5 years ago, I missed the #UPSC final list by 8 marks. My score in optional was amongst the highest in India, my interview score of 204 was the second-highest.
A few years later, I’m in Istanbul - discussing with one of India’s entry-level diplomats, whether it makes sense for him to leave services and do an #MBA.
1. India has changed: We aren’t a 20th-century economy anymore. With the advent of liberalization - state control of power shifted from Civil Servants to specialized professionals.
The current Joint Secretary of Civil Aviation is an MBA from IIM A and was a partner at KPMG. There are 100 others like him who are laterally hired and contributing immensely through their work.
2. Working for Society: If Sunder Pichai had cleared IAS- he would be working as a collector in Noida. The impact he has created is insurmountable to one he could possibly create while being in services.
It is extremely critical that exceptional people join IAS, but those who couldn't should know that clearing an exam isn’t the only route in 21st Century India to make a difference.
Humbled to share the impact we created in Anamitra's life as he now joins Boston Consulting Group. Anamitra failed to clear UPSC multiple times, and now he will join the world's best consulting firm to work in its social impact practice. Hope you take inspiration from his unique journey.
Best wishes to those who are in the civil services. Hope we could all create a stronger #India, together!
If you are interested in learning about GGI's MBA Scholar program, you can learn here.
Author- Naman Shrivastava, Cofounder Global Governance Initiative, Ex- United Nations, Former Government of India Advisor
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