"Everyone wants you to succeed"

Riya Sachdev, Full-Time MBA participant, joined the programme with previous work experience in M&A advisory and she chose the Copenhagen MBA for management consulting exposure as she intends to be a generalist in the sector. For Riya, the LDP (Leadership Discovery Process) was, “life-changing.”

Full Time MBA

Update: Riya is now a Management Consultant at Implement Consulting Group.

Why did you choose the Copenhagen MBA?

Choosing the CBS MBA was a no-brainer for me. I was particularly impressed by the course content and the structure of the program. I was keen on transitioning into management consulting and the CBS MBA had a lot to offer when it came to gaining exposure on that front. For example, the Strategy Project, the Advisory Board program, the Concentration, and courses such as strategy, corporate finance, marketing management, and innovation management were very relevant for me. The fact that the MBA focused on some of the most pressing issues of today’s time was of particular interest to me, such as the course on managing sustainable corporations covered a diverse range of topics such as CSR and sustainability, labour rights in global supply chains, corporate sustainability and circular economy and much more. Further, the small class size and the ‘high’ average work experience was something I was considering before applying – although at first it seemed like a long shot to me, considering I have a lot less than the average work experience. I was surprised that I received the offer from CBS and I considered myself super lucky that I would get to learn so much from the very international and highly experienced class. Other than the school itself, a lot is happening in Denmark. I have an interest in learning about renewable energy – and there is no better place to learn about it. Denmark is uniquely positioned and is currently undergoing a huge green transition and I wanted to witness and also to be a part of this change. An economy, with a pro-business mindset, where I could build a career in management consulting was the next required step of my life. And writing this blog, I can say I am proud of my decision and how far I’ve come – quite literally.

What has been the most impactful or memorable part of the programme?

My classmates… everyone has so much to offer. I am blessed to have met these 30 brilliant minds. We all have laughed, cribbed, partied and felt under pressure together. We have all helped each other in some way or the other and that has been the most impactful part of the program for me. I can say I have made some life-long friends for sure!

What is one piece of advice you would give to those considering an MBA?

It is one hell of a ride. It’s an intense program; there will be phases where you are super motivated and phases where you may be completely disoriented. There may be courses which will challenge you and some may be a walk in the park.

“My only advice here would be to take help of your professors, colleagues and mentors when you need it – you need to know that everyone wants you to succeed!”

Riya Sachdev

Management Consultant at Implement Consulting Group, Full-Time MBA Class of 2022

This MBA year is going to teach you a lot and not just in terms of course content. It will test your boundaries. My advice here would be to acknowledge your energy limit and absolutely DO NOT forget to have fun! Say YES to beers (almost always)!

What are your Post-MBA plans?

I am currently looking to transition into Management Consulting as a generalist. My previous work experience in M&A advisory has given me a broad base of transferable skills required for the consulting world. Further I was able to tailor my MBA by choosing to do the finance concentration which focused on courses such as private equity, venture capital, M&A, and international finance and risk which really broadened my existing advisory skill-set. To add on, I also opted for the integrated strategy project which is a perfect simulator of a consulting project. Me and my team worked on a market expansion project for a MedTech company, and this has helped get hands-on experience and a sneak peek into management and strategy consulting. Presently, I am working on my applications and will hopefully be back with some good news soon.

How do you feel the Leadership Discovery Process has impacted you personally and professionally?

I can certainly say the Leadership Discovery Process has been one of the most challenging journeys I have undertaken. It has been LIFE-CHANGING. After each module we were given time to reflect. During the whole process I did not understand the importance of reflecting on a module or a workshop. But as the year went by, the process of reflecting in itself was like opening a pandora’s box in my case. I discovered many elements of how I am as a person and as a professional. I realised how I had been operating – and in order to improve, where I need the most amount of effort. I believe having this set of reflections is a huge blessing because now I am unconsciously aware of my inner self and if see myself going down a rabbit hole, I now have the necessary tools to get back on track. I am so thankful to CBS and Implement Consulting Group for having this course as a part of the MBA. I think for the ‘leaders’ of tomorrow – knowing who you really are is the first step, and this is exactly where you can get that from. The last thing I would like to add is that there is no perfect leader, and the process of becoming one is never-ending. But the journey is worth it!

Through the Copenhagen MBA, participants gain an internationally recognised qualification that is respected across the globe. But more than that, they gain critical insight into the admired Scandinavian business model – a model that prides itself on its ethical decision making, social responsibility and green agenda. If you would like learn more about the Full-Time MBA (a.k.a The Copenhagen MBA):

Download the brochure

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