Mayank Kapoor

Warwick Business School

“An ethical professional, aspiring DJ, cricket sport enthusiast and an optimist who loves challenges.”    

Age: 29

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Fun fact about yourself: I challenged myself to ride the world’s second and fourth highest thrill rides (Big Shot and X-Scream in Las Vegas, US) to overcome Acrophobia (fear of heights). I screamed for help every time!!

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), University of Delhi – 1st Division

Master of Commerce, University of Delhi – 1st Division

Chartered Accountant, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Where did you work before enrolling in business school? Audit Senior (Investment Management Industry), Deloitte

Where did you intern during the summer of 2017? N/A, MBA session started in September 2017 and I was working in Deloitte during the summer.

Where will you be working after graduation? To be decided.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

Team Leader at Warwick Enactus Consulting society (Warwickshire City Council project).

Mentor to undergraduates and postgraduate students in Warwick Business School and University of Warwick

Vice-captain of the Warwick Business School cricket team

Scholarship: Warwick Business School merit based scholarship

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I led a team of five Warwick University students on Warwickshire City Council’s strategic project. It was a five month long project and we had to research and suggest alternatives for the council’s electric vehicle infrastructure development. This opportunity came at a perfect time, as I was able to practically implement my LeadershipPlus module learnings. I was able to reflect on my behaviors and team building strategies. The best part about the project: It was a success and we delivered it on time.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I was promoted within eight months of joining Deloitte and was one of the very few selected employees to be awarded twice in a year as an Audit Senior for my audit work on various multi-million dollar investment management firms as well as acquiring more client hours. I formed an audit procedure, which increased the productivity by 15%. But I am most proud of creating a personal impact during my volunteering work.

I was leading a non-profit society D Next Gen through which I used to teach the government school kids in and around Delhi, India  (Between the age of 11-15 years) about hygiene and sanitation as well guide them about their career options. Most of the children were living below the poverty line and attended the school for less than 60 days in a year as they worked part-time in factories and tea stalls to earn money for their families. Many girls were not allowed to attend school as they were told that their fate is in the hands of their future husband!! I was in tears when a 14-year-old Karmesh told a horrific story that he was beaten at his home because he went to school and was not earning any income.

The government offers scholarships and grants to underprivileged kids. At the grassroots level, it is important that the families think outside their conservative mindset and allow these kids to lead a financially secure life.

My team and I had long intense sessions explaining our professional journey and created a chart explaining various options for these kids. We gave them our phone number so that they can call or visit our office in case they needed any guidance.

Karmesh is currently studying science (fully funded by state government) and aspires to become a software engineer. I cannot decide anyone’s fate, but the least I can do is to share my knowledge and help these underprivileged kids.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite is Professor John Colley. He taught me Strategic thinking and Managing in a New World. Before entering academia John was Group Managing Director at a FTSE 100 business and Executive Managing Director at a French CAC 40 business. What makes John unique is his selection of case studies ranging from topics such as international expansion to private equity. He engages every student with his observations and provides a 360 degree overview of each aspect of the case. He has broadened my horizon on topics such as M&A by sharing his professional experience and discussing some excellent real life examples.

What was your favorite MBA Course? It was the LeadershipPlus module. It was the most practical module I ever attended. The module helped me understand my personality and it challenged me at every point to reflect on my identity. After the course, I am now able to understand my personality traits, know what differentiates me from my peers, and my best suited leadership style.

Why did you choose this business school?

• Low student-to-teacher ratio: This has helped me to network with each classmate. All the professors are helpful and the careers and corporate relations team focus in-depth on every MBA student.
• Diversity: My MBA intake is made up of international students from 32 different countries around the world providing an international network, second to none. Over and above the geographic locations, classmates come from a variety of backgrounds with unique and diverse perspectives, fostering critical thinking and mutual growth.
• Location: London is one of the most powerful financial centers in the world and WBS’ presence in The Shard opens networking opportunities with the finest in the business.
• Alumni impact: I am a firm believer that the alumni network plays an important role in showcasing a business school’s hard work. All the alumni I met had a unique, inspiring story and were helpful in responding to all my queries.

What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into your school’s MBA program? Take time to reflect on why you really need an MBA and how WBS can help you through the journey. It is an intense 12-month programme, so challenge yourself every day to learn something new.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about the MBA is that it is very intense. As per my experience, I will always remember the importance of 11:59 a.m. and coffee has helped me to submit the projects on time!!

What was your biggest regret in business school? Not being involved in the Warwick Golf society.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? That’s a tough one because I am learning from many peers. If I have to select one, it will be Ana Paschoini from Brazil. Prior to the MBA, Ana worked in the Brazil Development Bank as a lawyer, coordinator, and manager. She is a mother who is a Warwick Finance committee member, writes exceptional articles, and is always active in the class. I am amazed by her energy to pursue this course. She is a peer-mentor to many and we have bonded well. I have learnt from her experience and try to leverage that in my course.

Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? I idolize my parents and always request their help for professional guidance. They guided me through the reverse process of understanding what I expect professionally and how can I achieve my goals!!

“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…asking critical questions to my clients for audit purposes to ensure I issue financial statements trusted by the stakeholders.”

If you were a dean for a day, what one thing would you change about the MBA experience?I personally feel it is very difficult to manage experienced students with diverse cultures and our dean is doing a great job. If I can be greedy, I will increase the number of electives that a student can enroll on.

What are the top two items on your bucket list?

Skydiving

Glassblowing in Murano

In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you? An energetic individual who cares about his family, friends and has a good sense of humor.

What is your favorite movie about business? The Big Short. I have watched it more than 10 times. The biggest lesson learnt from that movie is to work ethically in any profession and to understand the wider impact of our actions on the society.

What would your theme song be? “Up Around the Bend” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Favorite vacation spot: San Francisco

Hobbies? Playing cricket, swimming and listening to music

What made Mayank such an invaluable addition to the class of 2018?

“Mayank is well-liked by the whole cohort and is one of the drivers for extra-curricular activity. Before the MBA had even started he had organized a dinner for everybody so they could get to know each other – that was a real help in bringing the cohort together.

He is great fun, a real socializer and loves bringing people together. He is putting together a series of workshops for the MBA students on financial modelling, using his contacts from the financial services industry. I think this will be of great benefit and shows Mayank’s desire to help his fellow students get as much as possible from their time together.”

Karen Barker

Director of Marketing and Recruitment

 

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