KSOM Alumni, Siddhant Mohapatra says, “Follow the path which is driven by your passion”

Siddhant Mohapatra, an alumni of KSOM( KIIT University) is currently leading Brand and Marketing Communication for Medikabazaar, India’s largest B2B platform for medical supplies, in their corporate office in Mumbai. In KSOM KIIT Alumni interview, Siddhant Mohapatra shares how his MBA programme has added value in honing his interpersonal and professional skills. He also shares how KSOM KIIT MBA programme helped him in upskilling his business acumen, enabling him to relate to the intrinsic detailing and functioning of any business/organization. Siddhant believes that the teaching methodology at KSOM has given a lot of exposure to the business world. In an exclusive interview with Careers360, Siddhant Mohapatra shares his overall experience at KSOM KIIT, Bhubaneswar and provides guidance tips for MBA aspirants.

Careers360: Tell us about your domain and your work profile. At professional level, did you pursue the same field you were interested in or you switched?

Siddhant Mohapatra: I am currently working as the Team Lead for Brand and Marketing Communication for Medikabazaar, India’s largest B2B platform for medical supplies, in their Corporate Office in Mumbai. Yes, I have pursued my interest in the field of marketing communication and brand management from the beginning of my professional career.

Careers360: Can you briefly tell us about your career path so far?

Siddhant Mohapatra: I was selected by Reliance Jio through Campus recruitment drive in KSOM, where I worked as an Assistant Manager in the Geography Marketing team, in the Corporate Office in Mumbai.

In Jan 2019, I joined TATA BlueScope Steel as a Deputy Manager in the Retail Marketing team overseeing retail marketing, customer engagement, channel engagement, brand management and Marketing communication.

Currently I am heading the Brand and Marketing Communication vertical in Medikabazaar.

Careers360: Is industry work different from what you learn at B-School?

Siddhant Mohapatra: B-School learning and Industry work are always not in tandem with each other as business requirements and practices set precedence over what you have learnt in B-School, however having said that it is always important to relate your business functioning acumen, which one has learnt in B-School, with the current work to maximize your deliverable.

Careers360: How do you think your MBA programme has added value to your life, both professional and personal?

Siddhant Mohapatra: Definitely yes. Personally, the MBA programme has conditioned me into a thorough professional by shaping my personality, confidence and honing my interpersonal skills which reflects in my actions as a professional. MBA programme has upskilled my business acumen helping me to relate to the intrinsic detailing and functioning of any business/organization.

Careers360: What was your initial thought process when you joined your MBA programme?

Siddhant Mohapatra: Honestly I joined the MBA program with a clean slate. The idea was to just watch, observe and adapt myself to the new course and its requirements. The learning came in gradually. But I was absolutely sure about one thing, to give my best to everything that I put my mind on.

Careers360: You must have spent memorable time at your B-School. Do you miss being a part of it? Share a few good memories.

Siddhant Mohapatra: I would like to term the 2 years of my MBA programme in KSOM, Bhubaneswar, as the most memorable phase of my life as a student.

The best memory which I have is when I had received the Pradyumna Bal Memorial Gold Medal, from Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, The Vice President of India, for being the best All-rounder of my batch during my convocation.

I miss the beautiful, energetic and vibrant college campus of KSOM, the classroom teaching, aesthetic beauty of the campus infrastructure, infectious energy amongst the students.

Careers360: Briefly take us through your life at the campus, the activities you used to do and your routine life.

Siddhant Mohapatra: Day started in our beautifully constructed hostel, then rushing to the cafeteria which served amazing food, after having a sumptuous meal we rushed to our classrooms to attend our lectures which spanned for around 7-8 hrs, which included guest lectures from industry experts, industry connect programs, training programs etc. Evenings in our college were all lit up with students pursuing their extra-curricular activities by participating in the various events organised by the different student clubs. Finally ended the day in the hostel and library completing our assignments and dedicating our time for self-study and personal growth.

Careers360: Apart from academics, what were the other activities you were involved in and how did it enrich your life?

Siddhant Mohapatra: I was very active in terms of getting myself involved in various other activities, as my college gave the right platform to the students to uplift themselves and nurture and showcase their talents. I was fortunate enough to be selected to lead the Marketing Society and B-School Fest Committee.

Careers360: You are a proud alumnus of this top B-School. What is the best part of KSOM, Bhubaneswar from a student's perspective?

Siddhant Mohapatra: I would say that we were fortunate to be taught by some of the best faculty and academicians, who came from the different spheres of industry and academic experience, ranging from some of the top tier colleges to fortune 500 companies. It was more like an On Job training experience for many of us, as we were given a lot of exposure to the business world by the methodology of their teaching.

Careers360: What is your suggestion/guidance for the MBA aspirants?

Siddhant Mohapatra: When you decide to pursue a course in MBA to develop skills required in business start-ups, innovation, or entrepreneurship, a perfect study plan is required for a focused career. Proper research and planning plays a crucial role in widening your professional network and gaining business knowledge.

For any MBA student, decision-making is very much essential because you must get yourself the right start with career management. You must get yourself accustomed with the education process by keeping in mind the post-graduation course that you wish to study.

MBA, unlike other PG courses, becomes more intense as it includes several presentations, case studies, discussions, seminars, and interaction with business professionals.

Follow the path which is driven by your passion. All the best.