Previous Occupation: Private Equity
Present Occupation: Private Equity
Sector:  Finance
Work Experience: 7 years
Professional Interests: Stock picking  
Personal Interests: Spending time with my family

 

What was your work experience prior to the ISB?

I obtained my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Bangalore University and Masters in mechanical engineering from Texas University. After that, I worked for two years in the Indian software development and technology industry. I then shifted roles to work in my family business (pharmaceutical industry). l had a total work experience of about 3.5 years before joining the ISB.

Can you describe your experience at the ISB?

While at the ISB, I was unsure about my post ISB plans. However, my interaction with Professor Vinay Nair during the latter part of the course led me to develop a strong interest in the field of finance - particularly in private equity.

Tell us about your career path post ISB.

I knew that it would be difficult to break into private equity given the fact that I had little prior experience. Determined and more importantly with a plan up my sleeve, I joined Pfizer from campus. Pfizer placed me in Mumbai, the private equity capital of India.

Over the next 3 months, I strived hard to interact with the top management of various private equity funds. My strategy was clear – I interacted with these funds to impress them with my knowledge in the pharma industry. I wished to break into the industry, even if it meant joining a small fund. I planned to gain the valuable experience of working in the field and then look to utilize this experience and the ISB degree to break into a bigger private equity shop. I was ready to invest both time and money (take a pay cut!) for the same. My persistence soon paid off as I was offered an investment professional role with BTS India, a relatively small private equity fund.  While at BTS, I gained the experience of working across various sectors / industries like life sciences, media, engineering, and infrastructure.

One year hence, armed with industry knowledge & expertise, I used the ISB network to float my profile in various top end private equity funds. My ‘investment’ paid off as I was offered the role of an Assistant Vice President at Citi Venture Capital International. I am currently based out of their Gurgaon office.

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