Meet our Consultant and next year’s Internal Vice President of 180DC!
Second-year Nehariika Kakkar is a Business Economics and Statistics double major from Phoenix, Arizona. On campus, Nehariika earns the nickname of consulting club queen due to her involvement in other business organizations as Director of the Consulting Committee in Bruin Women in Business and as a consultant in Bruin Consulting. She has previously interned at a marketing agency, a startup in the sustainable pet food industry, and in Sales Operations at a large content delivery network. This summer, she will be an intern at New York Life Insurance.
Why did you join 180DC, and how did you hear about it?
Without a doubt, the people. Current 180 board members including Anamika and Sammy were already major role models of mine and I wanted to learn from (and hang out with) them as much as I could during my time at UCLA. I was also looking to surround myself with a community of like-minded, driven individuals who share the same passion for business and social impact. Plus, I love the fact that all of our clients are working to change the world for the better!
What is the most valuable thing you've learned through your time at 180DC?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned at 180DC is that work doesn't have to be strictly business. As an organization, we are able to manage an extensive amount of responsibilities and come up with actionable, data-driven recommendations for our clients while still loving to spend time with one another. Learning how to achieve this balance is a skill I will bring with me to all of my future endeavors.
What is your favorite 180DC memory?
Our end of the year banquet, without a doubt. It's the first event I got to plan as the incoming IVP and, even virtually, I’m happy to say it ran smoothly. I got to send off 2 past 180 Presidents and some of my biggest mentors.
What are you passionate about?
Social impact, sustainability, and (vegan) food :) People who work hard to have a big impact on the Earth. Learning new recipes and cultural traditions, especially from India. And planning out vacations (by the time we get there, even if we're just walking around in the city, I'll usually end up recognizing restaurants because I had read so much about all of the popular ones before visiting.)
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have been trying to make the perfect vegan cookie (it's so much harder than it sounds), so I've been testing out new recipes every week. My dad and I also just built a small vegetable garden in our backyard which has been fun. I'll also do daily(ish) workouts with my cousin over Zoom! Recently, I've been learning Python and am in the process of starting a social enterprise with some friends.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I hope to have finished my MBA and be working in either consulting or in strategy at a big technology firm. I will have definitely adopted a dog (and several house plants) and have finally mastered the perfect plant-based cookie.
What would you rate 10/10 and why?
The cronut in my hand. No explanation needed :)
What is your spirit animal and why?
Hummingbird. I love to stay busy and always have a bunch of things going on at once!
What is one fun fact about yourself?
Before coming to UCLA, I started a business selling shot glasses made out of cookies, and I was featured on TV. :)