Dhawal Dilip Sail

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

“Desire, Determination, Discipline, Devotion, Dedication – all guiding forces shaping my journey toward Destiny.”

Hometown: Dombivali, Thane, Maharashtra

Fun Fact About Yourself: My journey has taken many turns. I started with audit, then moved to taxation, forensic investigation, data analytics, and credit underwriting- and now I’m doing an MBA. Things didn’t always go as planned, but every change taught me something new and took me in a completely different direction. Looking back, each role helped me discover a new skill and made my journey more interesting. I’ve learned to adapt quickly and enjoy the unexpected.

Undergraduate School and Major: Mulund College of Commerce (affiliated with Mumbai University)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: ICICI Bank Limited | Senior Credit Analyst (Manager-II)

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? Apart from the classmates, what really attracted me to IIM Bangalore was the chance to work on live projects. Just like in the CA course, where we work in a CA firm before qualifying, IIMB also gives a mix of theory and real-world experience. I’ve started working on a live project with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) in the area of development finance, which is where I see my future career.

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? One of IIMB’s biggest strengths is its exceptional faculty. In a short time, I’ve come across three courses that truly stood out. Professor Abhoy Ojha’s Designing Organizations initially seemed theoretical, but later revealed deep insights into how structure shapes long-term success. Professor Srivardhini Jha’s Entrepreneurial Management sharpened my entrepreneurial thinking and helped me look at ideas more practically. Though I come from a CA background, Prof. Srinivasan Rangan’s Financial Reporting offered a fresh and strategic perspective beyond what I had previously learned.

What makes Bengaluru such as great place to earn your MBA? Bengaluru is the perfect blend of innovation and intellect. As the startup capital of India, it offers unmatched exposure to emerging businesses, investor networks, and entrepreneurial energy. Coupled with top research institutions and a diverse talent pool, even casual coffee chats often turn into insightful discussions- enriching the MBA journey beyond the classroom.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my biggest accomplishments has been the opportunity to work closely with teams that reported directly to CXOs at two of India’s leading conglomerates- Aditya Birla Group and Reliance Retail. I worked across diverse business segments, from retail and chemicals to finance and logistics. These roles demanded high ownership and adaptability. My dedication and problem-solving approach helped drive impactful outcomes and earned me recognition within the organization. It also gave me early exposure to strategic thinking and large-scale operations.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: As part of IIMB’s entrepreneurial curriculum, I co-developed ‘Athelance’- a LinkedIn-style MVP for athletes. We began by identifying pain points through primary interviews with national and grassroots athletes, uncovering barriers in visibility, affordability, and access to coaching. Based on these insights, we built verified digital profiles to bridge the opportunity gap. We also tested user interest, trust factors, and feature needs through prototypes and feedback. This hands-on journey from idea to MVP refined my skills in customer discovery, design thinking, and translating unmet needs into a scalable business model.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? At IIMB, our favorite hangout spots are right on campus- whether it’s Haneena, Prabhakar’s shop, the sports ground, or simply a quiet bench under a tree. Surrounded by nature, the campus offers countless ‘me spaces’ that help us recharge and reflect. Each day, nature reveals a new shade – making it unnecessary to step outside for peace or perspective.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I plan to move into strategic finance or investment banking, leveraging my background in audit, credit, and data analytics. I am drawn to roles that involve complex problem-solving, financial decision-making, and business growth. Over time, I aspire to take on leadership roles that influence capital allocation and long-term value creation. My MBA journey at IIMB has equipped me with a strong blend of strategic thinking and financial acumen to pursue this goal.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? Be clear about your “why” — why an MBA, why now, and why IIM Bangalore. Authenticity matters more than buzzwords. Highlight your unique journey, what you’ll contribute to the cohort, and how IIMB fits into your long-term goals. Reflect deeply and present your story with clarity and purpose.

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

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