Munish Kanna

Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow

“A foodie with passion for savoring life’s flavors and one who seeks mindfulness in every experience.”

Hometown: Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy traveling and I am also good at planning trips. I had enjoyed amazing vacations in places like the Andamans, the Northeast, and Kerala.

Undergraduate School and Major: B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT (BHU), Varanasi

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Indian Ordnance Factories U/ Ministry of Defence as Deputy Director

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Lucknow’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The dynamic academic environment and diverse activities presented by the institute captivated my interest and motivated me to pursue this course. The curriculum strikes a harmonious balance between academic theory and practical case-based pedagogy, fostering a profound comprehension and empowering individuals to drive transformative change. With a longstanding academic inclination, I found the opportunity to learn from IIM Lucknow’s esteemed Finance and Marketing faculties profoundly enriching.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Lucknow? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? Marketing and Finance courses have been my favorite academic pursuits at IIM Lucknow. From Marketing, I’ve learned that successful business strategies aren’t just about products, but about understanding and connecting with people’s needs and emotions. This holistic perspective has shaped my approach to problem-solving. In Finance, I’ve grasped the importance of meticulous analysis and risk assessment, reading and analyzing balance sheets that are crucial skills for effective decision-making in any role.

Singing, my chosen extracurricular activity, has been transformative. It has taught me to transcend technical boundaries and think creatively. Moreover, by performing in front of an audience, I’ve conquered my stage fear, emerging with greater confidence and communication abilities—a crucial asset in the world of business.

What excites you the most about the International Immersion? What excites me the most about the International Immersion is the prospect of embarking on a captivating journey across three enchanting European countries – France, Switzerland and Brussels. The opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, savor their distinctive cuisines, and engage with new faces exhilarates me. Additionally, the chance to learn from the esteemed faculty at IESEG Business School is thrilling for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My career’s standout achievements include conquering the UPSC Engineering Services Exam, where the success rate is a mere 0.1%; studying at IIT during my under graduation; and being among the top performers in my Defence Academy.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest achievement as an MBA student has been embracing subjects like finance, marketing, and strategy that were completely new to me. I did well in my Term 1 exams, ranking in the top 3, which showed my dedication to learning.

Another proud moment, personal to me, was performing at the freshers’ event. This experience not only boosted my self-confidence, but also gave me a new perspective towards owning the stage.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, my aspiration is to step into mid-management roles within the realm of program or product management. On a personal note, I plan to continue honing my singing skills, a newfound talent I gained confidence in during my MBA journey. Balancing professional growth with personal passions, I look forward to a future that blends leadership and creativity in a fulfilling and impactful way.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Lucknow? The initial step involves achieving a strong GMAT score. The effort invested in GMAT preparation can prove invaluable when facing case studies in class.

Next, for essay preparations, candidates should introspect about their life, noting pivotal moments. This process may yield fresh insights and anecdotes relevant to each essay prompt.

Lastly, substantial time should be dedicated to interview readiness. Anticipate questions on career ambitions, interests, hobbies, and current affairs. Project confidence and maintain a sincere smile throughout the interview.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT LUCKNOW’S IPMX CLASS OF 2024