Phalk Jindal

1. Why did you choose to go back to school for an MBA?

“I have been in various roles for 12 years, from a freelance tutor to manual tester to production lead to project manager. I need to understand the broader picture, for example how finances, marketing and strategy are connected. An MBA is the best thing to do to be able to connect all these dots. Choosing RSM for this was easy. It is one of the top universities. If you mention RSM, you don’t have to explain anything else.”

2. How have you applied new knowledge and skills in your current role?

“What we learn and discuss in a weekend can be implemented during the week. We also learn different perspectives which changes the game immediately. People from diverse age groups and nationalities come together to discuss an issue. We have all different perspectives that we can bring to the work floor, wherever that may be. At my work, we recently had a huge launch at my project for one of the leading sports brands of the world. I can now understand and feel strong about conversations around numbers and follow up strategies.”

3. What is the RSM MBA culture like?

“People come from all age groups, nationalities, and cultural and industry backgrounds. This experience is eye-opening. I work in ecommerce, someone else is a lawyer, and there’s a doctor. When problems arise, you’re not confined in your own niche or domain. You expand and listen to what everyone has to share."

4. What has been the most challenging assignment or course so far?

“I wouldn’t say any assignment has been easy or challenging. But since I come from a non-finance background – finance was a tough one! The biggest challenge is juggling between a highly demanding job, study, taking care of overall health and pursuing your hobbies. As they say – an MBA is like drinking water from a hose."

5. What impact does the Personal Leadership Development (PLD) component of the programme have on you?

“I admit I was hesitant about this course. But gradually, the personal coaching sessions help put things into perspective. I’m able to work on things I hadn’t considered before. You understand your blind spots. The more you understand yourself, the more you understand your leadership style. You become more humble, sensitive and empathetic to other people’s situations. It has such a positive effect on everyone.”

6. How have you utilised the alumni network so far?

“I met a few people before the courses started, which prepared me well. Personal experiences matter a lot. For example, because of guidance from an alumnus, I choose the USA for my study trip. I know I’ll stay in touch with my class. People are so supportive, and I am sure this class will go a long way.”

7. How is an MBA from RSM setting you apart from your colleagues and peers?

“The fact that I understand things from a broader perspective now and can connect the dots is helpful. I’m more confident because when you are able to grasp things, you feel good and can contribute and ask questions. Coming from IT, my scope was limited, but now I get a bigger picture with a bit of understanding about accounting, finance, marketing, data analytics.”

8. What does the future hold for you?

“I’m very optimistic and hopeful. Doing an MBA was a dream. Coming from a middle-class family, I never thought I could do it. It has made me more confident and empathetic as a person. As for my career, I’m taking things as they come. I’ve learned more about what I’m good at and what I see myself doing in the future. I discovered that I like the branding, marketing, and strategy side of business. I look forward to more of these classes. I know what needs to be done, but I want to understand why and how things need to be done. There’s so much hard work and extra eyes around me and we’ll see what the future brings.”