Brian, Samuel and Vion’s friendship started ten years ago on a rainy day in June, in Mumbai. At the time a trio of eager 18-year-olds, little did they know this would be the start of a friendship that would stand the test of time. Now studying together for ESCP’s MBA in International Management programme, the three Indian students tell us about their shared experience, from late-night project sessions to navigating life’s ups and downs together. 

How did the three of you first meet and get to form such a close friendship during your undergraduate years in India? 

A decade ago, a rainy June morning coincided with the first day of our undergraduate course at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and what then led to a lifelong camaraderie. As a cohort of enthusiastic 18-year-olds, Brian and Samuel found themselves in the same group discussion leading to the start of something new. What stood out though, was the odd proposal from Vion to share a room during a snowy college trip to the city of Manali. This was the pivotal moment in our friendship that solidified our inseparable bond. From escapades to collaborative all-nighters on projects, mutual support during life’s trials, and the intertwining of dreams and aspirations, our friendship, woven over time, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of our collective bond. 

Could each of you provide some insight into your individual experiences and achievements that contributed to your acceptance into ESCP? 

Brian, with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, co-founded the vibrant startup GetAway Club in the scenic landscapes of Goa, India. Following his adventurous foray, he made a strategic move to London in 2019. His professional journey then led him to assume the role of a Business Analyst at Freshways and later to serve as an IT Project Manager at Vibrant Foods, showcasing his versatility and proficiency in navigating the business realm. 

Samuel, Vion and Brian (from left to right) in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Vion, on the other hand, carved a path in the consulting arena, contributing significantly as a Management Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers(PwC). His impactful leadership extended to being Chief of Staff at Impact Guru – a social impact startup, where he notably held the distinction of being the youngest member of the core committee. Vion’s multifaceted experiences reflect both leadership and strategic acumen along with a commitment to driving positive change. 

Samuel, bringing analytical prowess to the table, served as a Senior Analyst at Tata Strategic Management Group, demonstrating a keen understanding of complex business landscapes. His journey then evolved as he assumed the role of Manager – New Projects Strategy & Digital Initiatives at RPG Foundation, showcasing a strategic mindset in steering innovative projects towards success. Each of these distinctive career trajectories and achievements undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the acceptance into ESCP! 

Can you share the story of when and how you collectively decided to pursue an MBA together at ESCP? What motivated this dream? 

Back in 2019, after two years of diving headfirst into the corporate jungle, we found ourselves amid the rat race in the vibrant City of Dreams, Mumbai. During one of our conversations, we explored the idea of an MBA thinking it would not only level up our skills but also provide the perfect network and safety net for our future entrepreneurial exploits. Fast forward to October 2020, three years post-undergrad, and we decided it was high time to dust off our MBA dreams. The game plan? To shortlist Business Schools together, with a clear agenda « “ we were dead set on cracking the code to get into the same one. 

Lo and behold, ESCP made it to our shortlist, and talk about serendipity « “ Vion bumped into an ESCP MBA alum at a grand Indian wedding, while Brian randomly crossed paths with the ESCP MBA admissions maestro, Vatsal Chandra, at an MBA fair in London. It was like the universe conspiring to guide us to ESCP. An international MBA experience that ticked all our boxes « “ prestige and history, a swift one-year program, practical learning through Company Consulting Projects, a keen focus on entrepreneurship and sustainability, a multicultural cohort, and the cherry on top « “ the prospect of exploring Europe together, ESCP offered it all. 

Were there any specific challenges or obstacles you encountered during the application process, and how did you overcome them (individually, but also more specifically as a team)?

Our first big challenge? Tackling the entrance exam, aka the GMAT. Unlike everything else that we did together, this exam was something we took on individually. But the mutual motivation propelled us to conquer the test, ensuring we could all embark on this journey together. Once we knew our GMAT scores, it was time for the application process. Scrimmaging to write application essays whilst working wasn’st an easy feat. But we all got through the round and it was time for our next challenge: the interviews. But preparing for the interview wasn’st the challenging part: the challenging part was ensuring how to define our career successes and goals, but also ensuring the trio gets selected together to pursue their MBA. 

As we eagerly awaited responses, the moment of truth arrived. Brian clinched admission at IMD, ESCP, and Alliance Manchester, while Vion and Samuel secured spots at ESCP and Alliance Manchester. Brian, torn between his love for Switzerland and the camaraderie with us, embarked on a research, heartfelt conversations with mentors, and soul-searching journey. Ultimately, he realised that his bond with us, as well as ESCP’s network, were non-negotiable. His final decision? ESCP, and needless to say, he’s over the moon with it. Life’s grand adventure awaits! 

In addition to studying together, what are your individual career aspirations post-MBA? Do you have any collective career goals or plans you’sd like to achieve together after completing your MBA programme at ESCP? 

Post-MBA, the three of us are gearing up for diverse professional journeys, each venturing into different sectors of the consulting realm. Vion has set his sights on the strategic intricacies of General Strategy Consulting, Brian is charting a course into the dynamic realm of Operations and Supply Chain Consulting, and Samuel is poised to make a meaningful impact in Social Impact Consulting. Yet, beneath these varied paths lies a shared dream that has been brewing since our undergrad days.

Fueled by a collective passion for social change, we harbour aspirations of launching an innovative venture that leaves a positive imprint on both society and the environment. While the specifics are still a work in progress, our commitment to turning this dream into reality is unwavering. 

Currently navigating the post-MBA landscape, we find ourselves engaged in ESCP’s Blue Factory Events, actively participating in the Finance for Good case competition. These experiences serve as stepping stones towards honing our entrepreneurial acumen and fine-tuning our vision for a socially and environmentally impactful venture. And who knows, the future might see us revisiting our undergrad notion of a food truck business « “ ‘Hot Box.’ If you ever cross paths with us, feel free to ask us about it; you might just get a sneak peek into our entrepreneurial musings! 

Finally, is there anything else about your story, friendship, or aspirations that you would like to share with our readers? 

Through a decade that witnessed the highs and lows, we’ve stood by each other. From the laughter-filled long drives to the spur-of-the-moment adventures, group projects that demanded our best, lessons in resilience from heartbreaks, and the simple joys of juice stall conversations and occasional Kepsa biryani treats « “ each experience etched simplicity, laughter, and confidence into our shared history. 

Brian, Vion, and Samuel will soon enough be set to navigate the dynamic landscape of post-MBA careers, bringing with them not just professional acumen but the resilience, and confidence forged into a decade-long friendship. If you are interested in embarking on the same academic journey as them, why not reach out to one of ESCP’s ambassador students or a member of our Career Services?
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