Meet the PGP-BL Class of 2025: Harshit Sanganeria, IIM Kozhikode by: Jeff Schmitt on January 07, 2025 | 45 Views January 7, 2025 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Harshit Sanganeria Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode “Engineer and MBA by education, consultant by profession, and entrepreneur at heart, driven by growth.” Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal Fun Fact About Yourself: I can seamlessly switch from cracking jokes to solving business problems, all while staying laser-focused on deadlines! Undergraduate School and Major: KIIT Deemed University, B.Tech in Computer Science Most Recent Employer and Job Title: ZS Associates, Decision Analytics Associate Consultant Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Kozhikode’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One key factor that drew me to IIM Kozhikode’s MBA program was its strong emphasis on experiential learning through real-world case studies, simulations, and group projects. This hands-on approach was particularly important to me because it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real business challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of complex business dynamics. I wanted an environment where I could engage in practical problem-solving and develop skills directly relevant to leadership roles. This experiential learning not only sharpens decision-making abilities, but also builds confidence in tackling multifaceted problems, which aligns perfectly with my career goals in consulting and entrepreneurship. What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Kozhikode? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favorite activity at IIM Kozhikode has been participating in the student council, where I had the opportunity to engage in leadership and decision-making roles. This experience taught me one of the most important lessons: the value of collaborative leadership. Managing diverse opinions, addressing the concerns of the entire batch, and planning various student-led initiatives showed me the importance of empathy, clear communication, and teamwork. Balancing academics with council responsibilities also strengthened my time-management skills. Overall, it taught me that effective leadership is about building consensus, listening actively, and motivating others towards a shared vision. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: There were various small achievements in my life, but one of them impacted me the most. It was during my final year of college when I had the opportunity to work for a prominent multinational corporation headquartered in Germany. Initially, I found the work intriguing. As time went on, a nagging feeling emerged within me, compelling me to seek something more fulfilling. Finally, I made the bold decision to decline the final job offer from this prestigious company. Driven by a burning desire to make a meaningful impact, I joined forces with two of my school friends to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. Together, we established a company focused on developing software and analytic tools tailored for small and medium enterprises. In less than a month, we secured our first client and signed a contract worth 4 lakh INR and also engaged in discussions with several prospective clients. However, despite our best efforts, unforeseen challenges arose and due to lack of resources we were not able to scale our business. While the venture did not achieve the desired success, the lessons I learned from this experience were invaluable. Through the highs-and-lows of this startup journey, I learned firsthand the significance of dedication and discipline. It became clear to me that with unwavering commitment and a structured approach, seemingly insurmountable goals could be achieved. The experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. Failure, I discovered, was not an endpoint but a catalyst for growth and an opportunity to refine one’s skills and strategies. Following this period, I embarked on a career path that aligned with my aspirations. I joined a prestigious consulting company, where I have continuously garnered appreciation from clients and received appreciation during my tenure. Each project I undertook offered me fresh opportunities to learn and grow. Collaborating with clients from various industries, I honed my skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Through meticulous analysis, thoughtful recommendations, and a genuine desire to help clients achieve their goals, I developed a reputation as a trusted advisor and a valuable resource. In conclusion, while I have celebrated various accomplishments throughout my life, one particular milestone stands out as a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth. From declining a good job offer to embarking on an entrepreneurial venture, to ultimately finding my stride in the world of consulting, each experience has shaped me into a resilient and accomplished professional. Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been winning the student council elections at IIM Kozhikode. Competing against several strong candidates, I campaigned to gain the trust of my diverse batch. Through personal interactions, clear communication, and addressing my peers’ concerns, I successfully earned the highest number of votes. Being elected to the council allowed me to play a key role in shaping student-led activities and events throughout the year. This accomplishment not only strengthened my leadership and communication skills, but also taught me the importance of collaboration and representing diverse perspectives effectively. What has been your most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode? Why was it so special? My most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode has been the unique combination of learning and growth in its resort-style, oxy-rich campus nestled atop a hill. The serene environment, surrounded by nature, created the perfect backdrop for late-night study sessions and group projects. Collaborating with classmates from diverse backgrounds not only broadened my perspective, but also enriched my learning experience. Whether it was brainstorming for case competitions – where we went on to win several accolades – or refining my business acumen in areas like stock markets, every moment was a learning opportunity. The vibrant campus life and these invaluable experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally, deepening my passion for business and preparing me for future challenges. What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I chose to pursue an MBA at this point in my career to expand my leadership and strategic thinking skills, which I realized were essential to achieve my long-term goals. After gaining valuable experience in consulting and entrepreneurship, I felt that an MBA would provide me with the broader business knowledge and cross-functional insights needed to navigate complex business challenges. I wanted to deepen my understanding of areas like finance, strategy, and operations, while also refining my leadership abilities in a collaborative and diverse environment. After graduation, I aim to leverage my consulting background and MBA education to take on leadership roles in management consulting or corporate strategy. My goal is to help organizations drive growth and solve complex business problems, with a focus on innovation and operational excellence. In the long term, I aspire to transition into entrepreneurial ventures, combining my business acumen and passion for building impactful solutions. DON’T MISS: MEET IIM KOZHIKODE’S PGP-BL CLASS OF 2025