Anything is possible…

Prateek Rajvanshi, a graduate from the Delhi College of Engineering, had been working for five years in consulting and analytics before he joined the Indian School of Business at Hyderabad as a participant of the Class of 2010. Prateek's moment of glory came when he was chosen to represent India at the 19th International Youth Leadership Conference (IYLC), organised by the United Nations. Rajvanshi was selected as an exceptional young leader committed to academic and professional excellence, through a competitive application process. Advanc'edge MBA spoke to him on the personal choices that brought him to ISB as well as his once-in-a-lifetime experience at the IYLC.

Did any specific motivation or consideration urge you to go for an MBA?
An MBA was always on the cards, as a concrete step to prepare for senior management roles. But 2008 was a disruptive economic year and I thought it might be good to take a break and understand the emerging business scenario.

What guided the choice of a one-year programme over a two-year one?
The real business world is intense and the human brain tends to adapt in every situation. So, I thought a one-year programme would be adequate to prepare me for business realities. I had anyway learnt various facets of business on the job, and only required to fill-in specific skill-gaps and network.

In your opinion, what guides the timing of an MBA for a working professional?
I feel one should go for an MBA in one of two situations - either when he wants to go down the entrepreneurship route or at the juncture when an MBA can help him move to higher roles within the organization or switch an industry.

How tough was it to balance MBA test prep and the responsibilities at work? Would you have any advice in this regard for potential working applicants?
It's a challenge, but then, in India you get used to it from childhood. I would recommend shifting focus on test-prep for a while and taking a backseat in office, only for a short time though. Start early if you haven't prepared for competitive (analytical) tests earlier.

Do you agree that many working professionals in India opt for the GMAT (as against the CAT) because it is perceived to be an easier test? What is your personal opinion on this?
GMAT is tough if you eye 750+, try scoring a 780-800 and it is tougher than CAT. However, CAT assumes more significance since it decides your fate in itself while GMAT based applications allow you to distinguish yourself on several other aspects. The debate on which is tougher is irrelevant; the pertinent question is, which process is a relevant measure to gauge managerial competence? Although each employer and role would require different competencies but in general, I think professional maturity and all-round skills are more important once your analytical skills are in the ballpark.

What has been the greatest learning from your B-school stint? What is the "one thing" that ISB has given you which you feel no other school could have?
My B-school stint has taught me that anything is possible and that people and problems are the same everywhere. I found the number and diversity of public celebrities, business leaders and academic experts visiting ISB quite breath-taking. ISB truly provides world-class infrastructure and support for learning.

How did you come to know about the United Nations IYLC forum and what prompted you to apply? Tell us a bit about the entire experience, and your biggest takeway from that.
I am part of a few global youth networks and a friend recommended it. Further research confirmed its appeal. In a world where business is closely linked to government and society, it helps to understand things from a broader perspective.

It was an overwhelming experience. The participants (about 80 from 40 countries) were eager to mingle with one another and learn. Most were quite accomplished for their age. It offered a number of takeaways with leaders inspiring youth action and then providing options to join their work. Also, it gave us a feel of how UN decision making works, how politics between countries pan out and how chaos at European Parliament comes about. Of course, there were the unforgettable networking dinners with high-profile public officials, intense cross-cultural experience and a taste of Czech culture with some details on legal statutes and diplomatic processes.

What are your plans, post completion of the ISB programme?
I am looking for a leadership role in strategy or general management with a global MNC or a consulting firm. In the long term, I wish to pursue my ambition to implement innovative business practices through my employer.

What according to you is the one thing about an MBA that every prospective applicant should know, but generally doesn't?
Quite literally - an MBA gives you nothing; it's on you what you make of it.