Vandana Murugan

USC Marshall School of Business | Aspiring Strategy Consultant

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

About

I’m a Business Administration student at the USC Marshall School of Business with a strong interest in strategy and data-driven decision-making. I’m drawn to complex business problems that require structured thinking, analytical rigor, and clear communication. Through market research, investment pitch development, and collaborative academic projects, I’ve developed experience breaking down ambiguous challenges, synthesizing insights, and translating analysis into actionable recommendations. I’m particularly interested in strategy and consulting roles where I can continue sharpening my problem-solving skills while contributing to thoughtful, high-impact business decisions.

Experience

  • Business Strategy Consultant - Expedia Group at Fordham Gabelli School of Business
    Aug 2025 - Dec 2025 · 5 mos

    • Led market sizing, competitive benchmarking, and user-behavior analysis to evaluate growth opportunities across online travel verticals, identifying five high-impact UX friction points. • Designed and modeled “Expedia Explore,” a strategic monetization initiative projected to drive a 2% conversion lift and $45M in first-year revenue. • Built implementation and scalability scenarios for a $20M rollout, assessing adoption, cost structure, and cross-brand integration feasibility.

  • Fordham Women in Finance and Economics (1 yr 5 mos)
    • Junior Board Member
      Apr 2025 - Dec 2025 · 9 mos

      • Directed a competitive investment research cohort, analyzing equities, fixed income, and commodities, culminating in formal pitch presentations to peers and advisors. • Coordinated 10+ professional development and mentorship events for 30+ members, enhancing analytical skills, networking, and industry engagement.

    • General Member
      Aug 2024 - Apr 2025 · 9 mos

  • Blockchain & Fintech at Fordham (1 yr 5 mos)
    • Head of Newsletter Team
      Apr 2025 - Dec 2025 · 9 mos

      • Led the bi-weekly newsletter initiative, distilling complex blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) concepts into clear insights for 50+ club members and Fordham students. • Coordinated research and content strategy across a 5-member team, ensuring timely coverage of emerging fintech trends and market developments. • Participated in weekly seminars and strategic discussions, applying analytical frameworks to assess the potential impact of DeFi innovations on financial markets.

    • General Member
      Aug 2024 - Apr 2025 · 9 mos

  • Small Business Owner at Joyful Bites LLC
    Mar 2023 - Aug 2025 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    • Built and scaled a direct-to-consumer business fulfilling 100+ weekly orders, increasing profit margins 30% through granular COGS optimization and pricing strategy refinement. • Leveraged purchasing analytics and targeted digital campaigns to drive acquisition and convert engagement data into sustained week-over-week revenue growth.

  • 2025 Virtual Insight Series Participant at Goldman Sachs
    May 2025 - Jul 2025 · 3 mos

    • Gained strategic exposure to investment banking, asset management, and technology operations, analyzing real-world financial cases and market trends. • Participated in interactive sessions and panels with senior leaders, applying insights to evaluate business and investment strategies. • Expanded professional network by connecting with industry professionals and peer participants, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. • Synthesized learnings into actionable takeaways, strengthening understanding of complex financial decision-making frameworks.