Swapnil Kumar

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

“A simple person with great aspirations, driven by a passion for impact and technology.”

Hometown: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy horse riding, traveling, and photography—three ways I explore the world and capture its moments.

Undergraduate School and Major: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Aerospace Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Scientist-‘SD’

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? I have always been in an environment of continuous learning and technological innovation, which perfectly aligns with the culture of IIM Bangalore. Conversations with alumni convinced me that IIM Bangalore could provide the platform to build upon my strengths as a person from a tech background. Additionally, I knew that Bangalore, with its ecosystem of the brightest minds in the country, would offer me the right exposure and launchpad into the business world.

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? It has to be the “Managing People & Performance” course in the OB-HRM area that really opened my thought process and gave me a new perspective on a “people first” approach in organizations. More credit goes to my professor, who was able to show us the bigger picture and the collective approach of a firm’s mission and vision, which might not always align with our personal goals.

What makes Bengaluru such as great place to earn your MBA? Bengaluru is the Tech-Hub of India. IIM Bangalore, situated in this dynamic ecosystem, offers access to a diverse talent pool and thought leadership, bridging academia with practical industry exposure. Bengaluru has also a very vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere which further enriches the MBA experience, creating a dynamic environment for learning and growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I wanted to serve India like my father, an Indian Army veteran. My initial dream was to join the Indian Air Force and become a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, I couldn’t achieve that goal. However, life presented me with another incredible opportunity to join ISRO. Immediately after 12th grade, I was admitted to the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), an institute governed by the Department of Space (Government of India). From there, I was directly absorbed into the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), ISRO’s largest center responsible for Launch Vehicle (Rockets) development. Serving there was a dream come true. I feel privileged to have had the chance to serve where great leaders like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam have served.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: Before starting my MBA, I was usually quiet. Throughout this journey, I’ve often found myself in situations that pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to open and connect with others. Now, I truly appreciate the value of building relationships, which has made me much more empathetic. This change has inspired me to actively create and nurture a strong network across different groups. Seeing my growth in networking and connecting with a diverse range of people is something I feel I have truly accomplished here.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? The IIM campus is so beautifully serene that we often end up spending most of our time there. My favorite spot is the benches near the grounds. Although we occasionally party outside the campus, we cherish these simple, yet profound moments on campus the most.

What do you hope to do after graduation? I aspire to secure an internal strategy role in a firm where I can continue to pursue my passion for engaging with new technologies and using them to drive innovation and business growth.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? Clarity is crucial. Understanding why you want to pursue an MBA should be your top priority. Once you have this clarity, everything else falls into place. Focus on achieving strong GRE/GMAT scores and crafting a compelling personal narrative that aligns with the values and ethos of top business schools like IIM Bangalore.

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