Seizing Opportunities: Priya Chamarty’s Path from Baruch to the SEGD XLab Studio Workshop

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Shanmukh Priya Chamarty graduated from the MS Marketing program at Zicklin in May 2024. As an international student, she held several leadership roles during her time at Zicklin, including President of the Zicklin Women in Business Club, Co-founder of the Zicklin Graduate Business Case Competition, Student Ambassador for Executives on Campus, and active participation in mentorship and Grad Buddy programs. 

In April 2025, Priya began her professional career as a Senior Marketing Coordinator at TAD. As the lead for marketing and events, her involvement in the SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Design) XLab Studio Workshop was both a natural fit and a deeply personal opportunity. Joining the firm only recently, this workshop became her first major initiative. 

Together with a colleague, Priya co-pitched the workshop concept to SEGD, leveraging TAD’s strengths in experience design and its versatile office space, which doubles as an event venue. From the initial concept to execution and even the postmortem phase, she was actively involved at every step, demonstrating leadership, creativity, and strategic thinking in a real-world professional setting. 

Stepping Into Leadership 

Originally, Priya was scheduled to facilitate just one team during the workshop. However, as the event grew in scale and turnout exceeded expectations, additional facilitators joined. Because she had been involved from the very start of the planning phase, Priya was ready to seize the opportunity to step into a broader leadership role—overseeing both the morning and afternoon sessions and guiding the facilitation team. This experience allowed her to showcase her skills, take ownership, and play a central role in bringing a collaborative and creative vision to life. 

Event Overview: SEGD XLab Studio Workshop 

The SEGD XLab Studio Workshop was a hands-on, collaborative design event focused on experience design. Hosted at TAD’s versatile office and event space, the workshop brought together over 130 participants—105 in-person and 25 remotes—for a fast-paced ideation session centered on creating immersive, sitcom-themed theme parks. 

The idea, pitched by Priya, was bold yet simple: “What if we used our office to host a hands-on design workshop?” Initially a light, scrappy concept, it quickly evolved over several months into one of the largest and most collaborative events TAD has ever hosted. 

As part of the SEGD XLab Conference, TAD’s office transformed into a high-energy “Studio Session”—a hybrid, interactive workshop designed to push creative boundaries. Participants from around the world joined, including more than 100 in-person attendees and 20+ remote participants. 

The Challenge: The “Sitcom Beat bug” 

Participants were grouped into teams of seven complete strangers and given just three hours to: 

  • Design a theme park based on a randomly assigned sitcom (selected roulette-style) 
  • Plan a full theme park layout and user journey 
  • Develop attractions inspired by key scenes or characters 
  • Create audio elements, including ambient sounds, music, and voiceovers 
  • Dubbed the “Sitcom Beat bug” Challenge, the workshop was fast-paced, creative, and wildly fun. At the end of the session, each team pitched their immersive park concept, turning sitcom nostalgia into themed world-building magic. 

Priya’s Role 

Priya played a central role in the success of the SEGD XLab Studio Workshop: 

  • Designing the workshop structure 
  • Coordinating with SEGD, sponsors, and creative collaborators 
  • Managing logistics, running-of-show, and marketing 
  • Overseeing both morning and afternoon sessions 
  • Supporting every facilitator on-site 

On the day of the event, she moved between teams, troubleshot technical issues—such as ensuring remote participants could hear clearly—kept the energy high, and ensured the workshop ran smoothly from start to finish. 

Challenges—Big and Small 

Seizing Opportunities Through Event Planning: Overcoming Big and Small Challenges 

Planning events and workshops is full of challenges, big and small—but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow and learn. This event was no different. Priya embraced every hurdle as a chance to develop new skills and step up: 

  • Tech Glitch: When remote participants struggled to hear, Priya quickly seized the moment by using mobile phones as extra microphones—a simple, low-tech fix that kept everyone connected. 
  • Stepping into a Bigger Role: Midway through the workshop, Priya took the opportunity to move from team facilitator to overseeing the entire event. This experience gave her invaluable insight into leadership styles and managing team dynamics. 
  • Multi-Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinating external design firms, SEGD’s planning committee, and a tech team creating a digital twin of the office was complex—but Priya saw it as a chance to sharpen her organization, focus, and adaptability. 

Every challenge was an opportunity to learn, grow, and demonstrate leadership, showing that seizing opportunities, even in difficult moments, can lead to remarkable success. 

How Baruch Prepared Me 

Priya reflects on how her leadership roles at Baruch directly prepared her to organize large-scale events like the SEGD “Sitcom Beat Bug” workshop. 


“My experience founding the Zicklin Graduate Business Case Competition, coordinating clubs, and participating in mentorship programs taught me how to manage multiple stakeholders, plan logistics, market events, and tailor experiences for diverse audiences,” she explains.

 

Her involvement at Baruch also helped her build a broad and diverse professional network. “I met people across different programs—finance, analytics, and beyond—who didn’t share classes with me. Those connections turned out to be invaluable later. Even today, I can reach out to someone I met at Baruch for an internship or advice”. 

Priya’s story is a powerful reminder that the more you put into your time at Baruch, the more you get out of it. By staying curious, stepping up, building meaningful connections, and boldly pursuing new opportunities, you can shape a future full of possibility. 

Professionals Who Left a Lasting Impression 

One of the most inspiring figures Priya encountered during the SEGD XLab Conference was the CEO of SEGD, whose high-energy leadership and vision shaped the experience. 

Priya’s Suggestion to Baruch Students 

Join a club, participate in a case competition, or get involved in mentorship programs like EOC. These experiences help you grow personally and professionally—and open doors you didn’t even know existed. 

Many students, even in their second or third semester, aren’t aware of these programs exist or how much of a difference they can make. College is a time to experiment and learn—mistakes are part of the process, and the lessons you gain will stick with you. 

Priya emphasizes that while academics are important, getting involved in extracurriculars and networking opportunities truly prepares you for life beyond the classroom. “These programs give you the chance to meet people outside your classes and your program. That exposure and those relationships are what really prepare you for opportunities after college.”  

Conclusion 

Priya’s journey shows the power of seizing opportunities, getting involved, and building connections. The skills you develop at Baruch—leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—can launch your career and open doors you never expected. Her advice? Step up, explore resources, and embrace challenges. Your time at Baruch is more than classes; it’s your chance to grow, connect, and create your future. Don’t wait; make every opportunity count. 

Priya’s Advice for Current Baruch Students 

Priya encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, get involved, and seize every opportunity Baruch offers. With so many resources available, make sure to take full advantage and make your college experience truly impactful.


About the Author: Neehaa Rishilakram is a college assistant with the Zicklin Graduate Career Management Center. 

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