Vaibhav Kasturia

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

“I am a confident, responsible, organized, open-minded, creative, and focused individual with a zeal for innovation.”

Hometown:  Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m an excellent swimmer and scuba diver, and I was recently placed as runner-up in my institute’s sports day swimming competition. Another fun fact: I absolutely need chai to kickstart my day and can often be seen running to my first class with a cup or a mug of chai in my hand!

Undergraduate School and Major:  B.E. (Hons.) in Computer Science from BITS Pilani, M.Sc. in Computer Science from Leibniz University Hannover

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Consultant at Deloitte Germany

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? The faculty. For example, I am taught Finance by a professor who is a member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Reserve Bank of India, Strategy by professors who are former CXOs and Board Members of leading MNCs, and Economics by a professor consulted by the Government of India on economic policies. Access to such brilliant minds can significantly shape your destiny.

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? In the three months that I have been here so far, my favorite course has been the Microeconomics course taught by Prof. Viswanath Pingali. This course stands out because of the engaging and thought-provoking way it is taught. The tests, quizzes, sessions and assignments are challenging yet highly amusing, filled with numerous “aha” moments. It’s a brilliant course taught by a professor who is nothing short of an artist in the way he teaches. The most important lesson I have learned from this course is that decision-making for the future should not be overly biased by past decisions. Even among competitors, cooperation can be a better way forward for mutual benefits in the future.

What makes Ahmedabad such a great place to earn an MBA? IIM Ahmedabad boasts not only of only superb faculty, but also excellent infrastructure and a legacy I am proud to be a part of. IIM Ahmedabad’s strong industry connections, extensive alumni network, and emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship create an enriching academic environment. Additionally, the city of Ahmedabad, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, is also a well-developed urban center with modern amenities, robust infrastructure and a thriving business community, offering a dynamic and inspiring backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In August 2018, my passion for Information Retrieval led me to a demanding project at the University of Halle-Wittenberg with the objective of refining algorithms to address a flaw in Google’s processing of ambiguous queries. The challenge was to produce research worthy of an A* Computer Science conference, a feat seemingly reserved for tech giants like Google and Microsoft. With just a student assistant at my side, we embarked on a 1.5-year journey to design and implement search engine algorithms for ambiguous queries. Life, however, threw curveballs. Three A* conference rejections and the onset of COVID-19, with my family in India grappling with the virus, tested my spirit. However, the flame of determination persisted. Despite my shift to Deloitte, my ambitions to publish this research persisted. My evenings and weekends were devoted to refining the research. After three years of relentless endeavor, in October 2021, a breakthrough arrived: my paper’s acceptance at WSDM 2022, an A* computer science conference and the 4th best conference for Data Mining and Analysis according to Google Scholar.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: Being among the select few students awarded the Batch Entry Scholarship Award by IIM Ahmedabad has been my biggest honor as an MBA student. The PGPX course at IIMA is incredibly demanding, with a hectic class schedule, daunting case studies, and quizzes and tests that come with twists and surprises almost every day. On top of that, there are regular meetings with syndicate groups for assignments and discussions on case studies prior to classes. Despite these challenges, I have managed to maintain a balance by finding time to swim several times a week and ensuring I get at least 6-7 hours of sleep each night. I consider my ability not only to work hard, but also to manage time effectively and maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst a rigorous academic environment a significant accomplishment.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? My favorite hangout away from school is Nexus One Mall in Vastrapur, Ahmedabad. Located within walking distance from the campus, it offers a convenient and enjoyable escape. With its numerous stores, it’s an excellent place for shopping, allowing us to unwind and indulge in some retail therapy. Additionally, the multiplex within the mall provides a great venue for watching movies, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment after a hectic week of studies and assignments.

What do you hope to do after graduation? At Deloitte, I had the opportunity to work on various projects across diverse industries such as Financial Services, Life Sciences, Public Sector, and Automotive. While I was focused on technical solutions, the overall data transformation strategy excited me. Over the course of these projects, I realized that developing skills in business transformation strategy was essential. Therefore, I decided to pursue an MBA to enhance my ability to help clients develop comprehensive business transformation strategies. After graduating, I aim to help clients design their digital transformation roadmaps within the digital practices of leading consulting firms like MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain).

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Ahmedabad? Start by deeply reflecting on why you want to pursue an MBA and why specifically at IIM Ahmedabad. Along with an excellent academic and professional track record, focus on achieving a high GMAT score to increase your chances of being shortlisted. Thoroughly research the PGPX course and understand how it aligns with your career goals. Be prepared to write essays within a short time frame once shortlisted and write clear and concise responses that reflect your motivations and experiences. Stay updated on current affairs to help during the extempore segment of the interview process and develop strong arguments to confidently defend your positions. Throughout the application process, maintain focus and presence of mind, work hard, and stay dedicated to your goal of gaining admission to this prestigious institution.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AHMEDABAD MBA CLASS OF 2025