Prajnya Bhat

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

“Entrepreneur by day, performer by passion, sports junkie by choice, and adrenaline addict by default, powered by people, music, and an unwavering why not attitude.”

Hometown: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve danced with multiple actors like Hrithik Roshan, Amir Khan, Katrina Kaif in shows like Filmfare and IIFA award shows as a background dancer.

Undergraduate School and Major: MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology – Chemical engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Grundfos Pumps India Private Limited, Sales Engineer (South Region)

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Bangalore MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Beyond my classmates, the key factor that drew me to IIM Bangalore was the opportunity to learn in an environment that combines academic rigour with real-world business exposure. Coming from an entrepreneurial and sales background, I wanted an MBA that would challenge me to think beyond my functional experience and develop a broader understanding of strategy, finance, operations, and leadership. IIM Bangalores case-based learning, strong industry interface, and emphasis on applying concepts to real business problems were particularly important to me.

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? My favourite course at IIM Bangalore has been Competition and Strategy. Coming from an entrepreneurial and sales background, I had always been interested in businesses, but this course helped me understand why businesses and entire industries function the way they do.

The course genuinely broadened my perspective and introduced me to ways of thinking that I had never considered before. The case-based learning approach was particularly impactful because it pushed me beyond simply learning concepts. Each case required us to think deeply, consider multiple perspectives, and understand the strategic choices and trade-offs businesses face.

The most important lesson I have learned is that business decisions cannot be viewed in isolation. A company’s success is shaped not only by what it does, but also by its competitors, industry structure, customers, suppliers, and the broader environment in which it operates. The course has fundamentally changed the way I look at businesses and has made me a much more structured and strategic thinker.

What makes Bengaluru such as great place to earn your MBA? For me, Bengaluru is especially meaningful because it combines the energy of a fast-growing business hub with a culture of curiosity and experimentation. It is a city where people are constantly building, innovating, and challenging the status quo. Also, I have been a Bangalore hudgi (Bangalore girl) from the beginning. This is my home. I was very sure about IIMB which is why IIMB was the only college I applied to!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment has been building my startup, which supplied clean drinking water in a tier-3 city. Beyond growing the business, I am most proud that it created employment and a source of income for eight women who otherwise may not have entered the workforce. Seeing them gain financial independence and confidence has been the most rewarding part of my entrepreneurial journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student has been learning to thrive in the chaos. I have learned to balance projects, deadlines, exams, and a surprisingly active sporting life playing almost every day and even picking up sports I had never played before. I’m proud that I have learned not just to manage multiple priorities, but to make time for the things that energise me along the way.

What is your class favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Our class has two favourite hangout options: Mitti Cafe for late-night snacking or Hydration Time at Mykos, the bar right in front of campus. These are the places where we unwind, catch up, and spend time together away from the classroom.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I hope to take on meaningful leadership roles where I can make a real impact, lead high-performing teams, and contribute to building something bigger than myself. Eventually, I hope to start my business, I do not think the entrepreneurial flame in me will ever go away!

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? My biggest advice would be to focus on the story your resume tells. There should be a clear thread connecting your experiences, choices, and achievements, rather than a collection of unrelated accomplishments. While a strong GMAT score is important, IIM Bangalore looks beyond grades and scores.

Most importantly, be genuinely passionate about wanting to be here. If you are, there is truly no better place to be!

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