Lokesh Chinni

IIM Calcutta

School: Narayana Junior College

“Results-driven individual that always tries to achieve perfection. Autophile with a passion for F1.”

Hometown: Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a Tee Toller! While my pals enjoy their drinks, I’m the cheerful one sipping my favorite non-alcoholic beverages and consuming all the munchies. I’m also a proud sleepaholic; catching Zs is my superpower, and I embrace the art of sleeping with pure passion!

Undergraduate School and Major: N.B.K.R.I.S.T, Mechanical Engineering.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Research Engineer, Hyundai Motor India Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Calcutta’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? Aside from my classmates, the thing that played a key role in my choosing MBAEx is the experiential learning that this course offers. While going through the course curriculum of programs offered by different B-schools, I learned that IIM Cal is one of the few colleges with live project as part of its core curriculum. I’m a firm believer in experiential learning, and this made me feel attracted to this program.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Calcutta? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? One of the extracurricular activities that I enjoy the most while studying at IIM Calcutta is taking pictures of the stunning sunsets from my hostel balcony. The lakes around the campus provide a breathtaking view, especially during the monsoon season when the evenings are truly extraordinary. After a long day of attending classes, there is nothing more soothing than sipping on a hot cup of coffee and watching the sunset.

Engaging in this activity has taught me the importance of dedicating time to myself and appreciating the beauty surrounding us. Moreover, it has also taught me the significance of finding creative ways to express myself. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I always take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the view from my balcony. This helps me to clear my head and return to my studies feeling rejuvenated and enthusiastic.

What has been the best part of studying business in Kolkata? Studying business in Kolkata has its perks, one of which is the fascinating city itself. Kolkata boasts a rich cultural and historical background, with multiple places to explore and learn from. The official city tour is an excellent opportunity to acquaint oneself with the city and interact with fellow students.

This fosters inter-class networking, a crucial aspect as students collaborate on various group projects. Better networking allows students from diverse industry backgrounds to work efficiently, learn from each other, and establish the inter-batch camaraderie necessary for handling stress during projects and achieving maximum results.

Moreover, the city tour provides a reality check for many of us. It highlights the diversity of India and the need for adaptable solutions, as what works in one region may not be suitable for another. This lesson is vital for thinking outside the box and developing a more flexible approach to problem-solving.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my career, I have had the opportunity to work on numerous Hyundai and Kia best-selling car models, where I was responsible for creating several innovative products. However, one particular achievement I am particularly proud of is the successful implementation of the Dual Air blower feature in the Kia Sonnet 7, launched in Indonesia. This project allowed me to explore new and creative concepts, collaborate with international suppliers, and establish high standards for design and performance. These standards will serve as a benchmark for future projects, and the Dual Air blower feature has become a unique selling point for the car in the market.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My selection for the Live Project committee is my proudest moment at IIM C. Student committees are an integral part of life at IIM C, and the Live Project committee is one of the most important. The Live Project is part of our curriculum, where we work on real-world business problems and provide solutions using our past industry experience and current learning from IIM C.

I am entrusted with the responsibility of sourcing projects for the students. My responsibilities include interacting with companies, projecting the class of MBAEx, and convincing them to provide us with projects. It is an entirely new experience for me, as I have never had to do anything like this before. I have had to learn how to prepare official brochures and communique for companies, and I have had to develop my networking skills.

I am proud of the work that I have done so far on the Live Project committee. I have been able to secure several projects for the students, and I have helped to build relationships with companies. I am excited to continue my work on the committee and to help even more students gain valuable experience.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? I would say it’s our MDC Lounge. It’s a great place to relax, have fun, learn from others, and do group studies. We play games, discuss current events, share our experiences, and work together on projects. We also can meet and interact with our alums, who share their insights and advice in an informal setting. In short, our MDC Lounge is a place where we can have fun, gain knowledge, and collaborate on our studies equally.

What do you hope to do after graduation? I aim to become a product manager and contribute to creating top-tier products. Often, many innovative ideas fail to come to fruition due to a lack of business advantage. Combining my experience as an R&D engineer at Hyundai with my business acumen developed at IIMC, I aim to bridge the gap between innovation and business strategy. I will offer a unique perspective accelerating the creation of ideas with business sense and implementation in the real world.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Calcutta? Own your SOP. This is the mantra I followed when I was applying for jobs. Be specific and genuine in the stories and achievements you describe in your SOP because the panel sitting across from you in the interview will see right through made-up answers. Additionally, if you are genuine with your achievements and stories, you will be better able to handle the stress of the interview. There is no other way to succeed than to be genuine.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT CALCUTTA MBAEX CLASS OF 2024