Second-year MBA student Bhavik Rathod has definitely made the most of his Illinois MBA experience. From his involvement in Illinois Business Consulting (IBC), case competitions, and MBA social events, he says it is hard to define his most worthwhile experience in the Illinois MBA because there have been so many.

Originally from Mumbai, India, Bhavik received a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from the University of Mumbai and a post-graduate diploma in Financial Management from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai.  He felt the Illinois MBA was the perfect choice for many reasons:  “I believed the Illinois MBA, with its integrated curriculum and vast consulting opportunities, would be an ideal stepping stone for me to understand business the way business is done.”

Bhavik has taken advantage of multiple opportunities to develop professionally and personally.  As a Senior Manager in IBC, Bhavik has been able to apply his classroom knowledge to practical situations.  In fact, he was recently recognized for spearheading a project for the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission based out of Washington D.C.  As Vice President of Finance for the Graduate Finance Association, he helped organize the MBA stock competition.  He also represented the Illinois MBA at a marketing case competition at Purdue University.  Bhavik even managed to squeeze in time for participation in a bowling league and cricket tournaments.

Bhavik’s hard work has paid off with an exceptional job offer from Ernst & Young in New York, NY, where he will serve as a Senior Advisor of Finance and Performance Management.  When asked what advice he has for prospective MBA students, he offers, “Build your professional network before starting your MBA.  Be prepared for the rigors of a challenging program, but make time to explore and enjoy everything that is offered outside of the classroom.”