, perspectives, and celebrations to their cohort. Students are eager to participate and support each other, taking part in celebrations regardless of their background. 

“Everybody participates, and everyone is there, and you are trying to learn more about each other's culture. Celebrating festivals at the iii feels like home.” 

During her first two semesters at the Silicon Valley campus, Shivani has learned from professionals across many industries, ranging from startups to big tech.

“A lot of professionals from the industry have come and talked to us. It could be classroom lectures, events, or sessions. I have had the opportunity to speak to product managers from various disciplines, who are working in startups or big tech and have done something of their own. Their journeys have been super inspiring and insightful.” 

The iii felt tailor-made for Shivani.  It gave her a place to build on the skills she already has and expand her knowledge beyond the limits of her area of expertise. 


“The iii gives this incredible platform where you can learn about things that you are good at while also brushing up on things that you might not have had any exposure to.” 

Industry Experience 🏢

Shivani is currently a Product Manager Intern for ServiceNow, a platform focused on workflow automation in Santa Clara, California. This internship has been an incredible experience for her, especially because of a supportive team and the opportunity to work on an impactful project. 

Shivani at her internship at ServiceNowShivani at her internship at ServiceNow

While adjusting to a product management internship has required tremendous growth from her, the transition has been smooth due to the foundation and confidence she built in the classroom. 

Prior to her current role at ServiceNow, she was a Software Development Engineer at Citi, based in India. Within three years, she worked with three different teams, an opportunity Citi provides to workers so that they can understand the dynamics of other teams and work experiences. 

When doing this work she expanded upon skills outside of her previous academic experience within Computer Science, this inspired her to pivot into a product role. In conversations with her manager, she was prompted to further her education to complete this pivot, leading her to the iii.

Outside of professional work experience, Shivani is also a peer mentor at the iii for many students at many different levels. Being a mentor requires her to help students throughout their academic and professional journeys. Through this, she edits resumes, does mock interviews, meets with students, gives advice, and acts as a friend to them. Additionally, she helps students acclimate to the MSSM program and connect to other students to create a better iii community.

“I have always had the opportunity to find good coaches or mentors in my life who have helped me in my journey. That motivates me to give back towards this initiative.” 

What’s Next 🎓

After graduating, Shivani is eager to embark on her journey in product management. At the end of her internship Shivani was offered a full time position at ServiceNow for after graduation. She will be joining their Instance Automatic team as a Product Manager continuing her work for the company and reaching even further with her MSSM degree.

Finally, she wants to check off some places from her travel bucket list and learn how to ski and surf. She also would love to host her family for a vacation so that they can visit her and take in all that the Bay Area has to offer.

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