Two different worlds, one MBA classroom: How Management Development Institute Gurgaon students are rewriting their career paths

There are moments in a career when staying the course feels comfortable, and others when stepping away becomes necessary to rediscover direction. For Subholaxmi Roy and Aneesha Rane, the decision to pursue an MBA was shaped by such turning points—each coming from vastly different worlds, yet finding common ground in the classrooms of MDI Gurgaon.

Their journeys reflect a shared thread of resilience, where reinvention was not just a choice, but a process shaped by uncertainty, discipline, and gradual self-belief.

Finding direction beyond familiar lanes

For Subholaxmi Roy, the foundations of her journey were laid far from lecture halls—in swimming pools where she trained as a National Long Distance Swimmer. Growing up in Berhampore, West Bengal, in a joint family, she developed independence early, balancing academics with the demanding routine of competitive sport. The discipline required for long-distance swimming—endurance, consistency, and mental strength—became defining traits that would later guide her through a very different challenge.

Her transition into Business Analytics at MDI Gurgaon brought with it a steep learning curve. Moving from sport to a competitive academic environment meant navigating self-doubt and recalibrating expectations. There were phases when outcomes did not align with her efforts, leading her to question her approach and preparedness.

Instead of stepping back, she leaned into the process. Drawing from her experience as an athlete, she focused on consistency—revisiting fundamentals, refining her time management, and building clarity in her work. Gradually, the uncertainty began to ease. Situations that once felt overwhelming became more manageable, and her confidence followed.

Her role in the Prep Team further exposed her to the pressures of placements, both personally and through supporting peers. Alongside academics, her participation in chess competitions added another dimension, sharpening her focus and strategic thinking.

For Subholaxmi, the journey has not been defined by a single milestone, but by sustained effort across phases of doubt and growth—an approach she now hopes to carry into organisational roles, while continuing her interest in contributing to social impact.

Choosing to begin again

Aneesha Rane’s path to management education began in an entirely different space—one rooted in creativity and public visibility. Growing up in Nagothane, Maharashtra, she pursued design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and later entered the fashion and modelling industry, gaining recognition as a finalist at Femina Miss India.

Her early career revolved around creative expression, travel, and performance. However, a shift occurred when she took on a role with a clothing brand that extended beyond design. Engaging with sales, client interactions, and operations gave her a closer look at the mechanics of business, sparking a new area of interest.

The decision to pursue an MBA meant stepping away from an industry where she had already established herself. It brought hesitation and uncertainty, particularly as she returned to academics after years in a creative field. Quantitative aptitude, in particular, posed a significant challenge.

The initial months at MDI Gurgaon tested her adaptability. Keeping pace with coursework required building structure and discipline from the ground up. There were moments of doubt, but she chose persistence—working through concepts, analysing her performance, and staying consistent in her preparation. Over time, this translated into tangible progress, including strong results in quantitative assessments.

Even as she adapted to academics, she remained connected to her creative roots. Through MarQuity, she contributed to communication and design initiatives, while her involvement in the photography club Focus and the music committee Mandolins allowed her to continue creative expression on campus.

She is now set to join Reckitt as a Management Trainee, where she will gain cross-functional exposure and further develop her understanding of business decision-making.

Redefining the MBA experience

While their starting points were worlds apart—one shaped by the rigour of competitive sport and the other by the fluidity of creative industries—Subholaxmi Roy and Aneesha Rane share a common narrative of reinvention. Both journeys highlight the evolving nature of management education, where diverse experiences are not just welcomed but become integral to learning.

At MDI Gurgaon, their stories reflect how the MBA classroom is no longer defined by linear career paths. Instead, it is shaped by individuals willing to step into unfamiliar territory, question their own limitations, and build new trajectories through persistence and adaptability.

In navigating uncertainty and embracing change, they are not just pursuing careers—they are redefining what it means to start again.