Bhavishya Kanjhan, Real Humans of the IESE MBA Class of 2019
Age: 30
Hometown: Dubai
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Birmingham, U.K., computer science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 4 years, digital marketing; 3 years, retail/family business
Why business school? Why now? I spent the first four years solving marketing problems for multiple industries and the second half solving business-wide problems in one specific industry (retail). I realized that I wanted to be in a role where I could solve business-wide problems but across multiple industries; being a management consultant would be perfect for that.
After my research, I concluded that an MBA was not only a necessary prerequisite to make that pivot, it would also fill the gaps in the skills and knowledge so I can become an effective consultant. Finally, I wanted to take the time to go through the transformational experience that many MBA students and graduates had talked about.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? After extensive research, I decided IESE as my school of choice for three reasons. The first is the school’s focus on the case method. The curriculum presents us with more than 500 cases over the period of two years; this pedagogy means you’re put into the shoes of the manager 500 times, having to make as many decisions. In doing so, we’re applying the knowledge we learn on a daily basis.
Secondly, it is the career opportunities the school presented. I was looking to move to a management consulting role back in Dubai, and IESE was a perfect fit for that. In fact, students have access to firms across industries—tech, consulting, finance, consumer goods—and across geographies—LATAM, Europe, Middle East, Asia. There was even a Dubai trek organized where leading firms such as Uber and government entities such as the Dubai Smart Government were happy to host us. Similar treks are organized in different counties and for different recruiting tracks.
Finally, it is the school’s focus on delivering a truly international experience. At IESE, diversity isn’t just building a classroom of students from multiple countries. Most of the students here have had some experience working and/or living outside their country of origin. This means they bring an exponentially larger international perspective but also a highly developed appreciation for diversity. Outside the classroom and campus, the school offers exchange programs with schools across the world and intensive modules in New York City, Shanghai, Nairobi, and Sao Paulo. Given that I was really looking to expand my international perspective, this was a strong draw for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? Having spent three years in my family’s mid-sized retail business, I believe I bring the real-world perspective of actually running a business. The learning that comes from the ability and pressure of making a decision that impacts the entire organization is something I found to be very valuable, and I hope it has been of value to my classmates too.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I attended a six-week improv workshop that ended with a showcase performance to a crowd of more than 50 people. It’s scary enough to get on stage when you know what you’re going to say. Add to that the completely unscripted nature of improv, and it was a very exhilarating experience.
Post-MBA career interests? Management consulting in the Middle East
Advice to current prospective applicants: Really take your time to research the school so you can truly determine whether you are a fit. It’s hard to explain what “fit” really is in tangible terms, but it comes out when you visit the school, talk to current and former students, understand the teaching method, and learn about the student life in and outside the school. Use that information to put your best foot forward without being inauthentic.
For IESE in particular, take the opportunity to visit the school and, if invited, definitely attend the Assessment day. The Assessment day was a great way to get to know the school and meet people who became my future classmates, flatmates, and closest friends.
Greatest highlight so far at IESE? DJ-ing for a crowd of 250 students at the IESE Diwali Night hosted by the India Club. It was a major bucket list item that I was able to tick off.
One thing about IESE that you didn’t expect before arriving? The academic workload. The first year, and the first term in particular, is very intense. I believe it is intentional in that it tries to really extract the best out of us.
Thing you were most anxious about in your first year at IESE? I’d be lying if I said anything other than recruiting. Fortunately, the school provided us with enough support to alleviate that anxiety very quickly.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I’m most excited for MultiCulti—a student-run night featuring food, performances, and other items of significance from different cultures. It’s being held in the first week of March and will see more than 600 students come together.
