11 questions with MS in Entrepreneurship student Rainik Soni

We asked current Foster students to tell us why they chose Foster, what they like to do for fun, and to share advice with potential applicants. Meet Master of Science in Entrepreneurship student Rainik Soni.

1) Where are you from?

India.

2) What did you do before entering this program?

I graduated from the University of Mumbai with a major in Computer Science & Software Engineering. For past four years, I have held various positions in several startups as a software engineer, a co-founder, and an intrapreneur.

3) Did you have any entrepreneurship experience before entering this program?

Yes! I certainly have had entrepreneurship experience. I not only worked in startups but also started a little project right after graduation, turning it into my first venture —“Uber of Trucks” that’s what we called it. While working at my full-time job, I kept my side hustle going with my brother and continuously worked towards generating value (something I learned in MS Entrepreneurship program). So, yeah! I have had entrepreneurship experience. 🙂

4) Tell us why you are excited to be a part of the inaugural MS in Entrepreneurship class

Well, the most exciting part is itself in the question “inaugural MS Entrepreneurship class” — doesn’t it sound like endless opportunities?

I am excited because I can explore endless opportunities.

I have spent my past ten months in this program and at every step, I found a new opportunity to learn, be it from administrators of this program or mentors.

Another exciting part of this program is studying with entrepreneurially active minds who are always there with you through thick and thin.

5) What are your thoughts on the entrepreneurship scene in Seattle?

The fact that the entrepreneurial community in Seattle helped design a program like this explains everything about the entrepreneurship landscape. Everyone is contributing towards the growth and innovation in the ecosystem. I also experienced this notion of “giving back to the society” and trust me it is true — everyone helps you out even though there is no advantage for them.

6) What connections are you hoping to make while in the program?

I have made a lot of connections while being in this program. I instantly bonded with the people the program recruited and developed long-term friendships. Also, I’m continuously meeting new people in the industry to learn about their experiences and building relationships for my future ventures.

7) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would love to be an entrepreneur like the mentors in this program who are contributing to the development of the society.

8) What skills and/or knowledge are you looking to develop?

I am here to develop skills to grow an idea from paper to a full-scale business. Throughout this program, I have acquired several skills to ideate, validate, and launch a business. I’m confident that by the end of the program I will have gained expertise in all of them.

9) What do you like to do for fun?

I like to explore new things — food, places, riding motorbikes (not a common knowledge), and playing chess.

10) What’s been your favorite part of the program so far?

The ability to continuously work towards startup ideas and apply what you have learned in the classroom.

11) What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about applying to the MS in Entrepreneurship program?

If you believe in what you’re doing, you should just do it. You’ll keep getting better.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program

• Sign up for the MS in Entrepreneurship email list
• Attend an MS in Entrepreneurship admissions event
• Visit the MS in Entrepreneurship website

This post is part of a series where we ask current students to answer 11 questions about their experience at Foster. Explore the 11 questions tag for more interviews.