Where are they now? An interview with alumnus Karan Mathur '13

Where can ESSEC's Global MBA take you?  Nine months after graduation, alum Karan Mathur '13 checks in and shares his experiences since graduation.

What led you to decide to do an MBA and why did you choose ESSEC's Global MBA?

I was working with an MNC for 3 years prior to joining the Global MBA program and I was starting to feel a little cramped due to the lack of flexibility in my profile. Having a computer engineering background kept me confined to the technical side of a project. An MBA seemed an obvious choice; however, I did not want to do a regular classroom program. I wanted a program with a more practical learning approach and in my research I found ESSEC’s Global MBA to be the perfect match. With its global orientation and compact class size, it provided me with the perfect platform to gain the knowledge and exposure that I wanted.

Please describe your career path since graduation. What is your current position and its responsibilities?

During the program, I received immense guidance from the Career Development Manager, Ms. Claire Gaudissart, who helped me understand exactly what profile would suit my competencies. Having already worked for a big corporation, I realized that, for me, the job profile was more important than the company. I therefore focused my research on roles. I recently joined a US-based organization, Provana India Pvt Ltd., which provides management consulting to small and mid-sized companies. My current position is of a Senior Associate and my responsibilities include providing consultancy to our clients in the domain of process improvements. Our company has a software product that helps law firms ensure compliance in their debt collection process. Currently I have been given the responsibility to spearhead a project, from its inception till its implementation, to take our product to a wider audience. This involves working closely with the IT team and translating the business requirements into software modules.

I remember when Claire first asked me what I really wanted to do, and I had said I wanted to be a bridge between IT and business. That’s exactly where I am right now. I have the flexibility that I wanted, which even includes being involved in the selection process of the candidates for this project. So I feel extremely content with where I have arrived after my MBA.

Was there anything in particular about the Global MBA that helped prepare you for your career path or qualify you for your current position?

 I was the youngest participant in the Global MBA program and, apart from the knowledge gained in the class, I learnt a lot from my fellow classmates as well, who were much more experienced than I was. Along with that, the leadership activities that I took part in at ESSEC helped me gain a lot of confidence in my own leadership abilities.

As I mentioned, my current company has given me a lot of responsibility by letting me spearhead a strategically imperative project. Thanks to my experience at ESSEC, when the VP of my organization asked me whether I would be up for this challenge, I didn’t hesitate for a second before accepting the responsibility.

What advice would you give to current students in the program?

I am guessing that this is the time of year when current students are heading to different parts of the world for their International Immersion Projects, so I first of all wish all of them the very best for their IIP.

From my own experience, I would advise current students to make the most of the career activities organized during the program. Also, to be patient with the job search process, because it can take time, so it’s important to be positive and stay motivated during this period. Finally, I wish all the best to everyone and I hope, like our cohort, you will also achieve your desired career goals.