Pawan Dudeja

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

“Number Cruncher, Cooking Enthusiast, Passionate Swimmer, Beer Aficionado. I transform data into decisions!”

Hometown: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: Despite my acrophobia, I challenged myself to go paragliding in Bir, one of India’s top paragliding spots, and it was an exhilarating experience. 35 minutes of pure ‘thrill and ‘chill’!

Undergraduate School and Major: IIT Kanpur (B. Tech, Civil Engineering)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Apollo Global Management – Associate Director

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Bangalore’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the main reasons I chose IIMB was the wide range of course electives offered in finance that align with my career goals. Besides the electives offered by IIMB, students can also take virtual courses from global business schools that are part of the GNAM network. These courses allow students from different member schools to connect online for lectures, discussions, and team projects, enhancing teamwork skills and cross-cultural understanding.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Bangalore? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favorite course at IIMB would undoubtedly be Macroeconomics. Professor Subramanian’s storytelling approach brought complex economic concepts to life, making them easy to understand and apply to real-world scenarios. I had some background in Microeconomics, but Macroeconomics was new to me. The intricate connections between different economic policies and their impacts on the broader economy struck me as pure magic.

One of the most important lessons I learned from this course, which Professor Subramanian also emphasized, is the importance of critically analyzing government policies to uncover the underlying rationale and consequences. Understanding the implications of each economic decision is crucial for anyone involved in business. This perspective has not only deepened my appreciation for economics but also equipped me with theoretical concepts to evaluate and assess economic policies.

What makes Bengaluru such as great place to earn your MBA? Apart from all the amazing things IIMB offers, Bangalore as a city provides a wealth of career opportunities. The startup culture is at the heart of Bangalore, making it an ideal location for someone like me planning to work in the field of private equity or venture capital. The city’s vibrant ecosystem fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, offering numerous networking and growth opportunities.

Additionally, the amazing weather throughout the year and the variety of breweries just add to the overall awesomeness of living and studying in Bangalore.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of the biggest accomplishments in my career so far has been my successful transition from the domain of insurance to finance. I started my career with an insurance firm as a pricing actuary, but I had always been passionate about finance and economics, as reflected in my choice of electives during my undergraduate days.

After working for five years in the insurance domain, I decided to pursue my true interest in finance. Despite not having direct experience in this field, I was determined to make the switch. I applied for a role focused on investment risk at Apollo Global, one of the largest private equity firms in the world, and was fortunate to secure the position.

In my new role, I quickly adapted and demonstrated my capabilities, handling one of their largest portfolios. Within just one year of joining as an Associate, I was promoted to Associate Director. This promotion was a significant milestone for me, as it validated my ability to excel in a new industry and instilled a lot of confidence in myself.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: Although we’re barely in the middle of the second term, I have eagerly taken part in various activities, ranging from sports to business case competitions. One of my biggest achievements so far has been participating in the ‘Trend Brewery’ competition organized by Heineken. This competition was highly competitive, with participation from some of the top business schools worldwide.

The competition involved multiple elimination rounds, each more challenging than the last, judged by Heineken’s Chief Procurement Officer and the commercial business team based out of Amsterdam. I am proud to say that I reached the final round, which was an intense and rewarding experience.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Honestly, the IIMB campus is so green and beautiful that it’s difficult to step out. On campus, my favorite hangout spot is definitely Amul. The aroma of oregano and cheese simply pulls you towards it, offering a perfect place to destress with friends. We often chit-chat over a cup of tea and some delicious pizza, making it a cherished part of my IIMB experience.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After completing my post-graduation, I plan to return to my previous industry, equipped with newly developed skills and knowledge. I also aim to complete my CFA and FRM charters while working. The next few years will be very crucial and demanding as I eventually want to become a Partner at a leading PE/VC firm.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? My primary advice would be to be completely clear about the reasons you want to pursue an MBA from IIMB and ensure that this comes through clearly in your application. Once you are convinced yourself, it will be easier for you to convince the Admissions Committee. Try to focus on getting a decent GMAT score by starting early, just in case multiple attempts are required. Be honest in your applications while highlighting the impacts you have made in your career. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help from alumni, both for your applications and interview preparation.

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