Vivekanand PGDM Alumni Review: Mr. Tanmay Lokhande’s Transformational Journey to Business Consultant at General Mills 

Vivekanand is focused on fine-tuning business leaders and the best such example is that of PGDM 2016-2018 Batch Alumni, Mr. Tanmay Lokhande who owes a significant part of his success to the combination of academic excellence and practical learning. He is currently working as a Business Consultant at General Mills but still applies the skills and values that he had acquired at the institute.  

Here, Mr. Tanmay shares insights into his PGDM journey, the key learnings that shaped his career, and his guidance for aspiring managers.

Q: Which part of the PGDM journey at Vivekanand influenced you the most and why?

The best experiences of my PGDM journey included the excellent mentorship offered by professors, my intelligent classmates, and the overall learning experience that made each day of the program worth the investment. The professors did not read simply out of books, but they provided real life experiences that was used to bring ideas into life. And with the advantage of having motivated peers, enthusiastic about the environment, it in itself drives you to do your best. I was lucky to have such batchmates. The combination of academic rigor and classroom vitality made learning interesting and effective.

Q: How did Vivekanand prepare you for real-world challenges in your career?

Vivekanand was very instrumental in my introduction to the world of data analytics that has become a game-changer in my career. Back then, analytics was just emerging as a crucial business skill, and the institute made sure that we got exposed to it early. Data-driven decision-making knowledge provided me the edge that I required as I entered into the corporate world. Truly speaking, as a Business Consultant in the present day at General Mills, I am greatly dependent on those analytical foundations in order to decipher trends, develop strategies, and present outcomes.

Q: How did the faculty, placements, or industry exposure support your journey?

I am very appreciative of the placement experience I got with Vivekanand. My experience of being placed in General Mills was one of the most significant in my career. The faculty and the placement team were so helpful in preparing us for the interviews as well as perfecting our resumes and gaining confidence through mock sessions. They were always mentoring us so that we were not just academically good but industry ready. That balance between theory and practice made all the difference as I was able to adapt easily once I got to the corporate world.

Q: What are your top 3 reasons to recommend Vivekanand to future students?

To conclude, the three things I would rank at the top of my list are mentoring, coaching, and opportunities for developing an entrepreneurial mindset. The institute does not simply teach management; it will make you start thinking like leaders, be proactive and be innovative. The environment motivates development be it your ambition to join a top corporate or become an entrepreneur. All these reasons compel me to highly recommend Vivekanand to the upcoming aspirants who are willing to establish a successful, bright, and well-rounded career.   

As I reflect on my years at Vivekanand, I see how those years literally shaped me, not only as a professional but as a person who is now willing to go out there to face new challenges and be clear and confident. My everyday work and decision-making process is still informed by the lessons that I have learnt and the experiences that I gained during my PGDM journey.