One Student’s Path: IIT To Wharton To BCG

Editor’s note: This summary was provided with the assistance of AI. 

How do students get from point A to B to C? From undergraduate to internship to a first job to a top MBA program and then to the next job. Looking at a LinkedIn resume offers an impressive arc, but it doesn’t give a sense of the late hours spent in the library, the countless coffees drunk, the job applications, and hours of networking it took to get there. Today, we dive into that journey.

MEET AMEYA MITTAL

Ameya Mittal, a recent graduate of the Wharton MBA program and currently a consultant at BCG, shares his path from IIT Bombay to the world of business. He co-founded LitAdmit, helping Indian students gain admission to top global MBA programs, and has been active in providing educational resources through Mentor and Mom.

Ameya’s journey began with a degree in mechanical engineering at IIT Bombay, where he was drawn not just to the technical aspects but also to the management courses offered.

“I was really attracted to mechanical engineering because it combined both design and engineering aspects.”

His experiences at IIT sparked an interest in business, leading him to pursue internships that would bridge his engineering background with management. One pivotal internship was at the Indian Institute of Management, where he tackled real-world business problems, further solidifying his desire to transition into consulting.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN A REMOTE WORLD

Ameya’s internship at Nomura Research Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges.

“Just having the right attitude… made me stand out as compared to the others.”

Despite remote work obstacles, his curiosity and dedication helped him secure a full-time position post-graduation. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even when the work isn’t as glamorous as one might hope.

THE MBA DECISION

After two years of consulting experience, Ameya decided to apply for Wharton’s deferred MBA program.

“I thought, why not give it a shot?”

His proactive approach during the pandemic allowed him to focus on his GMAT and application while still in the academic environment of IIT. Ameya reflects on his readiness to dive back into academia after just two years of real-world experience, recognizing the value of the skills he had acquired.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ameya Mittal’s journey is a testament to the intertwining paths of education and career development. His story underscores the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and seizing opportunities as they arise. To hear more about his experiences and insights, listen to the full episode.

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