These Twins Do Everything Together — Even Their MBA

THE ROTMAN EXPERIENCE

Nakul describes the Rotman MBA as “two years of constant engagement.”

“There’s so much going on on campus, and our classmates were so diverse,” says Nakul.

The twins were active participants of campus extracurriculars, both being members of the Rotman Marketing Association — where Nishul served as vice president of industrial relations and finance — as well as the Management Consulting Association and the Business Technology Association.

Last but not least, they were both part of the Rotman Beer Association and Rotman Active Association, where they describe finding a healthy balance between hiking followed by brewery tours. In fact, when asked what their highlights were of doing their MBA together, they both replied in unison, “winning beer pong olympics.”

‘COMPETING FOR JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS ISN’T HEALTHY’

Throughout their MBA, they made sure to emphasize collaboration versus competition; especially when they learned that many companies don’t have a set quota of roles to fill, but rather something called the hiring bar. “If you’re above the bar, they’ll normally hire you,” says Nishul.

Plus, building strong friendships was one of the things they loved most about their Rotman experience, and it felt counter-intuitive to have a competitive attitude against each other. “The people in your class are your network,” adds Nakul. “They’re the people you’ll grow with. Competing for jobs and internships isn’t healthy, nor is it encouraged. Everyone should want their friends – and siblings, in our case — to cross that bar.”

JOB SEARCH STRATEGY: APPLY EVERYWHERE

This attitude helped them approach internships with a healthy mindset.

Nakul describes the twins’ job search philosophy: simply apply everywhere. He says they’d rather have a job – any job – than no job at all, and that there’s something to gain from every role. “We spent time networking in certain industries and getting to know people,” he says. “But if it was as simple as a resume drop or application submission, we applied to everything we saw.”

Despite not being choosy about jobs, the twins both landed roles at Amazon. If working at the same company wasn’t enough, they had the same role as senior product managers; Nishul worked in Amazon’s advertising department, and Nakul worked with an internal product called Amazon Connections. “At least we had different managers,” laughs Nishul.

‘WE’RE FINALLY SPLITTING WAYS’

Preparing for their convocations ceremonies, Nishul and Nakul reflect on how grateful they are to have studied business in two countries. They recommend that other students try doing the same. “It’s a great decision to study in a different country,” says Nakul. “While it may seem like a big step, you’ll realize it’s worth it.”

They have other advice for international students and prospective MBA candidates alike. “Come in with clear goals – whether those are personal or career-oriented goals,” Nishul advises. “When most people come into MBA programs, they’re overwhelmed with the opportunities offered in terms of career clubs, networking events, and friend groups. Knowing what’s most important to you will help you prioritize.”

Following convocation, Nakul will go on to be an associate with McKinsey & Company and Nishul will be a senior product manager with Amazon. “After 20 years, we’re finally splitting ways,” says Nishul.

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