From Small-Town Roots to a Berkeley Haas MBA: The Ankit Muddana Story

Ankit Muddana’s journey is defined by resilience, continuous growth, and a steadfast dedication to excellence. With a stellar GRE score of 332 and a dual degree in Computer Science from NIT Rourkela (Class of 2016), his path from a small-town student to earning a Berkeley Haas MBA admit is nothing short of inspiring. Through years of impactful experiences, challenges, and milestones, Ankit has built a life defined by meaningful contributions and transformative leadership — one that ultimately led him to the prestigious Berkeley Haas School of Business.

In this post, we trace the experiences that shaped his candidacy and explore why his story offers valuable lessons for anyone pursuing a Berkeley Haas MBA of their own. If you’re mapping out your own path toward a top business school, you may also find it useful to browse our MBA success stories for more real-world admit journeys.

Berkeley Haas MBA Journey Begins: The Early Years of Collaboration and Empathy

Ankit’s journey began at NIT Rourkela, where he learned that true success lies in collaboration. While group projects honed his ability to work within teams, his first real test of leadership came during his involvement with the National Service Scheme (NSS). In his very first year, he led a teaching program at a leprosy colony, balancing the dual responsibilities of ensuring students completed their syllabus while addressing their unique challenges. This experience shaped his empathetic leadership style, one that balances achieving goals with meeting the needs of those around him. 

Beyond academics, Ankit’s leadership extended to being president of the Cooking Club, where he organized events and competitions that highlighted his ability to unite people over a shared passion. Additionally, he organized self-help sessions for sophomores, refining his skills in resource management and team coordination—traits that would later define his professional journey. 

Professional Excellence: Driving Innovation and Mentorship 

After graduating, he joined Reliance Jio Infocomm as a Graduate Engineering Trainee. Over the course of eight years, he rose to become an Assistant Deputy Manager, making impactful contributions to India’s 4G and 5G applications. Ankit managed high-pressure projects, improved network efficiency, and mobilized resources to resolve critical issues like major downtime, earning him multiple awards and accolades. 

But beyond the technical milestones, his true pride lay in building connections and empowering others. He mentored over 120 graduate engineers, structuring onboarding programs that prepared them for success in a fast-paced industry. Whether organizing team outings or navigating cross-functional collaboration, Ankit proved that leadership isn’t just about managing work—it’s about inspiring people. 

Passion for Community and Culinary Art 

Parallel to his professional achievements, he found purpose in his work with Food for Life NGO. Since 2016, he has served as Head Chef and Manager, cooking meals for 200–300 underprivileged schoolchildren weekly. His role extended beyond the kitchen, as he managed logistics and distribution to ensure these children could focus on their education without worrying about hunger. 

This commitment to service has been a hallmark of Ankit’s journey. Even in college, his love for cooking shone through, as he led the Cooking Club to multiple competition wins. Combined with his passion for yoga and fitness, he embodies a holistic approach to personal and professional life, one that balances hard work with well-being and service to others. 

The Berkeley Haas Admit: A Dream Fulfilled 

Securing admission to Berkeley Haas marked a defining moment in Ankit’s journey. The school’s emphasis on innovation, inclusion, and leadership resonated deeply with his vision of bridging technological advancements with global business strategies. At Haas, he aims to contribute to dynamic classroom discussions, leveraging his experiences in corporate leadership and community service to inspire and learn from his peers. 

Key Takeaways for Future Berkeley Haas MBA Applicants

• Lead with empathy: Ankit’s leadership style, shaped by grassroots community work, became a defining strength in his application.
• Show consistent impact: Eight years of mentorship and measurable results at Reliance Jio demonstrated sustained professional growth.
• Balance profession and passion: His NGO work and culinary pursuits rounded out a well-balanced, authentic candidate profile.
• Know the school’s values: Aligning his story with Haas’s culture of innovation and inclusion strengthened his Berkeley Haas MBA narrative.

If Ankit’s journey has inspired you to pursue your own Berkeley Haas MBA, start by exploring our MBA admissions consulting services to build an application strategy tailored to your story.