Where are you from?
Currently I am in Pune, India. I'll arrive in the UK in August to start my MBA.

You are enrolled for an MBA at Cranfield for September 2010. What are you doing right now?
I am working as a Team Leader for IBM, I’m leading a project for one of the biggest financial institutions in the United States.       

Why did you decide to do an MBA?
Well, being a computer engineer I have always been interested in technology. Working extensively in developed markets such as the US and the UK has made me realize that there is lot to be done on the technology front in banks and financial institutions across the world.

I realized that to make a swift transition to technology leadership, I needed to upgrade my skills. A leading MBA like Cranfield will not only help me improve my soft skills but it will also help me gain knowledge in subjects such as finance & strategy.

Do you think the transition from engineering to business is going to be hard?
I don’t think so, because I have been working in a management role for the past three years now. I’ve also worked closely with my father who runs a family business and that’s given me a lot of insight into the problems faced by SMEs. 

Why did you choose Cranfield?
Cranfield has a wonderful faculty and boasts a very strong alumni network. Among the leading MBA programmes, Cranfield scores very high on the ROI factor. Cranfield has a great reputation in the field of consulting and has excellent relations with many big technology companies.

The average Cranfield full time MBA student has eight years of work experience, which I believe is great as sharing live experiences with your classmates is one of the most important aspects of any MBA programme. The proximity to London is an added advantage.

What other schools did you consider?
Primarily, I applied to one-year programs in Europe & Canada:  HEC Paris, Insead, IE Spain & Queens (Canada). I got into HEC Paris, IE Spain, Cranfield & Queens but did not get an offer from Insead.

How did you do on your GMAT?
I scored a 710.

What was the application process like?
Challenging but interesting! You have to submit the application along with the essays and resume. Then the admissions committee reviews your application and if selected you get an interview call. You get an essay topic for the interview and it has to be submitted across before the interview.

Sean Rickard, the Dean of Cranfield did my interview. He questioned my opinion on the essay topic that I chose. It was a probing but healthy discussion, overall a very enriching experience.

Before applying it is better to go through the pre-screening process which helps you know your compatibility with the programme.  

What are you looking forward to when you move to the United Kingdom?
I have already stayed in the UK for some time so I am well aware of the culture and lifestyle there.  I anticipate the teaching style may be very different to what we have here in India, but I'm excited about going back to college life!

What is your plan after your MBA?
I will look for a technology leadership role in a top bank or financial institution. I would love to work on the technology strategy of leading organizations. I’m also interested in sustainable business development.

What are you the most, and least, excited about in terms of starting your MBA in September?
I am most excited about meeting great people and learning business. I’m least excited about the weather in the UK which I know is awful!