Is it possible for an Indian male engineer to receive an offer letter and a EUR 10,000 from a top 20 school in the world? Yes, it is! Nishanth didn't give up after his first GMAT attempt. Instead, he persevered and obtain a respectable score in the GMAT. Faith Career's study abroad coach, Tanmay Singh, was impressed by his sincerity, dedication, and unilateral focus towards his ultimate goal. Read on to find out more about Nishanth's journey.
#1) Nishanth, could you please briefly describe your profile?
I hold a degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela, graduating in 2020, and I have since established a career in business analytics. I began my professional journey as a Senior Analyst at Kantar, a leading market research firm providing analytics services to Fortune 500 clients. After about 1.5 years, I transitioned to the product sector, joining Livspace, a home interiors startup, as a Business Analyst. Currently, I serve as a Senior Business Analyst on the Renovation Business team, where I oversee analytics and manage various programs. In this role, I collaborate closely with Sales and Operations stakeholders on a daily basis.
#2) Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
In the past four years, my journey in business analytics has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve become skilled at working with complex datasets and managing programs from start to finish. At Livspace, a fast-paced startup, I had the chance to work closely with CXOs to shape company strategies, tackling challenges like addressing customer pain points and driving process improvements. This hands-on experience made me realize that my interests go beyond pure analytics—I want to move toward strategy and growth, especially in the B2C space.
Along the way, I’ve also recognized some specific gaps in my skill set, like go-to-market strategy, pricing, customer monetization, and understanding what drives user engagement and retention. I also reached a point where the scope of my current role began to feel limiting, as my career was progressing toward senior analytics roles that required a greater focus on technical tools and data analysis. At this stage, pursuing an MBA will enable me to fill these gaps, expand my strategic knowledge, and help connect with a network of accomplished professionals and alumni.
#3) What were your top 3 reasons for selecting Tanmay Singh to be your mentor for your ESADE MBA application?
1. Genuine Value and Clear Communication
From our very first discovery call, Tanmay impressed me with his genuine approach and clear communication style. He offered his services at a very reasonable price, yet the value he provided far exceeded my expectations. Tanmay's positivity and ability to keep things precise, concise, and to the point made a strong impact.
2. Honesty and Transparency
Unlike many consultants who overpromise, Tanmay's integrity and transparency stood out. In our initial conversation, he openly shared that he values honesty and chooses his students carefully. He highlighted the importance of earning trust over simply making money, which resonated with me. Throughout my GMAT journey, he continued to check in, offering support and even connecting me with tutors who could help me improve.
3. Personalized Attention and Approachability
What really made Tanmay stand out was how approachable and dedicated he was throughout the process. He was my single point of contact, which made everything so much easier and more personal. Anytime I had questions or concerns, he was just a message away, always willing to help without hesitation. His commitment to providing guidance that actually felt tailored to me made a huge difference, and I genuinely felt supported every step of the way.
#4) What 3 tips would you like to share with an aspirant working on their study abroad application?
A) It’s best to finish the GMAT before diving into your application process. Don’t underestimate the exam—it’s more of a marathon than a sprint. Everyone takes a different amount of time to reach their target score, so if it takes you more than 3-4 months, that’s perfectly fine. Focus on consistency; rather than studying for 6-7 hours inconsistently, aim for 2-3 hours daily. This steady approach yields much better results over time.
At the same time, don’t stress too much over the GMAT—it’s only a part of your application’s weight. If you have the time, retake the test to reach your target score. But if not, trust in the overall process and focus on building a strong application, as factors like academics, resume, and recommendations carry significant weight as well.
B) Application essays offer a valuable chance to share your story, so take the time to carefully craft your responses. If you work with Tanmay, he’ll provide three key documents to help you prepare. While they may seem long and demanding, committing to them thoroughly will make writing your college essays much easier. These documents are incredibly insightful—not only will they streamline your essay writing, but they’ll also be useful when preparing for interviews. Incorporate deep self-reflection as a fundamental aspect of crafting your essays and defining your motivation.
C) Have a clear vision for both your short-term and long-term goals post-MBA, ensuring they are realistic given your background. Reflect on your professional experience, considering the roles and industries you've worked in, and identify the skills you’ve developed along the way. Recognize any skill gaps that might hinder you from achieving your post-MBA goals, and think about how an MBA can bridge those gaps to help you succeed. When someone reads your essays, they should see a strong alignment between you and the school—a clear indication that the program is essential for you to reach your goals.
#5) How did you prepare for the interview after submitting the ESADE MBA application? What all steps did you take to prepare for the interview?
The interview preparation phase was smooth and enjoyable. Thanks to the three documents Tanmay had provided during the essay stage, I already had most of my answers ready to go. He also shared a comprehensive document with a range of questions commonly asked in interviews over the years, which I went through thoroughly, writing out answers to each one. Since I had worked so hard on those initial documents, I could complete this task fairly quickly. Once I finished, I carefully revised each response.
Tanmay then went above and beyond by conducting three full mock interviews and a shorter one right before the actual interview to ensure I was fully prepared. After each session, he provided detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. I made sure to note all his advice in the same document so I wouldn’t miss anything.
#6) What questions did your interviewer ask you during the ESADE MBA interview?
Why do you want to pursue an MBA in 2025?
I understand you've applied to other schools. What's the status of those applications? Have you received any news?
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
Do you believe your values will match ESADE's? Do you think you're a perfect fit?
What questions do you have for me?
#7) How do you think you performed in the interview?
I believe I performed well in the interview. I started by introducing myself confidently, although I initially struggled to articulate why I specifically chose ESADE when asked. However, I made a strong case for why I would prefer ESADE over other schools, highlighting its unique blend of theoretical and case-based learning, as well as the supportive alumni network I had interacted with.
When discussing my short-term and long-term goals, I was able to clearly connect them to how ESADE could help me bridge the gaps in my skills and experiences. I also articulated how my values align with ESADE’s, drawing on my experiences working in diverse teams and my commitment to community contributions.
Additionally, I was proactive in asking her questions about how to best focus my efforts and how ESADE promotes entrepreneurship. When she mentioned that successful students exhibit collaboration, I highlighted my collaborative experiences at Livspace, reinforcing my fit with the school's culture.
Overall, I felt that my preparation paid off, and I left the interview feeling positive about my performance and the connection I made during our conversation.
#8) Congratulations for receiving a scholarship of EUR 10,000! How did that happen? What did you do to bag that scholarship?
I believe what secured me the scholarship was my effort to demonstrate compatibility with the school’s values. I emphasized how my personal values align with ESADE’s, highlighting my experiences working in diverse teams and my dedication to contributing to the community.
The scholarship essay played a pivotal role as well. I ensured it showcased key instances from my professional background where I exhibited leadership qualities. Additionally, I articulated how I plan to give back to the school, both during the MBA and after completing it.
It's also crucial to convey to the admissions committee that you are genuinely interested and excited to join the school. Tanmay helped me achieve this in every possible way, ensuring I came across as sincere without sounding desperate.
#9) How was Tanmay’s mentorship important while working on the ESADE MBA application?
Tanmay’s mentorship was crucial in navigating the ESADE MBA application process. From the very beginning, he provided a clear plan outlining how we would approach each aspect of the applications within the set timeframe. One of the most valuable resources he shared with me was a set of three documents that included a comprehensive list of thought-provoking questions, encouraging reflection back to my childhood. By dedicating sufficient time to introspect and answer these questions honestly, a significant portion of my application work was completed. These questions carry nearly every aspect relevant to essay prompts from various colleges.
Working with Tanmay taught me the art of crafting professional emails that include a touch of warmth, leaving a positive impression on the recipient. Beyond conveying the main message, Tanmay emphasized adding genuine excitement and enthusiasm towards the program being discussed. This skill is invaluable, as it requires mastering the balance between sounding overly eager and maintaining professionalism. I am confident that this skill, developed through my experience with Tanmay, will be beneficial throughout my professional career.
In addition, Tanmay stays up-to-date with upcoming online webinars and sessions, consistently sharing relevant links to ensure his mentees are well-informed.
Tanmay's approach before mock interviews was also invaluable. He maintained a professional and respectful tone with his mentees, which he explained as part of preparing us for real interview scenarios. Although it seemed amusing at first, it made the actual interviews much easier, as I was already equipped with well-prepared answers thanks to the comprehensive documents he provided, and I knew how to maintain a respectful and polished demeanor from my calls with him.
Tanmay conducted four mock interviews for me, each lasting an hour, as part of my ESADE MBA interview preparation. His belief in thorough preparation ensured we could handle any unexpected questions confidently. These mock sessions proved invaluable, equipping me to face the real interview with ease.
#10) What are your final ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ for a study abroad aspirant?
Do:
1. Try starting early. Keep 1.5-2 months aside for building your story and working on your essays. Giving yourself this time as it will pay off later when you actually write your essays. Introspect, think, go back to your childhood, college days and try to find instances or times when you did something, why you did it and how it shaped you. All of this will require time.
2. Have a clear vision for both your short-term and long-term goals post-MBA, ensuring they are realistic given your background.
3. Right after Tanmay's LinkedIn Networking Workshop, start connecting with current students and alumni. Responses may take some time, and when they do reply, they will likely be available over the weekend. Utilize the weekdays to send connection requests to individuals who share similar post-MBA career goals as you.
Don’t:
1. Even with a strong academic background, don’t underestimate the GMAT. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint and requires time and patience. Avoid rushing or looking for shortcuts—focus on following the right process, especially for RC and CR sections. If your scores aren't improving as quickly as you'd like, don’t let it overwhelm you. Stay committed, put in the effort with the right strategy, and your hard work will eventually pay off. And if your score isn’t as high as you hoped, remember not to be discouraged, as the GMAT is just one part of the overall application process.
2. Avoid waiting until the last day to submit your application, as technical issues with the portal can arise and your 2-3 months of effort will be wasted.
3. Don’t use AI to write your essays, as admissions committee members can easily recognize them. Be authentic and sincere; write your own essays to reflect who you truly are.
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