Vatsal Bhandari 

Imperial College Business School 

Hometown: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have a unique knack for finding the most affordable airfare options, a skill that has served me well in my travels!

Undergraduate School and Major: Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, India (Bachelors in Commerce)

(Graduate School and Major:) University of Edinburgh, UK (LLM in Banking Law and Finance)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Crux Investor, Financial Analyst

What were some key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you? Several key factors inspired me to pursue an MBA, especially at this stage of my career:

• Broadening Leadership and Strategic Skills: With a strong background in finance, law and compliance, I realised that the missing element in my arsenal was the advanced leadership and strategic management skills to tackle complex business challenges effectively. Pursuing an MBA will provide a structured environment to refine these abilities and prepare me for senior leadership roles.
• Career Transition and Growth: With extensive experience of collaborating with clients across diverse industries, I aim to transition into a leadership role in finance or fintech. Pursuing an MBA is the best way to achieve this goal, as it offers the knowledge, network, and resources necessary for me to step into a global role with greater responsibilities.
• Global Perspective and Networking: An MBA program offers unique opportunities to build a network of diverse peers, faculty, and alums, enhancing my ability to work effectively across various cultures.

What have been your first impressions of the Imperial MBA students and alums you’ve met so far? Tell us your best Imperial story. My first impressions have been overwhelmingly positive. The students are incredibly driven, diverse, and collaborative, with a shared commitment to learning and growing personally and professionally. What stood out to me the most was the strong sense of community that exists despite the diverse backgrounds. The willingness to share knowledge and experiences has fostered a supportive atmosphere, which I found both refreshing and inspiring.

I heard my favourite Imperial story at  an Alumni Meetup organised by the Business School. At this event, I spoke with a recent MBA graduate who had successfully transitioned into a leadership role at a top tech firm. He not only provided invaluable career advice but also shared personal stories about the challenges he faced throughout his journey. One piece of advice that resonated with me was how he leveraged the Imperial brand to connect with established professionals in target sectors, using this opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships.

Aside from your classmates, what were one or two key aspects of Imperial’s MBA program that led you to choose this business school and why were they so important to you?  One key aspect of Imperial’s MBA program that attracted me to the school is its integration of STEM-focused courses with a business mindset. The school has a strong connection to advanced research and technology, ensuring the MBA curriculum stays relevant and equips students with essential skills to lead in technology-driven industries. Similarly, Imperial organises an Innovation Challenge for MBA students, where participants collaborate to develop use cases for a promising technology. The experience is highly engaging as you work alongside your peers and ultimately pitch your ideas to a panel of judges. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in this event with my team emerging victorious, making the experience unforgettable! I highly recommend that future MBA students get involved in this opportunity. 

In addition, the opportunity to collaborate with Royal College of Art (RCA) students as part of an elective is another exciting aspect. RCA fosters a creative and design-thinking approach that complements Imperial’s data-driven and analytical focus. I find the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary projects—merging innovation, design, and business strategy—extremely exciting. 

What makes London such a great place to earn an MBA? London is a leading global financial centre, home to major banks, investment firms, hedge funds, and multinational corporations. This provides unparalleled access to internships, networking events, and post-MBA career opportunities in finance, consulting, and tech. Additionally, the UK’s visa policies, including the Graduate Route visa, facilitate international students’ ability to remain and work after graduation, providing a reassuring plan for a post-graduation career.

What module, club or activity excites you the most at Imperial?  The ‘Financial and Management Accounting’ module excites me the most. This module is particularly appealing because it equips students with the tools and frameworks necessary to understand and interpret financial statements. Although I had a background in accounting, Prof. Danielle Lyssimachou’s teaching style helped me establish various connections that were previously lost amid the subject’s mechanical aspects. The emphasis on case studies, practical applications, and understanding how accounting concepts work has deepened my appreciation for the subject.

Looking at your admissions process, what was the moment when you realised Imperial was the right programme for you? Why? The moment I recognised Imperial was right for me was during the admissions process. The admissions team’s outstanding responsiveness and communication left a lasting impression on me. They were consistently prompt and thorough in addressing my questions about the curriculum, career services, and networking opportunities. Their approachability and genuine interest in ensuring I felt supported throughout the process stood out in comparison to other schools.

What are two things you have learned at your School that have surprised you so far — one academic and one non-academic? I have been surprised by two things so far at Imperial:

• Academic: Integrating STEM-focused innovation into traditional business strategy is impressive. While I expected Imperial to emphasise STEM, I was pleasantly surprised by how thoroughly it is embedded in the curriculum, especially in modules like Strategy, and Innovation & Entreprenuership. The use of advanced analytics, data-driven decision-making, and insights from cutting-edge technologies has transformed my approach to problem-solving. I have discovered that combining technical expertise with strategic thinking provides a substantial competitive advantage in today’s rapidly evolving markets.

• Non-Academic: While I recognise that all MBA programmes emphasise teamwork, I was pleasantly surprised by the truly supportive and inclusive environment at Imperial. My classmates are always eager to share their insights during group projects, and our professors are accessible and genuinely invested in our success. This inclusive culture at Imperial makes everyone feel welcomed and part of a larger community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far. Working on a clemency application for a UK citizen convicted of financial crimes in the UAE. The case was highly complex, involving intricate legal frameworks across multiple jurisdictions. I worked closely with legal teams to develop a strong argument, ensuring that all necessary documentation and procedural requirements were fulfilled to support the application.

Securing clemency not only led to the individual’s release but also had a significant positive impact on his family. This experience tested my legal expertise, strategic thinking and ability to navigate cross-border challenges while showcasing my commitment to justice and fairness. It strengthened my belief in the ability of legal work to effect genuine, positive change and reinforced my ambition to work on significant, impactful cases in the future.

Looking ahead to one year, what would make your MBA experience successful?

• Skill Enhancement: I aim to understand corporate strategy, innovation management, and data analytics to effectively apply these concepts in real-world business situations. This involves improving my leadership skills so that I can effectively guide teams and make impactful decisions in fast-paced, technology-driven industries, particularly in the finance sector.
• Building a Strong Network: I want to build a strong professional network by creating meaningful connections with my classmates, alums and industry leaders. By participating in various projects, events and clubs, I plan to develop relationships that will enhance my learning and create career opportunities.
• Contribution to the Imperial Community: I will actively contribute to the Imperial community by taking on leadership roles and getting involved in clubs, particularly in areas like healthcare and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, I intend to support my peers through mentoring and collaborative group work. My goal is to share my experiences and insights, particularly in cross-cultural communication.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Imperial’s MBA program? My primary advice for applicants to Imperial’s MBA program is to clearly show how your professional experiences and future career goals align with the program’s unique offerings and how these will assist you in achieving them.

Imperial seeks candidates who excel academically and harness the program’s interdisciplinary approach to drive innovation in their careers. Be specific about how Imperial’s emphasis on STEM integration, strategic planning, and collaborative culture will help you grow and achieve your long-term goals. By demonstrating that you have thoroughly researched the program and thoughtfully considered how it aligns with your aspirations, you will distinguish yourself as a committed and strategic candidate.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE ENTIRE IMPERIAL COLLEGE MBA CLASS OF 2025