Joseph John Thenamkodath, Esade MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Kerala, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: VNIT Nagpur, B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): I worked for one year as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer (June 2018-Aug 2019) in ThyssenKrupp Electrical Steel, then I pivoted to consulting, where I worked for four and a half years as a Technology Consultant (Feb 2020-July 2024) in Beinex Consulting
Esade 12-, 15-, or 18-month track: Either 15 month or 18 months, to be decided
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now? –
I wanted to explore more opportunities in the field of consulting, explore different geographies and understand how the work that I used to do is applied in different business scenarios.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to pursue my MBA in Europe. And Esade, being among one of the top B-schools in Europe, felt like the right option for me. It provides an option to choose from either 12-, 15- or 18-month course duration, making the program more personalized to my requirements. Esade has a great network with major technology and consulting organizations in Europe, hence making it a great option for me as it would increase my chances of getting into my dream career post my MBA.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Having spent my life in different places across India and the Middle East, I bring a variety of experiences to the cohort. I was able to work with people from diverse backgrounds, thus helping me understand things in a different perspective and helping me grow personally. This will help me in a diverse school such as Esade. I can share my experiences, keep an open mind, and adapt to different situations, while also sharing my work and personal experiences with everyone.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have created music using the keyboard. I have created a couple of music mixes, too using music production tools
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to explore the consulting opportunities in Europe.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would do research into B-schools, the scope of job opportunities after the MBA from the respective B-schools and network with B-school alumni to know their experiences. Understanding different people’s perspectives about the school is a crucial and interesting part of the application process
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would put more detail in my resume about my hobbies, travels and extra-curricular activities. Although academics and work experience play an important role in the resume, hobbies and other activities play a vital role too.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The hectic time schedule for the GMAT preparation, while balancing it with my work schedule, is something I wish I could have skipped. Having a clarity about why you are taking the GMAT and thinking about your end goal and its benefits is what helped me to get through with it
What is your initial impression of the Esade students/culture/community?
It is an active community and very diverse as well. Everyone is very cooperative and there are multiple group events that make sure you aren’t left out of anything. Since the campus is in Barcelona city, we have the option to explore different areas ranging from the beach to the mountains, and experience the vibrant city life along with the Esade community.
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
I had expected it to be a very formal environment, but on reaching here and interacting with everyone, I could see that everyone is very relaxed and helpful. Esade’s global reach was also quite surprising to me, they have good exchange programs with leading B-schools across the globe.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m anxious about how academics and exam preparations would be as I’m returning to the academic life after five years of working. Getting an internship is also another part I’m anxious about
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to start the MBA life in a new city and getting to meet people from different backgrounds. I’m also excited about the student treks and trips that are going to be conducted in different countries.
