Admitted profiles of IIM Bangalore EPGP 2021 intake

Name/username: Lakshmi C Rajeev
Age : 30
Country/Location : India
Under-Graduate School : Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore
Under-Graduate GPA: 9.06/10
GMAT/GRE Test scores: 740
Which round did you apply in?: R1
Total Work Experience : 9 yrs
Pre-MBA Industry : IT
Target industry post-MBA: Tech/ E-commerce
Brief about Work Experience : 9 years in SAP Labs
What is your relation to the Recommenders?(Manager. client etc): Manager
Volunteering/Extra-curriculars: Part of many initiatives within SAP like Diversity and Inclusion, Rewards and Recognition
International Experience : No
Scholarship Given? :No
The motivation for MBA and why Now brief? :
Short-Term Goal : Program Manager
Long-Term Goal : COO
Link to your interview debrief:
Mainly concentrated on my profile. Asked about my career goals and why COO and not CEO. Was interested in the recent transition of my company into cloud. Overall it was more like a very interesting discussion. Asked how certain strategy taken up by my company will show in the balance sheet.
(You can add your interview experience HERE and paste the link above )
Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? : No
Any comments, feelings, advice ? : Be confident. It is not about being 100% correct in your answers. It is about how you respond to the criticism and think on your feet to the questions they throw at you.

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Thank you for Insight of Interview

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Congrats Chetan, Amit and Lakshmi. Insightful debrief.

Congratulations to you too.

Share your Profile and Interview exp with everyone.

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Hi All,

Thanks to GMATClub for all the support offered. GMAT Club and team, you are one of the great resources which helped me achieve admission to my dream program at my dream institution.

And, here comes my profile and de-brief below:

Name/username: Nithin Kumar Peratla / nkme2007

Age :31

Country/Location :India / Mumbai

Under-Graduate School : RVR & JC College of Engineering, Guntur

Under-Graduate GPA:86.77%

Post-Graduate School : IIT Madras

Post-Graduate GPA: 8.19/10

GMAT/GRE Test scores: 670

Which round did you apply to?: Round 1

Total Work Experience : 7.5 Years

Pre-MBA Industry : Real Estate and Construction

Target industry post-MBA: Consulting, Operations / E-commerce

Brief about Work Experience : I term myself as a diverse professional who utilised opportunities to have worked in multiple roles of project management and operations management in Real Estate Industry. I played responsible roles in Construction Management for MEP Works at High Rise Residential Buildings, Contract Administration, Sub-contractor and Client Billing, MIS for commercial activities of Engineering and Marketing departments. My work spans at L&T and Lodha Group across different projects at Mumbai and it's suburbs.

What is your relation to the Recommenders?(Manager. client etc):

1. Reporting Manager
2. A Senior Manager whom I have worked with cross-functionally during my project management role

Volunteering/Extra-curriculars:

1. Supported several students by being Chief Advisor at shiksha.com

2. Ran a free website below for interaction with aspirants - https://exceleducon.yolasite.com/

3. Led and volunteered COVID-19 relief activities of Lodha Group

NOT LISTING A FEW COMMON ONES and am open for any guidance in showcasing the profile.

International Experience : Nil

Scholarship Given? : No

The motivation for MBA and why Now brief? : Although there is diversity in my profile within big names of Real Estate in India, I am always having a zeal to explore and utilise the skills I have nurtured in different industries as well. And, I would need an unique MBA program which takes diverse candidates by assessing not only academics but also work experiences. And, myself being an engineer by base, I didn't want to leave my fundamentals and wish to sit with a cohort who are similar to me along with an add-on diversity such as CAs, Doctors, etc. And, One Year MBA program in IIM Bangalore makes a good fit. And, I don't think there is no other challenging time than current pandemic conditions which put us into a continuous learning and development stage and I wish to maximize my learning now for the coming future.

Short-Term Goal : Senior Manager in e-commerce / Management Consultant for core operations of engineering conglomerates / Lean and Technology Innovation strategist

Long-Term Goal : to be a part of the leading team of an Indian Conglomerate

Link to your interview debrief:
Will post ASAP


Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? : Took help of Kayal, an IIMA alum, for SOP

Any comments, feelings, advice to share?: All the best. I am looking forward to have you party the achievement along with me soon. Will always be available for help.

Looking forward to connect professionally: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nithinkumarperatla

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Name/username: Babumoshaaai.
Age: 28
Country/Location: Germany. Indian Passport holder.
Under-Graduate School: KIIT University, Bhubaneswar
Under-Graduate GPA: 7.47/10.00
GMAT/GRE Test scores: 321/340 GRE
Which round did you apply in?: Round 1
Total Work Experience: 6Y 8M as of March 2021.
Pre-MBA Industry: Consulting + Financial Services
Target industry post-MBA: Product Management
Brief about Work Experience: Ex Big4 Consultant. Currently in the Financial Services in the EU.
What is your relation to the Recommenders?: Immediate Supervisor/Manager.
Volunteering/Extra-curriculars: Quizzing, Debate, Coal India Merit Scholarship, TEDx Curator.
International Experience: 1Y 1M until March 2021.
Scholarship Given?: No.
The motivation for MBA and why Now brief?: Wanted to move out of tech work and do hands-on product management.
Short-Term Goal: Product Management
Long-Term Goal: VP Sales and Retail.
Link to your interview debrief: https://bit.ly/3ne41jK
Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? : No.
Any comments, feelings, advice to share?: Be yourself and honest. Focus on authenticity.

Name/username: Dhruv Arora
Age: 30
Country/Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Under-Graduate School: IGNOU
Under-Graduate GPA: 8/10
GMAT/GRE Test scores: 700
Which round did you apply to?: R2
Total Work Experience : 6.5 yrs
Pre-MBA Industry: Shipping (Merchantnavy)
Target industry post-MBA: Consulting, E-commerce
Brief about Work Experience: Seasoned Maritime Professional with steady career progression (1 fast tracked promotion). I have recently managed a 40-day M&R project (Dry dock).
What is your relation to the Recommenders?(Manager. client etc): Direct supervisors
Volunteering/Extra-curriculars: Logistic help to a school for differently-abled children, managed an event serving food to 150+ poor & elderly. Dedicated fitness enthusiast and passionate for trekking & hiking.
International Experience : 6.5 yrs
Scholarship Given? : No
The motivation for MBA and why Now brief? :
Prospective stagnation in growth after becoming Captain, transition to Corporate role.
Short-Term Goal : Operations Consulting/Operations Manager
Long-Term Goal : Head an operations consulting practice with expertise in the Supply chain industry
Link to your interview debrief: https://gmatclub.com/forum/decision-tra ... brief-1550
(You can add your interview experience HERE and paste the link above )
2 panelists, both very polite.
P1 Started of with why MBA - halfway through my answer he interrupted and countered with 'can you validate the skills you claim to have'. While I was validating P1 countered a couple of times, trying to pressurize a bit.
Next P2 asked about an incident of conflict that I have faced within my team. Few counter arguments here regarding explaining my role in the situation.
Thereafter asked about my target industry, why supply chain. Finally my target role and target company.
Altogether, a conversational interview, less stressful than IIMA. I felt it was a relatively short interview-15 mins.
Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? : No, only for interview prep - S4G (Manan & Abhishek form a good team, I would recommend them)
Any comments, feelings, advice to share?: Either truly believe in what you're writing in the essay and saying during the interview or prepare a good story around it. People on the other side are really good at deciphering legitimate thoughts from made up words.

Name/Username: Yash Pandey
Age: 31
Country/Location: India, Gurugram
Under-Graduate School: University of Petroleum & Energy Studies
Under-Graduate GPA:78.4%
GMAT/GRE Test scores: 690
Which round did you apply to?: R2
Total Work Experience: 8.5 years
Pre-MBA Industry: Energy - Oil and Gas
Target industry post-MBA: Energy - Oil and Gas / Strategy / Consulting
Brief about Work Experience: Petroleum Engineer with specialization in Hydraulic fracturing. Experienced in handling multi-million dollar projects involving Client interaction, sales, marketing of products, business development. Have been part of a Fast track program bagging 4 promotions in 6 years of tenure.
What is your relation to the Recommenders? (Manager. client etc): Manager
Volunteering/Extra-curriculars: Four paper publications including two research papers on a novel product, motivated college undergrads to publish papers as a part of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
International Experience: 2+ years (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq)
Scholarship Given? : Yes
The motivation for MBA and why Now brief? : Career growth was limited to the field operations after international transfer. Moreover, lowering Oil prices and market uncertainties accelerated the process to acquire transferrable skills.
Short-Term Goal: Business Strategy
Long-Term Goal: Head- business strategy of Energy companies to help them transition smoothly in renewable sectors.
Link to your interview debrief: https://gmatclub.com/forum/decision-tra ... brief-1553
My interview was conducted online where there were 2 panelists. Some of the Qs asked were:
1. Tell me about yourself. (prepared answer with elevator pitch)
2. Post MBA goals. (Prepared answer with Qs on why strategy)
3. Industry related questions on Oilfield and energy sector. (Since I belong to the fracking industry which is always under the radar for its environmental impact. I was also asked about my views on the US fracking ban and How did oil prices go negative during the pandemic which I had a good hold of.)
4. Philosophical question on the future of the energy industry and what is my outlook. (I answered that by introducing my goals of pursuing my career in renewables. This was a two-way discussion with panel members countering renewables with nuclear energy and other clean energy sources. I accepted some points and countered some). They were partly convinced though.
5. Last Q was directed at convincing one of the panel members to adopt AI learning instead of classroom learning. (I took a few seconds to gather my thought and put in some pointers on the advantages of AI over physical interactions).
Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? : Yes
Any comments, feelings, advice to share?: Never show any sign of stress during the interview. In case you feel you went wrong then share a smile and accept but make up for it in the remaining time. Also, make sure you leave a lasting impression on the panelists.

Name/username: Apoorv
Age : 30
Country/Location : India
Under-Graduate School : Dehradun Institute of Technology
Under-Graduate GPA: 7.5
GMAT/GRE Test scores: 660
Which round did you apply to?: R1
Total Work Experience : 8 years
Pre-MBA Industry : Sales & Marketing (Automobile)
Target industry post-MBA: Consulting
Brief about Work Experience: Handled sales & marketing for Automobile giant. Responsible for vehicle sales, achievement of target volumes & market share. Planning various BTL & ATL marketing activities along with planning media campaigns.
What is your relation to the Recommenders?(Manager. client etc): Manager & Senior from Cross Functional Team
International Experience : NO
Link to your interview debrief:
Following points were covered in the interview:
1. Brief about yourself.
2. Current job profile : Roles & responsibilities & challenges faced.
3. Brief of the Automobile industry & future prospects & growth.
4. Why MBA & how the current profile will help during the MBA?
5. Discussion on impact of COVID-19 on the economy & the future possibility
Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? : NO
Any comments, feelings, advice to share?: Don't comment on something that you are not sure about. Its better to admit if you don't know something rather than giving some random response. Stay confident & maintain a positive outlook.

Name/username: Taranand Mukhopadhyay
Age: 27
Country/Location: India/Mumbai
Under-Graduate School: VIT University, Vellore
Under-Graduate CGPA: 8.89/10
GMAT/GRE Test scores: 680 (Q48 V35)
Which round did you apply in? R3
Total Work Experience: 79 months (as of 31st March 2021)
Pre-MBA Industry: Fintech Technology Consulting - Alternative Asset Management
Target industry post-MBA: Fintech Strategy - Alternative Asset Management
Brief about Work Experience: I have over 6.5 years of experience working as a Technology Consulting for multiple clients in the US Healthcare and US Alternative Asset Management industries.
What is your relation to the Recommenders? (Manager. client etc): Project Director & Project Lead
Volunteering/Extra-curriculars: Dual certification in fitness & nutrition - ISSA CPT and INFS CNFC, Vice President - VIT Alumni Association - Mumbai Chapter, Udayan Shalini Fellowship mentor, IEEE Paper publication, Deloitte IMPACT Day Thread co-lead, NCC A Certificate
International Experience: None
Scholarship Given? N/A
The motivation for MBA and why Now brief? Having acquired the necessary tech skillsets, I believe I need to develop business acumen to drive the business strategy using technology integration as a tool for Asset Managers in the Alternative Asset Management industry
Short-Term Goal: To work with Consulting firms in the Fintech domain to get practical experience of driving business strategy for asset managers
Long-Term Goal: To achieve a senior leadership role in a Fintech firm focussed on the Alternative Asset Management domain
Link to your interview debrief: https://gmatclub.com/forum/decision-tra ... brief-1633
Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? Yes
Any comments, feelings, advice to share? In my humble opinion, even though the industry diversity you bring into the cohort is important, what is more important is how you highlight this in your application, SOPs, and interviews. You should present clarity and logical reasoning in your thought process, especially when it comes to what you want out of the EPGP programme and what you plan to do afterwards. This is something I have heard time and again from the alums that I have interacted with and I could sense this from the interview as well. Also, be prepared to present your case under the most random circumstances. I was questioned on how the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at workplace) team in my organization works since I had mentioned that I was a part of the Internal Complaints Committee of this team. While the WAT is a very important part of the application process, you should be prepared to be questioned on literally anything that you have mentioned in your application.

Name/username: Devmalya Mukherjee
Age : 30
Country/Location : Gurgaon, India
Under-Graduate School : SRCC, Delhi University
Under-Graduate GPA: 7.9/10
GMAT/GRE Test scores: 680
Which round did you apply to?: R2
Total Work Experience : 8 years
Pre-MBA Industry : Financial Services
Target industry post-MBA: E-Commerce/FMCG/Financial Services
Brief about Work Experience : Worked with Deloitte as an Audit Manager for 8 years working on various private and public audits of entities spread across diverse industries.
What is your relation to the Recommenders?(Manager. client etc): Immediate Supervisor/Senior Managers
Volunteering/Extra-curriculars: Debating, Athletics
International Experience: Yes – Canada (8 months);
Scholarship Given? No
The motivation for MBA and why Now brief? : After spending considerable time in the accounting and auditing profession, wanted to expand my skill sets and learn from the experiences of other professionals.
Short-Term Goal : General management / Product Management, Strategy and Operations.
Long-Term Goal : Heading Finance or operations department of a conglomerate.
Link to your interview debrief:
(You can add your interview experience HERE and paste the link above )

Q1. Tell us about yourself, why MBA and why at this time? – Probably one of the most important interview questions. Prepared bullet points highlighting what is not there in the CV and SoP.
Q2. Questions around work ex. What exactly do I do as an auditor? Size of teams I lead, tough decisions that I’ve made in the last 1 year.
Q3. Questions on international Experience – What was my role there and any improvements that I could make.
Q4. Role of AI in auditing and accounting.
Q5. Why are audit firms involved in fraud?
Q6. Couple of questions around viability of online education and it’s credibility.
Q7. Since I mentioned in my SoP about starting a sustainable restaurant business, 3-4 questions around the same were asked.
The interview was smooth. There were two professors who did not grill a lot. Kept smiling faces and made sure I was comfortable. Overall a very good experience.

Did you use the help of an MBA Consultant? : Yes, took help of Admit Ready by @Tridisha Goswami to prep for the interview process. This is a group of alums who not only have industry knowledge but also how the College/professors react. The alum helped me streamline my answers ensuring they are concise but include all the relevant details. Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for interview preparation.
Any comments, feelings, advice to share? Just make sure to have all the relevant info around your SoP and Application in a concise manner, since majority of the questions would be coming from them. And just try to enjoy the experience.