Could you share how your journey from Physics to an MBA reflects the adaptability and broad foundation you gained as a BITSian?

I started at BITS Pilani Goa in 2018 with a passion for physics. I pursued an MSc in Physics and was fortunate to be recognized as a TIFR NIUS Scholar and NGPE 2019 Topper. Initially, I thought I would follow the traditional research route, but I realized along the way that a PhD wasn’t what I wanted. I completed my degree in 3.5 years, driven by my love for the subject but also thinking about alternative paths. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I took some time to reflect, taught at a local inter-college and started considering new opportunities. Surprisingly, I stumbled upon the MBA path almost by accident, during a casual conversation at a party!

BITS has a strong network in finance and venture capital. What inspired your interest in these fields, and how did the BITS network play a role in shaping or supporting your career choices?

During my MBA at FMS Delhi, I explored various areas like marketing, operations, consulting, finance, and HR. Finance naturally caught my interest, and as I dug deeper, I discovered niche fields like private equity and venture capital (VC). What drew me to VC was the dynamic, fast-paced environment and the opportunity to interact with startup founders. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of innovation, and it reminded me of the culture of creativity and innovation we had at BITS. My internship at SucSEED, where I worked as a business developer for a startup accelerator, gave me hands-on experience in this field, working directly with founders and financial institutions.

In what ways has your experience at BITS Pilani Goa contributed to your career development?

BITS will always hold a special place in my heart. My time there was filled with amazing memories, from pulling all-nighters to cramming for exams to being part of extracurricular activities. I was a member of SEDS and the Pro Nights team, and I still remember Farhan Akhtar’s and DJ Quentino’s performances as highlights. Beyond academics, BITS taught me how to balance studies with life outside the classroom. It’s crucial to focus on grades, but equally important to enjoy the college experience.

Why did you choose FMS Delhi for your MBA?

When I started preparing for CAT, I thought it would be easy, but I quickly realized the verbal, logical reasoning and data interpretation sections were tougher than I expected. I spent about six months preparing, and it paid off with calls from IIM Lucknow and Shillong, but I ultimately chose FMS Delhi. It offered better placement prospects and a strong return on investment, which was important for me. The environment at FMS is competitive, similar to BITS, but I have to admit life at BITS was more “chill.” Now, I’m getting used to guest lectures, networking events, and diving deeper into finance.

With your background in Physics, do you see parallels between analytical thinking in Physics and strategic thinking in finance? Has your BITS education influenced how you approach complex problems in finance?

Absolutely! My background in physics from my time at BITS has been invaluable in shaping my analytical thinking and first principles approach. These skills are crucial in finance, especially in venture capital, where you need to assess businesses critically. While my current focus is on finance and VC, I’m open to opportunities that could merge my physics expertise with business in the future.

What advice would you give to students interested in venture capital or private equity?

My advice is simple: build a solid foundation in finance first and stay open to exploring new opportunities. Learning the basics of coding is also something I’d recommend, especially with the rise of AI and its growing influence across industries. While tech knowledge isn’t essential for a VC role, it’s becoming increasingly relevant in today’s landscape.