Vishal Goyal

Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow

“An Armed forces veteran who is always looking for new challenges.”

Hometown: Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh

Undergraduate School and Major: Uttar Pradesh Technical University, B.Tech

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Head Technical Service, OIPL

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? IIM L has undisputed brand name in India. After 11.5 years of experience in a sector very different from the corporate world, I was looking for a school that would help me grow academically and provide me with the practical nuances of the corporate world. IIM Lucknow’s unique amalgamation of core courses and electives spread over four terms helps students develop a fundamental understanding of subjects and their applications in industry. The complete package in terms of course curriculum, pedagogy and practical exposure made me choose IIM L over the others.

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? My favorite course so far has been Strategic Management, taught by Professor Amita Mittal. The course gave me a real-world insight into how companies gain an edge in the competitive world. Professor Mittal has extensive industry experience, and her lectures were engaging and informative. She backed up all of the theoretical concepts with real-life examples and the in-depth classroom discussions, the case studies discussed in her classes made the learning process more interesting.

What excites you the most about the International Immersion? International immersion provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures and business practices, a chance to network with international professionals, experience a new place and way of life, and much more. Above all, what excites me the most are the unique experiences and memories created during international immersion while traveling with the cohort. These memories often become cherished stories that I would carry with me throughout my life.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I was aboard in an Indian Naval Ship, serving as a weapon system maintainer. During one of the ship’s operations, the outer hull of the ASW sensor (Sonar) sustained damage and needed to be replaced to ensure safe navigation. Given that it was an underwater equipment, the ship required urgent dry docking. This situation posed a significant setback as the ship was scheduled to participate in an international maritime event within a few weeks.

I took charge of the situation involving the replacement of the Sonar Dome. Initially, the estimated duration of the work from all agencies was 27-30 days, but we managed to complete it within a span of 12 days, ultimately making the ship seaworthy in a remarkable record time of 17 days.

This achievement brought accolades and appreciation to the ship. I consider it one of the proudest moments of my career, as we successfully ensured that our ship was fit for the sea and capable of meeting the expectations of the entire crew. Further this project is etched in my mind because, post-completion, my Commanding Officer commended me and regarded me as “Man Friday”. This project was a significant learning experience and remains a source of enduring pride throughout my career.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My most significant achievement during my MBA journey has been my progress in overcoming my reserve nature and building strong networking skills. Through participation in group projects and engaging in discussions at IIM L, I’ve transitioned from being a reserve to one connecting with diverse peers. This transformation reflects my personal growth, enabling me to establish meaningful connections and contribute effectively in professional contexts.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Upon completing my MBA, I am considering two potential career paths. The first is to step into the role of an operations manager at an e-commerce company. The second involves joining a consulting firm that specializes in operations consultancy. I am drawn to both options due to the dynamic challenges they present. I am confident that I can leverage the skills and knowledge I have acquired during my MBA, as well as my previous professional experience, to excel in either of these roles.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Lucknow? My advice to all the applicants would be to prepare thoroughly each and every part of the application from resume to questionnaires asked in application form. One must present a genuine self of themselves throughout the application process, highlighting their unique experiences and strengths that set one apart from other candidates. One must have a thorough knowledge of their industry and a good general awareness happening in and around the world.

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