Sidhant Goel

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

“A dreamer with a knack for problem-solving and a love for making meaningful connections.”

Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal

Fun Fact About Yourself: If not for finance, I would have run a beachside restaurant-shack

Undergraduate School and Major: CFA Institute (CFA Level-3) and JD Birla Institute (BBA)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: PwC India – Senior Associate (Advisory)

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? Apart from the classmates, the key aspects of IIM Bangalore’s MBA program that attracted me were its renowned faculty expertise, robust industry connections, and emphasis on experiential learning. NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore offers a unique platform to immerse oneself in the startup ecosystem, which is particularly appealing to me as a VC enthusiast. The opportunity to interact closely with emerging entrepreneurs, access cutting-edge research, and participate in hands-on mentoring and incubation programs is invaluable.

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 has been Competition and Strategy by Professor R Srinivasan. His valuable insights into platform businesses have been profoundly impactful and intriguing. Besides this, I have enjoyed playing table tennis and participated in multiple tournaments. Beyond the joy of the game itself, the most important lesson I’ve learned from it is the value of persistence and continuous improvement.

What makes Bengaluru such as great place to earn your MBA? Bangalore’s cosmopolitan atmosphere offers a plethora of opportunities to learn and network outside campus. I particularly like how easy it becomes for IIMB students to work on live projects with close-regular guidance from CXOs of startups and multi-nationals. In my time at IIMB, I have attended multiple talks and workshops on PE/VC by industry stalwarts. These enriching experiences would not have been possible in any other city in the country!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Early in my career, I was thrust into a critical role with limited experience. I was tasked with taking over a project from an outgoing senior consultant for one of the world’s largest communications companies, expected to be completed in less than a month. Each interaction with the client seemed like a daunting challenge. I dedicated countless hours to researching and reaching out to colleagues for answers. Despite being new to the role, I not only successfully launched the project, but I was also recognized by the company’s CEO for my efforts. My efforts were also recognised by PwC’s Consulting Leader. For my ability to navigate uncertainties and deliver results, I achieved a fast-track promotion to Senior Consultant within just 1.5 years, a year ahead of the typical trajectory.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My most significant accomplishment as an MBA student has been getting elected to the Placement Committee, where I witnessed an overwhelming response from peers who entrusted me with their confidence and support.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? My favorite hangout place away from school is Uru. It offers a lively, comfortable, and family-like environment. I love the food and beverages they have to offer. With open, comfortable seating, it is the perfect hangout space for me and my friends

What do you hope to do after graduation? While my consulting journey at PwC India allowed me to leverage SAP ERP for treasury and risk management solutions, I am now eager to shift my focus toward designing holistic, real-time solutions for complex business challenges. Post-MBA, I envision myself as a strategy consultant or as a part of a venture capital fund, expanding my expertise across various business dimensions. In the long run, I plan to leverage my entrepreneurial background to address the challenges in India’s textile industry. I aspire to drive digital transformation in this industry, making sales, distribution, and operations more efficient and ethical.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? Do not self reject! Even if you believe you’ve achieved less than others in the world around you, you’ll be surprised to see how differently the world perceives you. Remember, IIM Bangalore seeks well-rounded individuals with a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and a clear vision for their future. Focus on building a strong profile and showcasing your unique qualities. Just give a sincere and honest attempt.

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