Shubham Saini’s journey to IIM Lucknow is defined by his unique blend of athletic discipline and academic rigor. As a professional tennis player for six years, he participated in over 50 national-level tournaments, winning five and achieving an All-India Rank 29. This phase of his life instilled resilience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—traits he seamlessly carried into his academic pursuits.
After transitioning to engineering at NIT Jaipur, Shubham developed a keen interest in business, participating in debates, business quizzes, and case competitions. Notably, he excelled in the ZS Campus Beats competition, earning a pre-placement offer and reinforcing his inclination toward management. This turning point motivated him to prepare for the CAT, leading to his admission to IIM Lucknow.
At IIM Lucknow, Shubham’s diverse experiences have come together to shape his leadership and analytical skills. During his summer internship with the Aditya Birla Group, he implemented customer-centric strategies in Tier-3 Allen Solly stores, achieving 86% sales growth—26% above target. This success highlighted his ability to combine strategic thinking with on-ground execution.
Shubham’s leadership extends beyond academics and internships. As a mentor to his college tennis team, he led them to two consecutive gold medals at Inter-NIT tournaments, fostering a culture of excellence and inspiring increased participation. His dedication to case competitions has resulted in several accolades, including recognition among India’s Top 100 Unstoppable Leaders by Unstop.
Integrity defines Shubham’s decision-making. When faced with ethical dilemmas, such as selecting players for a tennis team or navigating pressures during an audit, he prioritized fairness and transparency. These moments reinforced his belief in upholding values, even under challenging circumstances.
Empathy and selflessness further distinguish Shubham’s journey. During his internship, he supported a peer by rebuilding a critical presentation overnight, despite his own impending review. This experience exemplified his ability to balance personal excellence with a commitment to others.
From the tennis court to the classroom and beyond, Shubham’s story reflects a unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and integrity. His experiences continue to shape his vision as he navigates the dynamic challenges of an MBA at IIM Lucknow.
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