Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Pallavi Kalpande and I have recently completed my Full-time MBA at Warwick Business School (WBS). My work experience is, predominantly, in Business Analysis as well as Customer Success Management and Technical Sales. I specialise in Strategic Consultancy within the project environment and am eager to grow my portfolio in this field after my MBA.

That being said, an MBA careers event ignited my interest for entrepreneurship and I am looking into the feasibility of a business idea. Some of my other highlights from the MBA have been being part of the University’s Badminton Team and representing them at British Universities and Colleges Sport matches, being a VP of the Mobility Club and a Student Staff Liaison Committee member for our cohort.

What motivated you to apply for a scholarship?

Initially, my motivation to apply for a scholarship was to gain financial aid to study my MBA at WBS. However, once I started investigating more on the scholarships that were on offer, I realised that the application meant more than that. I applied for the Championing the Community scholarship because I believe in empowering both the people and the society we live in. I was already a participating member of the Warwickshire & Solihull Community & Voluntary Action (WCAVA) when I applied, as well as actively promoting my local badminton club. I continued to offer my assistance anywhere I could during and post-MBA.

What does the scholarship mean to you?

The scholarship allowed me to achieve more than what I had planned from my MBA. Other than the course, I was able to take part in the University’s Badminton Team matches, Entrepreneurial Incubator events at Oxford and Cambridge and the Partnership in International Management (PIM) Exchange in Singapore. The support from the WBS staff has been incredible and it has allowed me to dream bigger and better without the restriction of finance had I not received the scholarship. So, the scholarship means to me more than you can imagine!

How have you been Championing the Community?

During and post-MBA, I have tried my best to be of any help to the people around me. Prior to the MBA, during my time in the industry, I actively took part in volunteering opportunities both at work and outside of it. This then continued when I was democratically elected by my cohort to represent them as a course representative.

I also took part in the CoACH Mentoring Programme to mentor an undergraduate in exploring their career options given their degree, interests and strengths. I think it is vital we contribute positively to our community anywhere and everywhere we can. So, post-MBA I have offered to help the future cohorts where I can.

How have you been embodying Warwick Business School’s Change Maker values and having an impact on your sector/society during your MBA?

As a Course Representative for the MBA programme, I actively advocated for continuous improvements, ensuring the programme aligned with evolving student and general industry market requirements. By encouraging open dialogue, I helped drive constructive changes that enhanced the learning experience supported by the CORE values. The values are set to help us embrace and build our niche and thrive not only during lectures but in our professional lives too.

For me, I wanted to enhance my business acumen during the MBA and focused on the ‘Curiosity’ value to help me gain a better, overall, understanding of the corporate world. There is no doubt I will continue to carry these values after my MBA.

What impact has the scholarship had on your academic and personal goals?

The Scholarship meant that I was able to attend the MBA at WBS a year before I initially intended to. Academically, it has alleviated financial pressures, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and pursue challenging opportunities like the PIM Exchange that aligned with my career aspirations. Personally, it has boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in my potential to achieve my goals. This support has not only provided resources but also motivation, inspiring me to work harder and give back to the community in meaningful ways.

Do you have any advice to other considering applying for a scholarship?

Make your scholarship application personal and not what you think the reader would want to hear - don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Take the time to reflect on your personal situation and what you’d like to achieve from your MBA scholarship. It’s important to note what you are going to achieve  but, most importantly, how will you create a positive impact within the type of scholarship you have gone for. At each stage of your scholarship application be sure to showcase your worth and how you will strive to create a positive impact and help reflect the CORE values of WBS.