Raksha Hebbar

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

“A risk consultant who loves it when both worlds collide – the logical and the creative.”

Hometown: Palakkad and Kerala

Fun Fact About Yourself: People often describe me as studious, but what truly lights me up is when they also see the other sides of me – a dancer, singer, artist, writer, and an impact player on the cricket field. One of my favorite moments was clinching a recent match for my team by scoring the winning run – a reminder that I thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Undergraduate School and Major: Christ (Deemed to be University), Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) majored in Finance and Investment.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Grant Thornton Bharat, Assistant Manager Forensic

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Bangalore’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Aside from my classmates, the defining factor that drew me to IIM Bangalore was its world-class faculty. I have always believed that knowledge is power. When I explored the faculty profiles on the institute’s website, I was struck by the depth and diversity of expertise, spanning both academia and industry. It was clear that I would have the opportunity to learn from not just some of the best minds in the country, but globally.

After 5.5 years in risk consulting, I found myself at an inflection point. While I had developed strong functional expertise, I sought a broader, more strategic understanding of how businesses operate. I wanted to move beyond advising on risks and begin learning how to build resilient, opportunity-driven businesses from the ground up. IIM Bangalore’s MBA program offered exactly the kind of rigorous academic grounding and practical exposure I needed to bridge that gap and evolve into a well-rounded business leader.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Bangalore? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? We recently wrapped up Term 1, and my favorite course so far has been Entrepreneurship Management taught by Professor Srivardhini Jha. The course underscored a powerful idea, that regardless of one’s role or industry, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset is essential to drive meaningful impact. It challenged me to start thinking like an entrepreneur: spot opportunities, apply structured frameworks, and envision scalable, sustainable business solutions.

The highlight was a group project where we had to develop and pitch a business idea. I had the privilege of collaborating with a dynamic team – a fellow Big Four consultant, the COO of sales at a leading food delivery startup, a real estate consultant, and a chartered accountant. From ideation to crafting a business plan and presenting a minimum viable product, the experience was equal parts intense and exhilarating. It not only deepened my understanding of venture creation but also reaffirmed the joy of building something from the ground up.

What makes Bengaluru such a great place to earn your MBA? Bengaluru is a vibrant, youthful city that constantly fuels ambition, especially in tech and entrepreneurship. Its dynamic ecosystem attracts top talent from across the country, creating a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and opportunity. What makes it truly special for an MBA student is the environment it fosters: one where thought-provoking conversations, meaningful collaborations, and serendipitous encounters often lead to life- changing opportunities. It’s a city that doesn’t just support ambition, it accelerates it.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Breaking into the CA-dominated field of Forensic Investigations as a non-CA has been one of my proudest accomplishments. I was entrusted with leading the largest project for our Bangalore practice, an opportunity that not only tested my skills but also reinforced my credibility. Our team’s work led to a significant expansion in project scope and repeat engagements from the client. The trust I earned translated into accelerated promotions and consistent recognition, reaffirming my belief in the value of determination, expertise, and performance.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been getting elected to the Branding Committee, where I have the privilege of representing and amplifying the voice of our incredible 73-member cohort. It’s deeply rewarding to contribute to the visibility and positioning of a world-class program like the EPGP at IIM Bangalore. What makes it especially fulfilling is the appreciation we receive from alumni, who recognize and value the effort we’re putting into communicating the true essence and impact of the program to the world.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? We’re fortunate to have enough vibrant hangout spots right within the IIM Bangalore campus, so we rarely feel the need to venture outside. We’ll grab a cold coffee from Amul Café, power through late-night study sessions, indulge in steaming cheese Maggi from the night canteen during midnight breaks, or gather at QSquare for birthday celebrations and spontaneous catchups. These on- campus spaces have become our go-to places to relax, recharge, and bond as a cohort.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I aim to transition into leadership roles in program management or strategy. I plan to leverage my prior experience in risk advisory and process improvement, combined with the strategic and analytical foundation I’m building through the MBA program. My goal is to drive large- scale initiatives that align business objectives with operational excellence and long-term value creation.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? Why do you need an MBA from IIM Bangalore at this stage in your career? And what will the EPGP program gain from having you as a student and alum?

Once you’ve found honest, thoughtful answers to these questions, the next step is to weave them into a strong Statement of Purpose.

Beyond the technicalities of your achievements, I believe storytelling is what truly sets an application apart. Your SOP should not only highlight your professional accomplishments and the impact you’ve created but also bring out the personal journey behind them – your motivations, challenges, and values. At the end of the day, people connect with authenticity. So, craft a narrative that reflects your unique personal brand and the human behind the résumé.

DON’T MISS: MEET IIM BANGALORE’S EPGP CLASS OF 2026

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