In a recent discussion, Mihirkant Upadhyaya, a 42-year-old Intel employee residing in Oregon, shared his unique educational and career journey, demonstrating how continuous learning is crucial in the ever-evolving technology sector. This insight has been edited for brevity and clarity, and his employment and educational background has been confirmed by Business Insider.
Upadhyaya began his academic journey with a bachelor's degree in computer engineering but later shifted his focus to physics. After earning two master's degrees and a Ph.D. in nanoscale science and engineering, he secured his dream role in the semiconductor industry at Intel in 2015.
As his career progressed, he recognized the need for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to enhance his professional skills. His doctoral studies, which emphasized EUV lithography technology, equipped him with a solid foundation in semiconductor manufacturing. Joining Intel felt like a natural fit, as the company excels in both chip design and production, allowing him to fully appreciate the complexities of chip-making.
While a Ph.D. isn't a prerequisite for roles in the semiconductor field—where opportunities exist in areas like finance and legal—Upadhyaya found that his advanced education bolstered his readiness to engage with the workforce. The discipline and resilience gained during his studies empowered him to take ownership of his projects and embrace challenges.
Despite moments of self-doubt during his Ph.D., particularly when comparing himself to peers who advanced more quickly in their careers, he recognized that the experience ultimately refined his character, fostering patience and resilience.
After five years in research and development at Intel, Upadhyaya transitioned to supply chain management, where he had to navigate contract negotiations and relational dynamics. He soon realized he needed additional skills for effective communication at an executive level, particularly in financial contexts.
To address these gaps, in September 2025, he embarked on a two-year hybrid MBA program while maintaining his full-time role. This opportunity to return to a classroom setting at age 41 felt invigorating. The program includes a week of in-person sessions each quarter, with online classes three days a week, partially funded by his employer, which is beneficial considering the high expenses associated with an MBA.
Upadhyaya estimates that he will have invested around $100,000 in his post-graduate education, factoring in scholarships and tuition waivers. He emphasizes that his pursuit of higher education isn’t about accumulating degrees but about continually evolving in his career. The MBA is specifically targeting the skills gap he's identified through his industry experience.
As the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) grows, Upadhyaya has reassessed his contributions to his field. Recognizing that many routine tasks could be automated, he focused on enhancing his capacity in areas where AI lacks—such as nuanced judgment and relational skills developed through hands-on experience.
In his previous position at Intel, he found AI inadequate when addressing specific troubleshooting scenarios tied to unique equipment, illustrating the limitations of technology. Currently, while AI might assist with generating financial models, it cannot replicate the human capacity for contextual understanding or interpersonal rapport. His MBA course emphasizes collaborative activities, fostering valuable interactions that AI struggle to emulate.
Upadhyaya believes that in this AI-driven era, cultivating a passion for a particular field, along with expert status and a commitment to ongoing education, will enhance one's value in the workforce. Intel opted not to comment on this discussion when approached by Business Insider.
