Manik Garg

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

Hometown: Patiala, Punjab

Fun Fact About Yourself: Beyond my doctor’s coat, I’m a DIY enthusiast who gets a kick out of fixing anything from people to household gadgets!

Undergraduate School and Major: MBBS from Government Medical College, Patiala

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Elite Safety Sciences, Deputy General Manager

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Having a distinctive background, pursuing an MBA was a daunting choice, but selecting the right school was a no-brainer. IIM Ahmedabad stood out as the top business school in India known for its academic excellence and distinguished alumni network. With my extensive professional journey, I found my profile aligned seamlessly with the diverse cohort at IIMA. What truly captivated me was the school’s case-based learning approach, which enables critical thinking by immersing students in real-world scenarios. I sought to learn from the best minds and engage with peers from varied backgrounds, each enriching our discussions with unique experiences and perspectives.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Ahmedabad? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? Although each course at IIMA has provided me with useful insights, Financial Reporting and Analysis (FRA) has been my favorite. As someone who enjoys playing with numbers, this course appealed to me. Taught by the Professor Balagopal Gopalakrishnan, his enthusiasm and expertise made the complex world of finance fascinating. His ability to explain complex subjects and make them engaging truly impressed me. Finances are the determining factor in any corporation’s success or failure, and evaluating various organizations’ balance sheets and P&L statements has provided me with the practical knowledge needed to make sound decisions as a future business leader. I believe the lessons learned from this course will serve as a basis for future courses. Professor Gopalakrishnan’s outstanding teaching has left a lasting impact, making FRA a memorable and transformative experience.

What makes Ahmedabad such a great place to earn an MBA? Ahmedabad is an excellent place for one to pursue an MBA because of its entrepreneurial spirit and thriving business climate. The city also offers several job prospects, with many big corporations, such as the Adani Group and Zydus Cadila, having their headquarters here. This proximity allows one to obtain important insights and networking chances crucial for future careers​. What’s more, Ahmedabad’s rich cultural background and great quality of life, which blend traditional and modern lifestyles, make it a welcoming place to live and study. IIMA, with its rigorous academic programs, outstanding faculty, and strong alumni network, provides immense learning opportunities that are unmatched across India.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest achievement in my career has been successfully delivering a critical organ transplant device project from our client involving patients with end-stage lung diseases. I feel proud to have been successfully able to handle and complete this complex project, which has the potential to significantly expand lung transplant availability, saving patients on the transplant waiting list from dying prematurely. I led a team where I oversaw brainstorming and training to bring my team’s abilities up to par, maintained ongoing client interaction, and reviewed and submitted safety reports to guarantee compliance with global safety regulations. Despite the challenges, I was able to submit the findings to regulatory authorities on schedule, making it one of the greatest successes for the organization I was working for. This accomplishment earned unanimous praise from both the company and the client.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment has been learning to thrive in the face of rigorous academic and personal challenges. I always knew that the PGPX curriculum at IIMA would require me to step far beyond my comfort zone. In the three months of the program, I believe I have done just that. At IIMA, you not only have your academics, but there’s much more with so many events going on at any given moment; your plate is full, and you must learn how to prioritize. Through all this, I have developed better time management skills by managing a demanding schedule of assignments, readings, group projects, never-ending quizzes, and other personal commitments. The journey has further improved my analytical thinking and decision-making skills, allowing me to contribute more effectively.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? IIMA’s vast campus keeps us busy with its academic rigor, so we mostly stay within its bounds. Outside of class, our favorite hangout is the iconic Louis Kahn Plaza—a perfect spot to unwind at midnight after a day full of classes, quizzes, and study group discussions. Since almost everyone loves food in the group, we occasionally go out to savor Ahmedabad’s culinary delights, braving the sweltering heat for a taste of the city’s flavors.

What do you hope to do after graduation? My professional journey began as a doctor with a dedication to improving patient healthcare outcomes. With almost 10 years of experience, I have delved into drug safety as a physician turned pharmaceutical expert, gaining insights into drug development, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance across various therapeutic areas. After graduation, I intend to transition into a product manager role in the pharmaceutical industry, where I can contribute to the entire pharmaceutical product lifecycle. This role would perfectly align with my goal of utilizing my extensive domain knowledge, while expanding my skill set to contribute to cutting-edge healthcare solutions.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Ahmedabad? My advice to potential applicants aiming to secure admission to IIM Ahmedabad would be first of all to have a self-belief and a clear understanding of the reasons for wanting to do an MBA. It’s critical to reflect thoroughly in order to describe your career journey, accomplishments, and future goals. A good GMAT score is just one of the requirements; equally important is having a well-crafted, unique story that highlights both personal and professional aspects of your life experiences. This will convey your uniqueness and fit through your essays and interviews, which are part of the admissions process. It is important to network with alumni to learn more about the program, its culture, and how it aligns with your long-term aspirations. Most importantly, be authentic and confident in your applications and interviews.

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