Prashant Bhatewara

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore

“Curious explorer, lifelong learner, and problem solver committed to growth, empathy, and making a difference.”

Hometown: Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Fun Fact About Yourself: Beyond my love for singing and movies, I bring laughter to gatherings with my spot-on mimicry.

Undergraduate School and Major: Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Sarthak Dairy Farm (Co-founder)

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? IIM Bangalore’s excellence in strategy was a crucial factor in my decision to choose this business school. In my previous roles as an assistant manager at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. – and as a startup co-founder – strategic planning played a central role in achieving success. I believe a strong strategy foundation is essential for effective leadership and decision-making in today’s dynamic business landscape. IIMB’s reputation for its strategic focus perfectly aligns with my past experiences and future goals. I am eager to leverage the school’s expertise to enhance my strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities further, ultimately preparing me to excel in complex business environments.

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? Every course was insightful during my time at IIM Bangalore, but one that particularly stands out is the Competition & Strategy course. This course was a game-changer in my academic journey, offering a profound understanding of strategic thinking and its practical applications.

Taught through the dynamic case method, Competition & Strategy provided an in-depth exploration of strategic decision-making in real-world business scenarios. Each case presented a unique puzzle, requiring us to navigate through a maze of data, industry dynamics, and internal capabilities to devise optimal strategies. What made this course truly exceptional was not just dissecting existing strategies, but also crafting our own. Our class projects involved conducting comprehensive analyses of a firm’s competitive strategy, overall industry attractiveness, and growth potential. This hands-on approach to strategy development was an invaluable experience.

Competition & Strategy honed my problem-solving skills, instilled in me the ability to make informed, strategic decisions, and deepened my understanding of the nuances of strategic management. It equipped me with a practical toolkit that I’m confident will serve me well in my future career.

What makes Bengaluru such as great place to earn your MBA? Bengaluru, often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ offers an incredible MBA experience. Here, you’ll find a vibrant mix of multinational corporations, startups, and tech giants, creating a dynamic network for future opportunities. What sets Bengaluru apart is its rich cultural diversity, which enriches your academic journey and leads to fantastic cross-cultural friendships.

Having had my own startup experience, I resonate with Bengaluru’s bustling entrepreneurial scene, where innovation is in the air. And when it’s time to unwind, this city has it all. From quirky cafes in Koramangala to the bustling nightlife in Indiranagar, you’ll find plenty of fun hangouts. Plus, the pleasant weather, green spaces like Cubbon Park, and the city’s love for music and arts add to the high quality of life.

So, not only will you receive a top-notch education at institutions like IIM Bangalore, but you’ll also get to savor the unique flavors of Bengaluru’s culture and lifestyle.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my significant achievements during my tenure at BPCL was successfully resolving long-standing legacy loss issues with the Bina-Kota Pipeline, a persistent challenge for nearly seven years, while managing stock accounting.

However, my most significant career accomplishment to date was a bold decision I made to leave a stable public sector job at BPCL, which I had secured after clearing the competitive GATE exam. Coming from a humble background, leaving a stable job was a tough decision. However, I chose to pursue my dream of IAS to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and society at large. Although I didn’t clear the UPSC CSE exam, I simultaneously started a dairy farm while preparing. Within just one year, I transformed it into a profitable venture by implementing various strategies for cost optimization and sales growth.

This experience instilled in me the confidence that even when the tides are against you if one is determined, life will reward you in one way or another. Thus, after building a profitable startup, I embarked on a new phase of my learning journey by enrolling at IIM Bangalore.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: While achievements are essential, my MBA student life has been a profound journey of personal transformation. It’s not just about grades; it’s about shifting perceptions, cultivating leadership qualities, and engaging with exceptional classmates and professors.

The experience of discussing and solving real-world cases has led to numerous ‘aha’ moments, providing practical insights that transcend textbooks. My academic performance of being in top 5 of the class, while strong, is just one facet of the holistic MBA experience.

Working collaboratively in diverse teams for group projects has honed my team management and leadership skills. Learning from peers, friends, and world-class professors is truly invaluable and has reshaped not just my career perspective but also my outlook on life. This holistic growth and the bonds forged during this journey are the most remarkable accomplishments of my MBA student life.

What is your class’s favourite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? One of our favourite hangout spots within the IIM Bangalore campus is Haneenas Canteen. It holds a special place in our hearts because it’s one of the few spots that stays open until 4:00 AM. Our schedules can get pretty tight and exhausting, so having a place to relax and unwind, especially during late-night study sessions or after a long day, is a real blessing.

When we’re looking for a change of scenery and want to head out for a bit, we often explore the nearby breweries and restaurants. Bengaluru has a bustling nightlife scene, and these places provide the perfect backdrop for chilling, relaxing, and enjoying quality time with our classmates and friends

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I’m eager to forge a fulfilling career that allows me to apply the breadth of knowledge and skills cultivated during my time at IIM Bangalore, particularly in the domains of operations & strategy. My aspirations centre around making a substantial impact in the business world, fostering the success and expansion of an organization.

My ideal path involves working in a role that harmonizes with my interest and experience in both operations and strategy. Whether it’s crafting and executing high-impact strategies, optimizing operational processes, or leading cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and innovation, I’m committed to making valuable contributions to an organization’s growth.

Moreover, I’m open to exploring entrepreneurial ventures or joining startups if the right opportunity arises, building upon my prior entrepreneurial experiences. This entrepreneurial spirit has instilled in me a deep-seated drive for innovation and effective problem-solving.

Ultimately, my overarching goal is to be a catalyst for positive change within the industry I choose to pursue. I envision a career marked by continuous learning, expansion of horizons, and a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth—all while playing an instrumental role in enhancing the prosperity and achievements of the organizations, I have the privilege to collaborate with.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? IIM Bangalore highly values well-rounded individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential. Highlight your leadership skills and involvement in extracurricular activities, as these can set you apart from other applicants. Your personal statement is your chance to make a compelling case for your candidacy. Craft a thoughtful narrative that explains why you’re an ideal fit for the program and how it aligns with your career goals. Everyone is unique in some way; build on your unique story and align it with the program and your future goals.

Strong letters of recommendation that emphasize your abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in the MBA program can further bolster your application. While diversity is valued, having some relevant work experience can be an advantage. Clearly demonstrate how your professional background will enrich the MBA experience.

If selected for an interview, prepare thoroughly. Be ready to discuss your experiences, goals, and how an MBA aligns with your career trajectory. Networking with current students and alumni can provide valuable insights into the program and application process.

Demonstrate your genuine interest in IIM Bangalore by researching the program, its strengths, and the faculty. Explain how you plan to contribute to the IIMB community.

Finally, as you navigate this journey, keeping your motivation intact is vital. Life has its share of ups-and-downs. In your essays, don’t just focus on the high points; also, share the valuable insights you’ve gained from the challenges and setbacks you’ve faced. None of us is perfect, so authenticity and showcasing your unique experiences are crucial to building a strong case for yourself when crafting your application.

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