Sakshi Suryavanshi

ESMT Berlin

“Proud Indian woman, paving the way for others, driven by positive impact and continuous growth.”

Hometown: Vadodara, India

Fun fact about yourself: Experiences three fractures in a year at 13 from the same activity, a humbling reminder of resilience.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Symbiosis International University, Bachelor of Media Studies

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? I was a Manager at MSL India, overseeing campaigns and client relations in the Sports Vertical.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? I interned at TeamViewer GmbH here in Germany in the Sports Partnerships team. During this time, I worked on sponsorship activation and management with Manchester United and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Where will you be working after graduation? Undecided.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Co-President, Technology & Innovation Club: Led the student-run Tech & Innovation Club, fostering collaborations with tech companies, organizing participation in European tech conferences and creating platforms for knowledge sharing within the school.
• Vice President, Women in Leadership Club: Managed operations and logistics for the club, facilitating events, discussions and networking programs for women aspiring for leadership roles in their careers.
• Admissions Ambassadors – Head: Elected to lead the Admissions Ambassadors, collaborating with the school to attract prospective students and ensure smooth onboarding for new cohorts.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I take particular pride in my involvement in organising the annual Women in Leadership event in November last year. It featured a lineup of 17 speakers from 14 different companies, taking place over three days and including participation from over 120 students and external guests. The event provided invaluable keynote speeches, workshops, mentorship and networking opportunities, empowering women from diverse backgrounds as they advance in their careers.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest accomplishments in my professional career was working on a campaign for my client, Sony Sports Network India, titled “Meri Doosri Country” (ENG: My Second Country) during the FIFA World Cup 2018. Collaborating within our team and with external stakeholders for this project was immensely rewarding. It went beyond normal marketing efforts and became a celebration of football fans in India, sparking a broader conversation about football as a sport and our consumption of it in India. Witnessing the impactful resonance of the campaign with audiences and its contribution to shaping perceptions was beyond gratifying.

Why did you choose this business school? As someone seeking to pivot my career into the tech industry, I sought out a business school with a strong focus on technology. ESMT stood out to me with its comprehensive offerings in technology-related courses, research emphasis, and academic resources. The vibrant tech scene in Berlin, where the school is located, further solidified my decision.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Without a doubt, my favorite MBA professor was Raji Jayaraman. Her teaching style was brilliant, as she seamlessly integrated complex data and economics concepts with real-world business and humanitarian cases around the globe. Raji’s ability to address profound topics like the gender pay gap, climate justice, and labor economics – while imparting essential business knowledge – widened my perspective and made the learning experience much more enriching.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course from the MBA was ‘Global Economy and Politics’, which was an elective. This course delved into the critical role of geopolitics and macroeconomics in shaping business decisions and impact on everyday operations in the corporate world. Understanding these dynamics was instrumental in preparing me to navigate the complexities of the business world.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? One of the most cherished traditions at our business school for me was our participation in the MBA Tournament (MBAT). This annual sports tournament brought together students from business schools across the globe and provided us with an opportunity to showcase our athletic abilities with some friendly competitiveness. The memories created and the lasting bonds we formed remain some of the highlights from my MBA experience.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? If I could revisit my MBA journey, I would address my struggle with imposter syndrome earlier on. In the initial months, being among the youngest in the cohort hindered me from fully showcasing my capabilities. It took me time to overcome this barrier. With the incredible support from my classmates, I learned to embrace my true self and contribute confidently. While I continue to work through this syndrome, I’m grateful for the encouragement and inspiration from the support system around me.

What is the biggest myth about your school? (and how was it the same or different than what you experienced) Contrary to the misconception that a business school in Germany may lack diversity, my experience was quite the opposite. Our cohort comprised individuals from 24 different nationalities, fostering a rich learning environment with diverse perspectives and experiences. This contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth, challenging and enriching my worldview.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? The best part of Berlin lies in its unique character, permeating through every aspect of the city. The tangible essence of Berlin offers an immersive experience rich in art, culture, and creativity on a daily basis.

What surprised you the most about business school? The transformative growth in just 1 year – both personally and professionally. From invaluable learning experiences to forging lifelong friendships, every aspect of the experience exceeded my expectations.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Jonathan Davy stands out to me as someone I deeply admire. His unwavering vision and passion for addressing climate challenges through his venture builder in Indonesia are truly inspiring. Despite the demands of the MBA program, Jonathan continued to contribute to his venture, while also demonstrating quiet resilience and warmth in every conversation. His commitment to making a positive impact on the world is beyond admirable.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My primary aspiration is to continue championing women empowerment, particularly focusing on supporting women from minority backgrounds in business. I’m deeply passionate about this cause and aim to contribute through pro bono work and advocacy efforts. And I’ve always harbored a keen interest in psychology and linguistics, so I hope to return to school some time in the future to pursue studies in these fields.

What made Sakshi Suryavanshi such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Sakshi stands out in the class as one of the most mature and outspoken students. I remember her engagement in numerous town halls and other program events, to which she always contributed strongly. She also took my elective Global Economy and Politics course and proved extremely cognizant and sharp. Her interest in the global economy and insights about the Global South’s role in it were remarkable. I can confidently say that Sakshi belongs to our best students and fully deserves the prize.”

Michal Grajek
Associate Professor of Economics, Faculty Lead of the MBA Program
ESMT Berlin

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024