Meet the MBA Class of 2023: Fraze Tasnim, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

Fraze Tasnim

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

“I am grateful and ambitious. I am confident that I will achieve my goal. Gradually but steadily.”

Hometown: Hajipur, Bihar

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love the darkness, and it makes me happy. I feel a sense of relief as I sit in the dark and listen to music.

Undergraduate School and Major: Symbiosis Institute of Design – Fashion

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Rohit Bal design Pvt ltd/ Head of Design

Aside from your classmates, what was the critical part of IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Many believe the ‘A’ in IIMA stands for ‘Academics’. I think the Case-based pedagogy used by IIMA to deliver knowledge while studying a business challenge drew me to the PGPX programme. Case-Based teaching fosters critical thinking and turns managers into authentic leaders. It facilitates the development of analytical skills, the absorption of diverse perspectives, and the ability to ask better questions to comprehend the underlying issues better. Students can develop critical thinking and become genuine leaders due to the process.

What has been your favourite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Ahmedabad? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? It is difficult to pinpoint the one aspect of the PGPX curriculum at IIM Ahmedabad that I enjoy the best. While I am aware that the programme is still in its infancy and that many of the subjects are unique, I have enjoyed the opportunity to expand intellectually and personally by tackling these new challenges.

Instead, the most beautiful component of this programme is the discussion between the group study members. When forming a group study team (syndicate), IIM Ahmedabad carefully considers selecting a diverse group of people. Everyone adds unique and valuable insights from their prior work experiences, making education more accessible. During these continuing talks, it is not uncommon to encounter unique perspectives that form a direct connection between academia and industry.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The events of our academic and professional careers shape us profoundly. As a result of our successes, we have the confidence to pursue our goals with vigour. I want to draw attention to a very significant point in my life history. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve had a thing for interesting shapes and how they can change. Acting and developing on this enthusiasm, I enrolled at Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune and completed a bachelor’s degree in Fashion. The path out was not that easy. In the small town in Bihar where I come from, a career in the fashion industry is not considered a realistic option at all. Most residents are unaware of the fashion industry itself.

During my undergraduate days, I participated in several events and exhibitions. In 2010, I got selected as the winner of the National level Vogue India design contest. It was one of the essential phases of my creative journey. The ancient Indian art of seduction, known as the KAMASUTRA, inspired this collection. Seeing my creation featured on the Vogue page (fashion night out edition) was an emotional and proud experience. Winning this competition was a stepping-stone to success in the high-end market. This experience gave me a solid direction from a work perspective; hence I consider this my most significant achievement.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student: Even though I have been part of the programme for three months, I believe that pushing myself for the PGPX curriculum has been my most significant accomplishment up to this point.  My resilience has undoubtedly been enhanced due to my consistency in facing a circumstance that often requires me to step outside my comfort zone. PGPX forces individuals to confront their fears of the unknown and helps them develop coping mechanisms for when they fail. Because of this, I have become the best version of myself every day. I see rapid transformation in myself on a personal and professional front, and I find that I am more equipped to navigate through problems, enabling me to provide value to my firm. Overall, this has been a positive development for me.

What is your class’s favourite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Sabarmati Riverfront. After a hectic week full of case studies, syndicate discussions, and surprise quizzes, a visit to the Riverfront calms us down and makes us feel at peace. Visiting this place late at night gives us a unique vibe and helps us reflect on the learnings and experiences of the past week.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point, and what do you hope to do after graduation? After getting expertise in luxury fashion, I decided to switch gears and learn how the mass market fashion industry works. There are essential facets of the business in which I do not have sufficient knowledge. The best decision I made for my career was to apply to IIM A for the one-year MBA programme. The instructors at IIM A have exemplary credentials in their field of study and research, and each student in my class has an impressive background. This program will introduce me to many accomplished professionals and allow me to pick their brains in various settings. The bonds I have formed with my teachers and peers will serve me well in any endeavour. One of my goals for this programme is to network with other successful people so that I can gain insight from their experiences. Maintaining positive ties with my professors and classmates will help me in the long run.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Ahmedabad? The college highly values your professional journey, and the admissions committee members are always pleased to hear more from you about the variety of experiences you’ve had. I want to encourage all of the possible applicants to tell their tales and adventures in an honest and forthright manner. Most importantly, ensure that you are well prepared to demonstrate the breadth of your thought process during the application/admission process. Always remember to keep a level head and have self-assurance, as this is the most crucial piece of guidance that I can give to prospective applicants. It would help if you prioritised achieving a high score on the GMAT and delivering it. The college places a significant priority on your narrative and how you’ve negotiated the different stages of life.

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

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