Akshat Kumar

IIM Calcutta

School: St. Joseph’s Public School, Hyderabad

“Ambitious about succeeding in professional life and passionate about maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.”

Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana

Fun Fact About Yourself: A dedicated and certified fitness enthusiast, I wholeheartedly embrace the role of a fitness trainer. My passion extends beyond the gym, as I actively engage in fitness competitions, consistently pushing my limits to achieve excellence. Additionally, I contribute my insights on optimal fitness strategies. I also contribute to fitness articles in newspapers, inspiring others to embark on a journey of health and wellness.

Undergraduate School and Major: Chartered Accountant, Diploma in International Financial Reporting – Finance, Audit and Taxation, B. Com from Osmania University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited – Global Internal Auditor

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? The relatively tailor-made courses and IIM Calcutta pedagogy of classroom training, coupled with practical application, was a key aspect of the program that grabbed my interest and led me to choose this school. Besides that, the International immersion program would expose me to businesses and leaders across industries that are crucial to widening my horizon and thus helping me analyze situations from multiple viewpoints.

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? Strategy and Business courses at IIM Calcutta have been a great source of learning. As a Chartered Accountant, I had limited knowledge of marketing and business strategy and I wanted to increase my knowledge in this domain. Strategy and Marketing courses at IIM Calcutta have given me exposure to some of the best industry practices.

What has been the best part of studying business in Kolkata? The campus, with its seven natural lakes and lush fauna is an ornithologist’s heaven. The Joka wetlands is home to the Bengal monitor lizard, while the marshy surroundings attract migratory ducks and birds of Prey alike. To be awoken to such picturesque landscape, surrounded by the sound of various exotic birds, is a privilege few can attain. The IIM Calcutta campus is a vibrant hub with a plethora of activities including sports, gym, swimming, kayaking, and amenities like Subway and Nescafe, which captivates our attention.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far. Elevated to the status of a national-level merit holder, securing all India 33rd rank in the Chartered Accountancy final examination.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far. When I got admission at IIM Calcutta, one of my primary ambitions was to hone my public speaking skills. So far, I have had multiple opportunities through completing classroom speeches and debate competitions, and organizing the flagship event Lattice to test and improve my public speaking skills. I have been commended by Professors and batchmates on my public speaking skills.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Our favorite spot is Millennium Park, a serene oasis adorned with diverse trees and illuminated by enchanting lights. The captivating sound and light show of Howrah Bridge can be enjoyed from this park. It serves as a rejuvenating haven for tranquil evenings. Another destination we explore is the National Library, India’s largest repository of volumes and public records.

What do you hope to do after graduation? In the short-run, I look forward to working in the strategy or marketing domain of an organization. These roles will help me assimilate extensive product and market knowledge. I want to gain strong business acumen and instill an entrepreneurial mindset, resulting in creating greater impact for my organization and the community.

In the long-run, I aspire to be a thought leader and explore new possibilities in the healthcare industry. During my international business travels, I observed that, while Russia had access to most of the innovative medicines, a country like Myanmar was struggling to access basic healthcare. I would like to discover the impending needs in the industry and work with leadership teams to develop new products and markets. I see myself driving the expansion of business operations especially to geographical areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The lack of equitable healthcare access has been a key factor for me to dedicate my professional career to this industry.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Calcutta? I would advise potential applicants to develop a holistic personality that is not just limited to one domain. Students at IIM Calcutta are budding leaders of the future. Thus, it is important for applicants to go beyond academics like gaining knowledge about business and industry trends or getting exposure to leadership skills through participation in extra-curricular activities.

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