Ritika Agrawal

Indian School of Business

“Driven to create impactful solutions with commitment and purpose, blending engineering and consulting skills.”

Hometown: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: Music’s my happy place – I sing and play the Ukulele (bought by my first salary and self-learnt during COVID)

Undergraduate School and Major: IIT Bombay, Chemical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Banking Group Ltd, Business Analyst

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Indian School of Business MBA programming that led you to choose this school and why was it so important to you? The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty was a key factor in my decision to pursue my MBA at ISB. With an engineering background and no prior business education, I wanted to ensure that the program would provide the highest quality learning in its one-year duration. ISB’s renowned faculty and strong academic affiliations gave me the confidence that I would receive a world-class education, equipping me with the business acumen I needed to succeed.

What has been your favourite course or extracurricular activity at the Indian School of Business? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? The orientation week at ISB was one of the most fun and insightful experiences of my time at the school. It not only prepared us for the rigours of life at IS,  but also taught us how to balance intense deadlines with enjoyment, including parties and team-building activities. The most valuable lesson I learned during this week was to believe in myself and trust the process – knowing that everything falls into place in the end, no matter how challenging things may seem at the start.

What makes Hyderabad such a great place to earn your MBA? Mohali is an excellent destination for pursuing an MBA due to its strategic location near Chandigarh, a growing business and IT hub. The ISB Mohali campus, in particular, benefits from proximity to key business centres like Delhi and Gurgaon, offering students abundant networking and career opportunities. Beyond academics, Mohali boasts a high quality of life with lush green spaces, modern infrastructure, and a vibrant community, making it an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest achievements over the past two-and-a-half years was building strong relationships with my teams and stakeholders in Melbourne, Australia. As the sole team member from India, I had the unique opportunity to represent our projects in India, engaging with stakeholders from across the globe and playing a key role in cross-cultural collaboration.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: The growth and learning I’ve experienced in just six months at ISB have been remarkable. One of my most exciting achievements as an MBA student has been the opportunity to work on a pro bono project. This real-life assignment allowed me to create a meaningful impact by conducting market research and engaging with consumers, all while applying the concepts I’ve learned in the classroom. It was a rewarding experience that gave me hands-on exposure to problem-solving and strategic decision-making in a real-world context.

What is your class’s favourite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? For ISB students in Mohali, Sukhna Lake in nearby Chandigarh is a popular retreat. Its tranquil setting, particularly at sunrise and sunset, offers a peaceful escape from the intensity of the MBA routine, providing a perfect spot to unwind and recharge.

What do you hope to do after graduation? My goal post-ISB is to pursue a career in business consulting or strategy, where I can leverage the skills and insights gained during the program to address real-world challenges and drive sustainable value for both businesses and society.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PGP CLASS OF 2025