Interview with Sandheep, MSc Strategic Management and Consulting student (SKEMA)

After a first career in IT with Tata Consultancy Services, Sandheep decided to join SKEMA Business School. Now a student in the MSc Strategic Management and Consulting program, he looks back on his career and the lessons he has learned.

Read more : Ouverture d’un nouveau campus SKEMA à Dubai

Hello Sandheep, can you tell us about your background before joining SKEMA ?

Coming from the south of India, I've always been keen to get out of my comfort zone. I chose to move north to study computer science at DIT University in Dehradun. At the end of my studies, I was named “Best Outgoing Student”. I then joined Tata Consultancy Services in Delhi, where I started out as an Assistant Systems Engineer, before being promoted to Quality Assurance Tester for American customers such as The Home Depot. But I wanted to integrate more human and strategic aspects into my technical profile, which naturally led me to SKEMA.

Why did you choose SKEMA's MSc Strategic Management and Consulting ?

During my first year in the Grande École (MiM) program, I was able to explore several areas of management, from finance to marketing and HR. I also did four internships, in France and Luxembourg, as well as an exchange semester in the UK. This diversity made me realize that it's not enough to excel technically: you also need to be able to communicate, solve complex problems and think strategically. This MSc seemed to me the ideal way to develop this global vision, as it enables you to mobilize all your managerial skills in response to concrete challenges.

What attracted you to the field of strategy consulting ?

A good decision can propel a company forward, a bad one can weaken it permanently. I've always been fascinated by the impact of these choices. My professional experience has taught me that they are based on fine analysis, rigorous data collection and relevant execution. This process of strategic reflection, which influences the future of an organization, is particularly appealing to me. I want to support companies in their transformation, helping them to make the right decisions at the right time.

In your opinion, what are the strengths of this program offered by SKEMA ?

The great strength of the MSc is its real-world approach. The majority of courses are taught by working professionals: consultants, managers, high-level experts. They connect us directly to practices in the field and share invaluable international perspectives. Our partnership with Harvard Business School Online also brings real added value. Finally, the wide range of courses (finance, strategy, marketing, digital, operations) prepares us for the versatility required by the consulting profession.

Is there a course, teacher or project that has particularly impressed you ?

The finance courses, in particular Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Valuation, fascinated me. They were led by professors with over 30 years' experience in several countries. I also really enjoyed the Business Simulation project: for almost two months, we ran a virtual company, taking on the roles of managers and competing against each other. This enabled us to apply what we'd learned in a realistic competition.

How would you describe the atmosphere in the class ?

The atmosphere is very stimulating. The class is deliberately small (only 20 students), which encourages cohesion and collaboration. Everyone comes from a different background, with different skills. Working together is like working in a consulting firm: you learn to work in a multidisciplinary team, to adapt and to learn from others. Every day, you discover something new.

Does the MSc really emphasize soft skills and practical experience ?

Yes, in fact it's one of its strong points. For example, in the Advanced Strategic Management course, you don't just learn about strategy models: you also learn how to communicate, present and manage complex situations ethically. Notions such as power, diversity and managerial posture are addressed in depth. These are invaluable skills if you want to evolve serenely in the corporate world.

As SKEMA is an international school, how do you experience this dimension on a daily basis ?

It's a tangible reality: out of the 20 students in my class, there are 8 or 9 nationalities. English is the common language, so there are no language barriers. This diversity makes for particularly rich exchanges, as everyone brings their own vision, experience and culture. The same applies to our teachers, who come from all over the world and have often worked in several countries. Internationalism isn't a marketing ploy; it's part of our daily lives.

Have you had the opportunity to work with students or teachers from all over the world ?

Yes, constantly. Our groups are often made up of a mix of nationalities and profiles, which is very instructive. It's in this diversity that you develop your soft skills, learn to adapt, listen better and work in multicultural environments - exactly what today's companies expect.

How does this MSc help you prepare for your future career ?

The program gave me a broad, structured view of the challenges facing companies. Thanks to it, I was able to secure internships in France, Luxembourg and Switzerland. We also worked on a real project for a start-up, with real issues and deliverables. This kind of experience is invaluable. Last but not least, the program really helped me to develop my communication and leadership skills, which are essential if I'm to evolve in a demanding environment.

Read more : Enquête sur le salaire après SKEMA

What are your career aspirations after SKEMA ?

I'd like to start my career in a financial institution, as a consultant or advisor. I'd like to work with companies on issues such as profitability, digital transformation or sustainability. I can see myself starting out in an international environment, like Luxembourg or Switzerland, to learn from professionals from all over the world.

What advice would you give to a student hesitating to apply ?

This program is demanding, it's true, but that's precisely what makes it so valuable. It pushes you to develop your ability to solve complex problems, to adapt, to think strategically. If you aspire to a position of responsibility, if you want to make a real impact in the corporate world, this MSc is an excellent springboard.

If you had to sum up your experience at SKEMA in 3 words, which would you choose ?

Experimental. Borderless. Futuristic.