Rashi Duttagupta is the first alumni of the WP Carey's AI in Business Program. “I first learned how to understand the background of AI without using AI,” she says. “It was really cool because I didn't just build AI tools, but I was also learning the ethical practices regarding the use of them.” Courtesy Photo.
The WP Carey School of Business School at Arizona State University made history when it became the first US business school to earn a degree in Business AI. A few weeks ago, Rashi Duttagupta walked across the ASU stage and officially became the first alumni of the program.
Her journey into that moment unfolded in ways she never expected.
“My decision to study computer information systems was inspired by my father, who once walked the same path as ASU CIS and finance students,” says Duttagupta. Poet and Quant. “But I lacked a passion for it and was reluctant to pursue a technology degree.”
When she arrived at Barrett, ASU's Honors College, she didn't know what direction she should take, so she decided to give it a try on CIS.
“Trifecta”: CIS, business data analysis, and AI in business
Rashi Duttagupta: “My catchphrase, what I'm trying to embody is to “create an impact and guide the legacy.” That's my goal. “Commentary photos
She enrolled in the Introductory CIS course with Professor Matt Sofia. “I just exploded. It clicked for me. The way he conveyed the information. He made it look fun,” she recalls. Suddenly everything started falling into place.
Duttagupta initially planned to double its CIS and business data analytics major. This is a combination of balancing technical skills and strategic thinking. However, in her fourth year, ASU introduced AI with her business degree. She already had most of the credits she needed, so she thought: Why not?
“I had to take two more classes per semester, so why not try it?” she says. She already realized that AI was the driving force behind her business. “The only term I've heard during my internship was AI. So I thought I needed that background.”
Her three majors (CIS, business data analytics, and AI in business) complement each other perfectly. Some of the fields even call them the “three regiments.”
One of the biggest surprises was early on. In one of her first core AI courses, she barely touched her laptop. “I first learned how to understand the background of AI without using AI,” she says. “It was really cool because I didn't just build AI tools, I was also learning ethical practices about using them.”
What's next for Duttagupta?
Outside the classroom, Dutagupta led her motivation to leadership and social influence. Named a distinguished senior graduate of the 2025 Turken Family, she served as president of the new venture group, executive director of ASU's undergraduate consulting organization, and the Arizona Microcredit Initiative, which helps small and medium-sized businesses grow.
“My catchphrase is that what I'm trying to embody is to “create an impact and guide a legacy.” That's my goal,” she says.
Currently, she is preparing for her next chapter, the move to Washington, DC. Here you will join Deloitte as a Business Technology Solutions Analyst. “It's the perfect synergy between my majors, so I'm really excited,” she says. She starts in the fall, but during that time she is focusing on revamping her small gem business. She is an artistic outlet where she can explore things that are completely different from technology and business.
Cross-country moves are a big leap, but she feels ready. “Moving to the East Coast will definitely be a big change, but I knew there were a lot of changes this year,” she says. “Up to this moment, I really think I've shaped me where I was supposed to go next. I look forward to it.”
Duttagupta and her cohort have developed an AI grading tool designed to streamline and improve allocation ratings as part of the AI in Business Program Capstone project. “It's live and other students build on it,” she explains. “I have a legacy in the sense that future cohorts will improve and enhance their functionality.”
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