Pranshu Poddar Personal Statement (IEU admissions)

The presentation is a personal statement by Pranshu Poddar meant for admissions process at IE business school (a part of IEU).

1. Pranshu EXPRESS YOURSELF IEU ADMISSIONS Poddar

2. ABOUT ME 22-year-old Finance Enthusiast from Kolkata, India, driven by curiosity for global economics and capital markets . Passionate about understanding how finance shapes societies , inspired by my love for travel, culture, and sport. Avid Golfer (handicap 5.8) - the sport has taught me discipline, focus, and persistence both on and off the course. Animal Welfare Advocate - I’ve rescued and cared for animals since childhood, an experience that has shaped my empathy and sense of responsibility.

3. BACHELOR’S & TRAVEL Completed my Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics at the University of Groningen, Netherlands — my first time living in Europe and away from home. Faced initial challenges adjusting to a new culture, climate, and lifestyle . The cold weather often made me sick during my first few months, but I learned to adapt and became more resilient. I later took on another challenge by joining a study abroad program at the University of Bristol in England . The experience helped me become more independent and open-minded. I’ve also travelled to places like the US, France, Monaco, Spain, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam , which have all given me a broader perspective on how people live, work, and think around the world.

4. RESEARCH & EXPLORATION Served as Treasurer of the International Committee at the Economics and Business Faculty Association (EBF) during my second year, overseeing budgeting and financial planning for events aimed at fostering cross-cultural integration between international and Dutch students. Took part in the European Study Research Trip (ESR) organized by the Economics and Business Faculty (EBF) in 2022, held in Barcelona . Our group explored “The diversified economy of Barcelona as an instrument for Spanish economic growth” through field research, company visits, and discussions at IESE Business School . Served on the Program Committee for BSc. Economics and Business Economics at Quest Groningen , where I provided feedback to program coordinators on course content, exam structures, and teaching methods.

5. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Joined the Groningen Investment Team (GIT) in my first year and remained active throughout my studies. Researched the fundamentals of global securities, presented investment ideas during meetings, and participated in in-house days at partner financial services firms across the Netherlands. Completed a summer internship at Vyana Wealth Management , where I explored the growing influence of geopolitics on global markets. Analyzed how geopolitical events and conflicts shape investment decisions and learned how these factors can be integrated into client portfolios.

6. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Co-founded Ikaguu , a furniture brand dedicated to preserving India’s rich heritage through unique handcrafted pieces. Managed multiple responsibilities including budgeting and planning, digital marketing, and product curation , gaining hands-on experience across all aspects of running a business. Interned at Western Carriers (India) Ltd., a logistics company . Worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst , collaborating with senior management to provide insights that improved efficiency across multi-modal transportation, warehousing, and redistribution operations . Gained firsthand insight into how 3PL and 4PL providers support multiple industries and keep the economy moving. Initially faced a lot of industry-specific jargon, but put in extra effort to familiarize myself and become an effective contributor.

7. 2 Attention to detail 1 Business Acumen Team player 4 Leadership 5 Time management 6 Negotiation 3 2 Portfolio Management 1 Financial Analysis Risk Assessment 3 SOFT SKILLS HARD SKILLS 2 MS Suite 1 Python & Stata Google analytics 3 TECHNICAL SKILLS

8. WHY IE? Visiting Barcelona for the European Study Research ( E SR) program through EBF sparked my love for the city, culture, and language. Since then, building a career and life in Spain has been a personal goal. IE University’s global reputation and practical, hands-on approach aligns perfectly with my professional and personal ambitions. The customizable program , with specialized tracks, electives, and certifications, would allow me to tailor my learning to my career goals. The optional trip to Ghana would allow me to contribute to real, meaningful change, while also providing me with an opportunity to see the world through a different lens, gaining insights into global challenges and sustainable solutions.

9. WHAT COMES NEXT? IMPACT Pursue a career in Portfolio Management in Spain Build a global professional network with peers, professors, and industry leaders. Advocate for financial literacy initiatives targeted at students, young professionals, or underserved communities. Promote ESG investing and encourage companies/clients to consider environmental and social impacts. GROWTH CAREER Learn from IE’s diverse, global community and further develop my skills in areas like risk management, asset allocation, and behavioral finance. Participate in student clubs, competitions, or research initiatives to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

10. Thank you for your time!