ABOUT ESADE

Founded in 1958, ESADE Business School is a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to nurturing human potential within the realms of business and society. Located in Barcelona, Spain, ESADE fosters a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity across cultures, nationalities, genders, religions, ages, and ethnicities. This dedication to inclusivity ensures that all voices are heard and valued, creating a dynamic educational experience where new ideas and talents can flourish.

Kartik Bisht

GMAT/GRE: 690

Experience: 8.5 Years

Organizations: Bajaj Auto Ltd, India

College: PEC University of Technology Chandigarh, India

In the competitive world of MBA admissions, Kartik Bisht’s journey to securing a spot at ESADE Business School stands out as a story of resilience, strategic thinking, and personal growth. With a GMAT score of 690 and a background in Mechanical Engineering from PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, Kartik’s path to this achievement was marked by both professional and personal challenges that shaped his character and career. His success is not just a reflection of his academic and professional capabilities but also of his ability to navigate through adversity with determination and resourcefulness. This article delves into Kartik’s background, professional achievements, personal challenges, and the role GyanOne played in helping him secure his MBA admission.

Background and Academic Achievements

Kartik Bisht graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, in 2016. His involvement as Joint Secretary of SAE PEC, Kartik demonstrated early signs of leadership and technical aptitude. SAE PEC is a prominent technical society where automotive enthusiasts engage in national and international competitions. His role as Joint Secretary involved significant contributions to the society’s projects, and he was awarded certificates of excellence for his contributions to both SAE PEC and PECFEST, the largest cultural-technical festival in Punjab Engineering College.

Kartik’s academic and extracurricular achievements laid a strong foundation for his professional journey. Kartik’s professional journey began at Bajaj Auto Ltd., where he served as an Area Service Manager. In this role, he was responsible for managing service operations for the motorcycle business unit across multiple regions. His key duties included overseeing service processes, improving customer satisfaction, and driving revenue growth. Kartik’s efforts led to a notable improvement in the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and he was ranked among the top Area Service Managers across India. Additionally, he played a critical role in driving revenue growth and securing the highest penetration of Bajaj Secure policy sales among multiple hubs in the state. 

At TATA Motors Ltd., where Kartik served as a Customer Care Manager, his responsibilities expanded to strategizing and implementing initiatives to enhance customer care and operational efficiency. One of his significant achievements was leading the turnaround of a sub-performing dealer, substantially improving the workshop’s profitability. Kartik also developed two digital transformation applications that increased productivity and led an advisory project that boosted profitability in workshops across five states. His service strategies also increased per-vehicle revenue, further contributing to business growth.

These roles highlighted Kartik’s expertise in managing complex operations, improving profitability, and leading teams to achieve meaningful results. His ability to navigate and improve challenging situations showcased his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Personal Challenges and Lessons Learned

One of Kartik’s major challenges emerged during his college years when he faced a health condition that caused severe inflammation in his hip joint. This led to an extended period of bed rest and academic difficulty. Despite these obstacles, Kartik remained determined, committed to extra summer terms, and ultimately excelled in his studies. The experience became a defining part of his journey, instilling in him a deep sense of empathy, patience, and resilience.

How GyanOne Contributed to Kartik’s Success

GyanOne played a crucial role in Kartik’s successful admission to ESADE Business School. The approach taken by GyanOne involved a comprehensive assessment of Kartik’s profile, identifying his strengths and areas for improvement. The team provided targeted guidance on how to highlight his achievements and address his personal challenges effectively in his application.

Kartik Bisht’s journey to securing an MBA admission at ESADE Business School is a remarkable story of overcoming challenges and achieving success through resilience and strategic thinking. His professional achievements, personal challenges, and the support from GyanOne collectively contributed to his successful admission. Kartik’s story serves as an inspiration for future MBA applicants, demonstrating that with determination, strategic planning, and the right support, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve one’s career aspirations.

Saurabh Latad

GMAT/GRE: 650

Experience: 7.5 years

Organization: Thakur College Of Engineering and Technology

College: D.J. Sanghvi College of Engineering,

Saurabh’s journey to securing an admit into the ESADE MBA program is a remarkable tale of resilience, adaptability, and strategic guidance. His story illustrates how overcoming personal and professional challenges, combined with expert support, can lead to success in one’s academic and career pursuits.

Background and Personal Challenges

Saurabh’s journey to the ESADE MBA was shaped by unique personal and academic hurdles. Growing up as a first-generation college student in a family with limited formal education, he witnessed his father’s dedication in building a business from the ground up, ensuring opportunities that had not previously been available. Along the way, Saurabh encountered various challenges, including family health concerns and his own recovery from injuries. Yet his resolve remained steadfast. These experiences deeply ingrained in him a strong sense of resilience and adaptability, qualities that shone through during his MBA application process.

Saurabh’s academic journey began at Mumbai University’s D.J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, where he graduated in 2017. His academic achievements also include a scholarship awarded by the State Government of Maharashtra for being among the top 0.1% in his class XII board examinations. These accolades, coupled with his strong high school performance, laid a solid foundation for his MBA aspirations.

Professional Experience and Responsibilities

Saurabh’s professional experience spans diverse roles and industries, showcasing his adaptability and skill set. He began his career at Keshav Metals Pvt. Ltd. as a Graduate Engineer Trainee, where he was responsible for overseeing production processes, ensuring quality control, and optimizing manufacturing workflows in the stainless steel processing sector. His role involved troubleshooting technical issues, conducting performance analyses, and implementing process improvements, which laid the groundwork for his technical and analytical skills.

Transitioning to ZS Associates as a Business Operations Associate Consultant, Saurabh managed client engagements and provided strategic recommendations. His responsibilities included data analysis, market research, and developing actionable insights to enhance client efficiency. This role required him to work closely with clients to understand their needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and deliver solutions aligned with their strategic goals.

During his internship at Bosch Chassis Systems India Pvt. Ltd., Saurabh was involved in research and development activities related to automotive chassis systems. He supported engineering teams, conducted tests, analyzed components, and documented findings, offering him hands-on experience in a high-tech environment and deepening his understanding of automotive engineering.

Saurabh’s leadership extended beyond corporate roles into social impact through his NGO, ‘Ummeed.’ He co-founded this organization to address local issues such as waterlogging caused by plastic waste. His responsibilities included leading campaigns, organizing donation drives, and training underprivileged women to produce upcycled bags. The NGO’s success in promoting sustainability and women’s empowerment highlighted Saurabh’s commitment to community service and leadership.

The Application Journey with GyanOne

GyanOne played a crucial role in Saurabh’s successful admission to the ESADE MBA program. The team approached his application with a strategic and comprehensive plan, addressing various challenges and leveraging his unique strengths.

Understanding Saurabh’s diverse achievements and experiences, GyanOne meticulously crafted his application to emphasize his academic excellence, professional accomplishments, and significant personal challenges. They framed his experiences as indicators of resilience and leadership potential, ensuring that his narrative was compelling and aligned with ESADE’s values.

ESADE’s focus on diversity and human potential was central to GyanOne’s approach. They tailored Saurabh’s application to resonate with these values by emphasizing his multicultural experiences, leadership in social impact, and commitment to sustainability. This alignment demonstrated how Saurabh’s background and aspirations fit within ESADE’s inclusive and forward-thinking environment.

GyanOne also provided in-depth guidance on crafting compelling essays and preparing for interviews. They worked closely with Saurabh to articulate his career goals, professional experiences, and personal motivations effectively. The team conducted mock interviews to help Saurabh refine his responses and build confidence in presenting his narrative to the admissions committee.

Throughout the application process, GyanOne offered continuous support, addressing any concerns and providing valuable insights. They ensured that Saurabh’s application was submitted on time and met all the requirements, maximizing his chances of securing an admit.

Conclusion

Saurabh’s successful admission into the ESADE MBA program reflects his exceptional journey, marked by personal growth, professional achievements, and the strategic guidance provided by GyanOne. His ability to overcome significant challenges, combined with his diverse experiences and leadership in social impact, made him a standout candidate. GyanOne’s tailored approach in addressing his unique profile and navigating the complexities of the application process played a pivotal role in his success.

Saurabh’s story is a powerful example of how resilience, adaptability, and expert support can lead to achieving one’s MBA aspirations. As he embarks on this new chapter at ESADE, his journey continues to inspire and highlight the importance of perseverance and strategic guidance in reaching one’s goals.

The ESADE MBA Program: A Comprehensive Overview

Class Profile

The ESADE MBA program is characterized by its diverse and dynamic cohort. Each year, the program admits around 162 participants, with an average age of 29 and an average of six years of professional experience. This international class represents 44 different nationalities, highlighting ESADE’s global reach and commitment to fostering a multicultural learning environment. The gender distribution within the program is balanced, with women making up 43% of the class and men 57%.

Students come from a variety of academic backgrounds, enriching the program with diverse perspectives. Approximately 34% of students hold degrees in business and management, 25% in engineering, 12% in social sciences, and 9% in economics. This broad academic mix fosters a collaborative learning atmosphere and enhances the depth of discussions and projects.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The ESADE MBA curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education while allowing flexibility to align with individual career goals. The core courses cover essential business disciplines such as leadership, strategy, marketing, and finance, providing students with a solid foundation in these areas. In addition, a broad range of elective courses enables students to specialize in their areas of interest or explore emerging industry trends.

A distinctive feature of the ESADE MBA is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students engage in consulting projects, international exchanges, and collaborations with real-world businesses, applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. This hands-on approach enhances problem-solving skills and prepares students for leadership roles in their careers.

Career Outcomes and Internships

ESADE MBA graduates achieve impressive career outcomes. The program boasts a high return on investment, with graduates earning an average salary of $157,209 three years after graduation, reflecting a 131% increase from their pre-MBA salaries. This strong career progression is evident in the fact that 97% of graduates change their function, sector, or location, with 34% undergoing a triple career change involving changes in function, sector, and location.

Internships are a vital component of the ESADE MBA experience, providing students with valuable real-world exposure and networking opportunities. Leading companies such as Amazon, Bayer, BCG, Citi, EY, HP, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, McKinsey & Co, Nike, Novartis, SAP, and Tesla actively recruit ESADE MBA interns. During their internships, students are not only learning but also contributing to real-world projects, adding significant value to their host organizations. The average mean salary for students on internships is €3,014.

Internships at ESADE cover a wide range of functional areas, with marketing and sales being the most common. However, students also gain experience in consulting, finance, management, and operations. While 80% of students remain in Europe after their internships, ESADE’s extensive global network opens doors to opportunities across Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and North America.

Tuition Fees and Additional Costs

The total tuition fee for the ESADE Full-Time MBA program for the September 2025 intake is €78,500. This fee encompasses tuition, course materials, on-campus IT services, and library services. Additional costs include an application fee of €135, which covers administrative processes, and an MBA Student Association Fee of €100.

Conclusion

The ESADE MBA program stands out for its commitment to fostering human potential, inclusivity, and a diverse learning environment. With a global cohort, a flexible and comprehensive curriculum, and strong career outcomes, ESADE provides a transformative educational experience. The program’s emphasis on real-world experience through internships and its strong connections with leading global employers further enhance its appeal. For prospective students seeking an MBA program that values diversity, innovation, and career advancement, ESADE Business School offers a compelling and well-rounded choice.

Credit : https://www.esade.edu/mba/en/programmes/full-time-mba/careers