A year of becoming: My MBA journey at SPJIMR

When I chose SPJIMR from among multiple offers from Tier-1 B-schools, I was looking for more than just a management degree. I wanted transformation, not only in my career but in myself.

And looking back today, I can honestly say this has been one of the most meaningful decisions of my life.

Coming from consulting roles at EY and KPMG, I was used to structured thinking, client projects, and 12-hour workdays. But nothing prepares you for the SPJIMR pace – the intensity of the curriculum, the endless assignments, and the incredible energy on campus. It’s humbling in the best possible way.

Yet, what made this journey truly special for me wasn’t just academic learning. It was deeply personal. When I joined SPJIMR, I weighed 110 kilograms. So when I walked into SPJIMR, I promised myself, this time, transformation would be holistic. Mind, body, and spirit.

Between classes, projects, and case submissions, I made time for myself. Early morning runs around the beautiful lake, eating clean, focusing on raw foods and protein, and gym sessions, even the night before exams. I gave up social gatherings, late-night snacks, and clubbing. It wasn’t easy, but for once, I wanted to prioritise myself.

Over the year, I lost 40 kilograms. But more than the physical change, I gained something far more important – discipline, self-belief, and peace.

SPJIMR, for me, wasn’t just a campus; it became an ecosystem of opportunity and rediscovery.

I participated in multiple case competitions, and recently, we emerged as the National Winner at Brandstorm (NMIMS Strategy & Leadership Conclave) among over 1,200 teams.

I had the opportunity to represent PGPM as the Student Rep for EOD Talks (Podcast House), joined the SPEAK Club, and even took the stage at MLS to pursue my passion for public speaking.

I also joined the Organising Committee for Confluence’25, where our team designed and executed a unique consulting competition, real-life business cases from the FMB batch solved by PGPM students. Seeing collaboration in action was one of the most fulfilling moments of this year.

SPJIMR also provided me with the platform to explore my creative side – I even won PGPM Got Talent (First Prize)! And in between all the work, we had our share of fun too, from Holi celebrations ,Ganpati Puja, Navratri and Prom Night on campus to the PG Lab excursion at Lonavala, and spontaneous plans like night cycling, golf sessions, or adventure park outings. Those moments gave balance and built friendships that truly feel like family

As batchmates, we worked on multiple live projects, applying classroom learnings to real-world business problems. I’m happy to share that I was also selected from our batch for the International Exchange at UCP Portugal, starting in February ’26. The opportunity to learn in a new culture feels like the next step in my journey of broadening my perspective.

Placement week was another chapter altogether – exciting, intense, and a true test of preparation and patience. I was fortunate to receive a couple of offers and the opportunity to transition from consulting into the BFSI sector, a big professional leap that I’m deeply grateful for.

As I enter the final half of this journey, I often pause and think, I couldn’t have chosen better. SPJIMR gave me not just education, but perspective. It taught me to lead with empathy, to value kindness, and to find strength in vulnerability.

This year reminded me that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built one choice at a time, one early morning jog, one case study, one small step towards becoming better.

I’m still a work in progress. But I’m proud of who I’m becoming.
And I’m truly glad I chose SPJIMR.