In a recent webinar hosted by Badruka School of Management (BSM), industry experts Sanjay Jesrani, Divya Gupta, and Dr. Pramath Sinha shared invaluable insights into how an MBA can significantly impact one’s career in consulting, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Meet Our Speakers
Sanjay Jesrani
Founder and CEO of Go North Ventures
Sanjay Jesrani
Mr. Sanjay Jesrani is the Founder and CEO of Go North Ventures, a leading angel investment firm. As a seasoned growth catalyst, Mr. Jesrani mentors startups and holds board positions at Zen Technologies and Visaka Industries. His investment portfolio spans diverse AI, healthcare, and fintech sectors. A Charter member of TiE Hyderabad and part of the Executive Council at the IIIT Hyderabad Foundation, Mr. Jesrani’s influence is far-reaching.
A Badruka alumnus, Mr. Jesrani has extensive experience, including leading Hitachi Consulting India’s Global Delivery Center and driving Sierra Atlantic’s impressive growth. He holds a Commerce degree and is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Divya Gupta
Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group
Divya Gupta
Ms. Divya Gupta is a seasoned professional with over three decades of business and leadership experience. She holds an MBA from the Mason School of Business and a B.Sc. from the University of Washington.
As Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group, she leads the People and Organization practice for India and the Middle East, spearheading BCG U. Her career includes key roles at Intel and NASSCOM.
Ms. Gupta’s expertise in leadership, reskilling, and business development makes her a valuable asset.
Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha
Founder & Chairman of Harappa Education
Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha
Dr Pramath Raj Sinha is the Founder & Chairman of Harappa Education, which strives to become India’s largest online institution focused on teaching habits and skills critical to workplace success in the 21st century.
Dr Sinha was the Founding Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and a Founder and Trustee of Ashoka University. He has been instrumental in setting up a range of change-inspired higher education initiatives including the Vedica Scholars Programme, Anant National University and Naropa Fellowship. He has played a critical role in establishing the Government’s National Rail & Transportation Institute and advises several leading colleges and universities in India, including SRCC and IIT Gandhinagar.
Dr Sinha has been a media entrepreneur and management advisor at the 9.9 Group, which he founded, the CEO of the ABP Group, and a Partner at McKinsey & Company. He received his BTech from IIT Kanpur, where he was conferred the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018, and an MSE and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania.
Here are the key takeaways from this enlightening session.
The Value of an MBA
An MBA is more than just a degree; it’s a transformative journey that equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge. According to the panellists, the key takeaways from an MBA include enhanced problem-solving abilities, improved communication skills, and a holistic understanding of business operations.
Problem-solving and Analytical Skills
Divya Gupta, Associate Director at BCG, emphasised the importance of problem-solving skills honed during her MBA. She noted that these skills are crucial in consulting, where analytical thinking and strategic planning are fundamental.
Communication and Presentation Skills
Communication is another critical skill highlighted by Divya Gupta. She shared how her MBA programme refined her presentation abilities, teaching her to convey complex ideas succinctly and effectively. This skill is indispensable in both consulting and entrepreneurial settings, where clear communication can make or break a deal.
Real-World Application in Consulting
Divya Gupta’s journey from an engineer at Intel to a consultant at BCG illustrates how an MBA can open doors to new career paths. She attributed her career shift to the strategic and business acumen gained during her MBA, which complemented her technical background and made her a well-rounded professional.
Entrepreneurship and Investment
Sanjay Jesrani, Founder and CEO of Go North Ventures, provided insights into how an MBA can benefit aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. He highlighted three core elements that an MBA brings to the table.
Comprehensive Business Knowledge
Sanjay Jesrani pointed out that an MBA provides a deep understanding of various business functions, from finance to marketing. This knowledge is crucial for entrepreneurs who need to manage multiple aspects of their startups.
Building a Strong Network
Networking is a significant advantage of attending a reputable MBA programme. Jesrani emphasised the importance of building relationships with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. These connections can provide mentorship, funding opportunities, and valuable business insights.
Strategic Thinking
The strategic thinking developed during an MBA is essential for making informed investment decisions. Sanjay Jesrani noted that understanding market trends, financial analysis, and risk management are all skills sharpened by an MBA.
The Role of High-Quality Institutions
Dr Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder of Harappa Education, stressed the importance of choosing a high-quality MBA programme. He noted that the institution’s reputation, faculty, curriculum, and alumni network play crucial roles in shaping a student’s career trajectory.
Learning from Peers and Faculty
Dr Pramath Raj Sinha highlighted the value of learning from both peers and faculty in a residential MBA programme. The collaborative environment fosters knowledge exchange and self-reflection, which are vital for personal and professional growth.
Adapting to Technological Changes
Dr Pramath Raj Sinha also discussed how MBA programmes are evolving to include modern challenges and opportunities brought by technology. He mentioned the need for an updated curriculum that addresses current trends such as remote work, digital marketing, and AI.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Potential
The panelists agreed that while brand value and institutional reputation are important, individual determination and continuous self-improvement are equally critical. Sinha shared his journey of overcoming academic challenges and emphasised that grades do not define one’s potential.
Conclusion
An MBA is a powerful tool that prepares individuals for successful careers in consulting, entrepreneurship, and investment. It provides essential skills, valuable networks, and strategic insights that can propel professionals to new heights. Whether you’re aiming to shift careers, start a business, or make informed investment decisions, an MBA can be a transformative step in your professional journey.