Komal Bhalla
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Avanade
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Ever since I left Exeter, I have been working with Avanade in the Advisory division. I joined in the role of a consultant and was promoted to Senior Consultant in the course of 11 months with the organisation. In my current role, I help clients unleash their true potential via technology enabled business transformation.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I have been into strategy and operation consulting while delivering projects. I was sure that I aim to continue in consulting but was aiming to transform my career to a more technology focused. Therefore, choosing Avanade, IT consulting company meant an apt fit to my aspirations.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
MBA being an extensive program, participating in sports clubs or societies wasn’t what I was able to priorities. However, I served as the SSLC representative for the MBA programme.
Were you part of the Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme at any point during your studies?
Yes
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The things that I enjoyed the most were the breadth of the programme, engagement opportunities with the cohort, variety of formats used to address the curriculum. However, the highlight of the programme for me was the support I got from the programme leadership, professors and career guide. I truly felt like home.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The size of the class was the key factor in defining how much attention and face time we got with our professors and opportunities to engage with cohort. Additionally, I came with key aspirations of making a career here in UK so the support provided via career coach was the most effective.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I choose Exeter for their determination towards responsible leadership and this become a foundation for my decision. I carry the principles learnt via Exeter MBA along with me wherever I go.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
My openness to adapt and ability to comprehend have been key facets of my skill set which have been the most useful for my career. I have been a generalist working in Public sector and political consulting back in India before I moved to UK for my MBA. Above stated skill sets have been driving factors to help me transform my career pathway here in UK.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
I would suggest understanding which the job needs and if your experience and professional attributes will make you a success in that role. The more you know about the role and the company the better.
What are your plans for the future?
I aim to continue my endeavours as a consultant but I am making moves as a writer as well. Not sure what the future unfolds but the aim is to make impact at the grassroots whether as a contributor for an organisation or as an entrepreneur.
