Ashima Singh

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

”A finance whiz and fitness freak who loves to make people laugh.”

Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Fun Fact About Yourself: I own and have read the entire collection of detective fiction written by Agatha Christie.

Undergraduate School and Major: BCom from HR College, CA, completed all levels of CFA and FRM

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Deutsche Bank, Senior Analyst – Enterprise Risk Management

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The size of the cohort is such that it inculcates diversity as well as facilitates inclusive and meaningful conversation both within and outside the classroom. You get to interact with and learn from almost everyone!

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Ahmedabad? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? The course I’ve enjoyed the most so far is Analysis of Data –Professor Karthik Sriram’s passion for the subject is infectious! The key learning was that within the chaotic mess that data seems to be, there is beauty to be found, and the course has equipped us with the tools to find said beauty!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my stint at Kotak Mahindra Bank, I built a tool that enabled the CxO team to define the bank’s strategic direction with respect to industry distribution of the portfolio.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: As I progress through the course, I’m finding myself to be more self-assured and vocal about my thoughts, even if it’s something as simple as class participation. It’s something I’ve struggled with, and MBA is helping me overcome my inhibitions!

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Marvel fans unite! There are a lot of movie buffs in the cohort, and we try to squeeze out time to catch the latest showing at the local PVR. Movies are a good way to step out of the bubble that is the IIM life and its associated rigour.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? My professional experience so far, while hugely informative, has been restricted to a single function and I would like to have a greater multi-functional understanding which an MBA would help me achieve. Post-MBA I’d love to work in a financial strategy role that would involve identifying and analysing growth and investment opportunities to take critical financing decisions.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Ahmedabad? Your story is as important, if not more so, than your GMAT score. Introspection is key – you must be able to articulate how you have progressed in your career so far (cite success stories), and where do you see yourself post MBA – plus how will IIMA help you get there. Research incoming industries and roles they previously offered and get in touch with alums and even professors so you can assess the mutual fit. Also, build a narrative around your personal and professional experience to lend credibility and genuineness to your essays and responses during interview. And lastly, stay in touch with the topical issues so you can hold your ground during the extempore section of the interview.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AHMEDABAD MBA CLASS OF 2023