Amit Sharma (MBA ’06) originally planned to work in information technology, but his professional path led him to a more appetizing industry, so to speak.
He currently serves as vice president of Investor Relations at Hostess Brands, parent company of beloved snack brands like Twinkies and Ding Dongs, where he is responsible for increasing the awareness of the company within the investor community and bringing in new shareholders.
“The love that people have for these brands and the connection they have with them is incredible,” he says. “I get so many emails every day from fans and customers.”
Although Sharma studied computer science as an undergraduate, he found himself drawn to the financial sector once he embarked on his career. He knew changing industries would not be easy, but enrolling in the MBA program at Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business seemed like a natural next step. “One of the great things about the school was the flexibility to pursue my degree while I was working,” he says. “That was important to me.”
After graduation, he landed a job at BMO Capital Markets, where he spent nearly 14 years as a director specializing in the food and beverage sector, providing him with a wealth of experience that sets him up nicely in his new role at Hostess.
Now based in Kansas City, MO, after living and working in New York City for many years, Sharma views the Big Apple as an important early-career stepping stone and encourages current students to make the most of it. “Being in New York is enormously valuable, but only if you reach out and network,” he explains. “If you think people will come to you, they won’t. There is lots of competition. Seek out internships. Seek out conversations.”
And what is Sharma’s favorite Hostess snack? Currently, he prefers Baby Bundts, one of the company’s newer products. “But it’s never an easy choice,” he laughs.
—SARA KARNISH
