Jitin “Miki” Ahuja ’97, MS ’02, MBA ’02, says the University of Maryland changed him: “I had one personality coming into Maryland and a different personality coming out — for the better,” he says.
He says the campus ecosystem quickly pulled him out of his comfort zone as he joined a business fraternity and several clubs, played intramural sports and made lifelong friends while earning three undergraduate degrees.
He also gained a new appreciation for risk-taking. “If you become successful without first experiencing failure, then it also makes it difficult to handle success the right way,” he says. “So make mistakes and just make sure you blame yourself and not others.”
The philosophy has guided his career. He started out as a management consultant at PwC, then returned to the Smith School to earn master's degrees with concentrations in e-commerce and entrepreneurship. After multiple ventures, he found success with SpaceJet Media. He sold the online marketing company in 2021, staying onboard to guide its growth. “We hope to continue growing it into a dividend-yielding, cash-flow positive operation for years to come,” he says.
Ahuja also recently launched a syndication fund for real estate investments -– London Lane Capital, named after the Bowie, Md. street he grew up on. “We have purchased three hotels, with several others in the works, in addition to owning stakes in multi-family units, residential investment properties and other real estate assets.”
Ahuja connects his success to his college experience. “Attend classes if you want a degree. But get involved if you want an education.”
He also advises students to use their time in college to experiment and start ventures. “The opportunity costs are low, well-wishers are plentiful, and the ecosystem is supportive. Connecting the dots backward, every adversity, challenge and obstacle will make sense and be a blessing.”
He says he’s excited by Dean Prabhudev Konana’s focus on pulling more alumni back to participate in Smith’s programs, centers and courses.
“I call on all alumni to offer their talent, time and treasure, however they can, to support their alma mater.”
Media Contact
Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu
About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.