Meher Roy

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode

“A creative and happy-go-lucky person, exploring life’s wonders with an infectious enthusiasm and a passion for adventure.”

Hometown: Gurgaon, Haryana

Fun Fact About Yourself: I live for the pulse of adventure and the beat of music—two forces that keep me energized. From snorkelling in coral reefs to rafting down wild rapids, I’ve enjoyed the thrill of nature while hiking through mountain trails, almost always accompanied by the timeless beats of The Beatles. I like to be on the lookout for new experiences that inspire personal growth. I hold a keen interest in behavioural psychology.

Undergraduate School and Major: Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune; B.Des. in Graphic Design

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Gartner, Graphic Designer

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 of the key aspects that drew me to IIM Kozhikode was its focus on experiential learning. The program’s focus on real-world case studies and simulations offers a practical, hands-on approach to understanding business operations. Engaging in these interactive simulations, paired with a holistic curriculum that integrates diverse aspects of business management, has truly broadened my perspective, equipping me with practical skills that go beyond theoretical knowledge.

Moreover, the small batch size of 67 students, and a classroom of just 33 people, makes learning highly personalized. The intimate setting allows for deeper engagement with peers and professors, leading to meaningful discussions and a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard. This close-knit learning experience has been instrumental in my growth, providing me with not only knowledge but also the confidence to apply it in real-world contexts.

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? Two courses at IIM Kozhikode stand out in my academic journey: Macroeconomics and Human Resource Management (HRM). They’ve fundamentally altered my perspective on business and the world at large.

Our Macroeconomics professor, Prof. Rudra Sensarma had a knack for making complex ideas click. He painted a vivid picture of the Indian economy, connecting dots between inflation, fiscal policies, and socio-economic challenges. It was eye-opening to see how governmental decisions ripple through the economy, why quick fixes often fall short in addressing economic woes.

The HR Management course totally stole the show! Even at 9 AM, the class crackled with energy as we dissected case studies and engaged in lively debates. Professor Surya Prakash Pati turned our classroom into a vibrant arena of ideas, where we’d defend our viewpoints with passion. This approach not only sharpened our critical thinking but also coaxed me out of my shell, empowering me to voice my opinions without hesitation.

What set this course apart was its blend of theory and practicality. We didn’t just memorize HR concepts; we learned to navigate the nuanced world of organizational dynamics. Perhaps the most profound lesson was realizing that reality often diverges from the ideal, and effective management requires navigating this gap with wisdom and pragmatism. The course was truly a transformative experience that I’ll carry with me long after graduation!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Throughout my career at Gartner, I’ve consistently exceeded expectations and redefined professional limits. My contributions were recognized with a fast-track promotion. Additionally, I was selected for the prestigious RAMP 2023 cohort at Gartner, a three-month program designed to equip participants with advanced leadership skills. I also led initiatives to create templates and comprehensive onboarding resources that significantly reduced training time for new hires and boosted team productivity. My accomplishments culminated in winning the Gartner R&A Annual Award 2022 in Functional Excellence, for exceptional problem-solving skills and elevating project outcomes through innovative design thinking.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: One of my biggest accomplishments as an MBA student has been successfully bridging the gap between my design background and the world of business. Coming from a creative field, I initially found subjects like finance, operations, and supply chain management challenging. However, through persistent effort and a willingness to learn, I not only adapted to these new areas but excelled in them. I’m proud of how I’ve been able to apply my design thinking skills to solve complex business problems, often bringing a unique perspective to group projects and discussions. This journey of personal and professional growth, transitioning from a design specialist to a well-rounded business professional with a broadened perspective, has been incredibly rewarding and is something I consider a significant achievement.

What has been your most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode? Why was it so special? My most memorable experience at IIM Kozhikode has been navigating the whirlwind of highs and lows that come with the intense schedule. From sleepless nights working on assignments to early morning classes, it has been a rollercoaster. But the best part? Going through it all with my peers. There’s a quote by Helen Keller that comes to mind: “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” When you struggle together, you build some of the best friendships.

Balancing case studies, quizzes, group projects, and back-to-back classes was challenging, but sharing that struggle made it fun in a way I never expected. Whether it was a quick chai break after a long day or celebrating the end of a tough project, every moment felt more meaningful because we were in it together. It’s a reminder that college life, with its unique blend of pressure and fun, won’t come again—and I’m grateful to have experienced it with such an amazing group of people.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? What really pushed me to pursue an MBA was the desire to amplify the impact of my design expertise and problem-solving abilities in the broader business landscape. During my time at Gartner, I worked closely with researchers and consultants and got a front-row seat to their strategic decision-making process. It sparked a curiosity that I couldn’t ignore. While I loved translating complex data into visuals, I started imagining myself in roles where I could directly influence business strategy.

An MBA felt like the perfect way to broaden my perspective and dive deeper into areas like consulting, where I can combine creativity with strategy. After graduation, I’m excited to contribute to impactful initiatives and help organizations solve their toughest problems while navigating business challenges with a fresh, creative lens.

DON’T MISS: MEET IIM KOZHIKODE’S PGP-BL CLASS OF 2025