"Pratik"
Male, 32 years old
Nationality: Indian
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Pune University
First Class
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Civil Engineering Contractor / Infrastructure Project Manager
Work Experience: 9 years
Contractor License:
I currently hold my own civil contractor license in India, giving me independent responsibility for project execution, compliance, vendor management, budgeting, stakeholder coordination, and infrastructure delivery.
Key Professional Highlights:
• Worked on India’s first Water Taxi Terminal project
• Worked on a Smart City Park project under the Government of India’s Smart Cities Mission
• Managed public infrastructure projects involving procurement, budgeting, cost control, compliance, contractor management, and stakeholder coordination
• Worked with government agencies, contractors, vendors, and local communities
• Collaborated with local NGOs and schools on infrastructure-related social impact initiatives
• Supported school retrofitting and community infrastructure improvement projects
• Applied engineering expertise to improve educational facilities and public-use infrastructure serving underserved communities
FINANCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• FMVA® (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst) – Corporate Finance Institute
• HBS CORe – In Progress
• NISM Series VIII & XVI
• Independent derivatives/options trader
• Completed Coursera coursework and certifications from Wharton, Columbia, IIM Ahmedabad, and other institutions
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Teach For India:
• Volunteered as a teacher and mentor for underserved students
• Focused on education, mentorship, and personal development for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
NGO & Community Service:
• Contributed to NGO-led relief and rehabilitation efforts during COVID-19 and major typhoons on India’s western coast
• Supported community development initiatives beyond professional responsibilities
• NGO work recognized by the Government of Maharashtra
GMAT Club Moderator
ACHIEVEMENTS
NASA Space Apps Challenge – Global Winner
• Founded and led an international team spanning 4 countries
• Won the prestigious Galactic Impact Award
• Selected from more than 114,000 participants across 167 countries
• Recognized by Shri Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
• Received a Plaque of Honour from the Mayor of Pangasinan, Philippines
• Recognized by elected officials, university leadership, and community leaders in both India and the Philippines
• Featured in multiple local and regional newspapers, including Sakal, Maharashtra Dinman, and other publications for achievements in the NASA Space Apps Challenge, STEM leadership, and community impact initiatives
• Additional recognitions and felicitations are currently underway
Other Achievements:
• FIDE-rated chess player (Classical and Rapid)
• High-altitude Himalayan trekker
POST-MBA GOALS
Short-Term:
Investment Banking (Infrastructure, Industrials, Project Finance, Energy Transition, or Sustainable Infrastructure Coverage)
Long-Term:
Infrastructure Investing, Private Equity, and Impact Investing focused on sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and emerging markets
QUESTIONS
1. How is a civil engineering contractor and infrastructure project management background viewed by top MBA programs?
2. Does a non-traditional infrastructure and construction background provide meaningful diversity advantages during MBA admissions?
3. Given my profile, what GMAT Focus score should I target to be competitive for:
• M7
• Top 15 U.S. MBA programs
• INSEAD, LBS, HEC Paris
• NUS, HKUST, CEIBS, NTU, and other leading Asian MBA program
4. Which schools would be realistic, competitive, reach, and high-reach options for my profile?
5. How should I position my transition from infrastructure construction into investment banking, infrastructure investing, and private equity?
6. Does leading large public infrastructure projects strengthen my leadership narrative compared to more traditional applicants from consulting, technology, or finance?
7. Does holding my own civil contractor license strengthen my entrepreneurship and leadership narrative?
8. What do you see as the biggest strengths and weaknesses in my candidacy?