Debahuti Chakraborty

Indian Institute of Management, Indore

“A change catalyst, team champion, and globetrotter who enjoys quizzing, content-writing, and cooking!”

Hometown: Bongaigaon, Assam 

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have traveled to 12 countries across three continents and 20 Indian States, immersing myself in the culture, food, and heritage of those places. I plan to visit all continents, including Antarctica!

Undergraduate School and Major: B. Tech in Civil Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Silchar 

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Deputy Chief Engineer Civil (Planning and Administration) at Oil India Limited

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Indore’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? IIM Indore’s commitment to leadership development aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. The program’s emphasis on cultivating leadership qualities through courses, workshops, and various student clubs allows the participants to hone their leadership skills. Furthermore, the holistic approach to skill-building, which extends beyond traditional business subjects to soft skills like communication and problem-solving, provides a well-rounded education essential for professional growth. The EPGP program at IIM Indore also provides a platform for the participants to get exposure to international pedagogy and businesses through SDA Bocconi, a top-ranked B-school. Thus, every element in the EPGP program of IIM Indore is aligned to develop future leaders.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Indore? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My most unforgettable course at IIM Indore has undoubtedly been “Financial Management,” taught by Professor Debasish Maitra.

As the nodal Budgeting Officer for my department at Oil India Limited, I have already had a wide range of experience handling capital budgets and making critical investment decisions during my past employment. However, Prof. Maitra’s course transcended my existing knowledge and expertise. It provided a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on financial management.

One of the course’s key takeaways was the ability to dissect complex financial data and interpret it discerningly. I gained a deeper appreciation for financial ratios, risk assessment, and the intricacies of financial markets. This new-found proficiency has bolstered my confidence and expanded my capacity to undertake more substantial financial responsibilities. Looking ahead, I am eager to apply the insights gained from this course in navigating even more extensive portfolios and investment decisions.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In 2022, when spearheading the digital transformation portfolio of the Civil Engineering Department, I was handpicked by the Resident CEO out of 576 individuals as a high-potential future leader for developing the long-term strategy of OIL for 2040. I was made a team lead for a cross-functional team, having representation from other engineering disciplines and HR.

Amidst my responsibilities within this transformative project, I got the privilege to engage in direct, one-on-one interactions with the organization’s esteemed board of directors and the Chief Managing Director (CMD) for charting the future growth strategies and opportunities for the company. This opportunity was a source of immense pride and validation for me. It underscored the substantial impact of my contributions and the unwavering trust the top leadership placed in my abilities as a potential leader for the future.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: Apart from the friendships I have cultivated here at IIM Indore, my biggest accomplishment has been to win the trust of my peers and get the opportunity to work as part of the Placement Committee team. As a placement coordinator, I am responsible for meeting the career aspirations of the talented cohort, enriching the campus hiring experience for corporate recruitment partners, and augmenting the brand outreach of the EPGP course. Managing my learning goals along with this responsibility has been challenging yet fulfilling, as this has helped me further develop my organization, prioritization, and decision-making skills while adding value to the careers of my batchmates. I regard this as an accomplishment also because it aligns with my fundamental values of creating positive impacts in the lives of people—a commitment that has been a constant thread throughout my journey since my days at NIT.

What has been your most memorable experience at IIM Indore? Why was it so special? When I look back on my experiences at IIM Indore, one of the most memorable moments that stands out prominently is the honor of organizing and hosting the inaugural HR Conclave, “Anubhav.” This landmark event marked the first-ever HR Conclave hosted by the Executive Post Graduate Program (EPGP) student community at IIM Indore. It allowed me to orchestrate the entire event and provided a unique platform to engage with some of the brightest minds from the corporate and academic realms, all under one roof.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Following my graduation from the EPGP program, I aspire to venture into management consulting, where I can tackle significant challenges spanning both private and public sectors. Over the long term, my ambition is to attain the position of a partner within a reputable consulting firm, where I can lead strategic engagements with enterprises, guiding them towards making sustainable and inclusive decisions that will contribute to a more promising future. My previous experience in leading teams, delivering complex projects, and consulting with the industry’s top leaders would help me add value as a management consultant.

DON’T KNOW: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT INDORE EPGP CLASS OF 2024