How Prajakta Bapat is choreographing a new career at BITSoM

Meet Prajakta Bapat, a Bharatanatyam dancer and National Scholarship recipient, now navigating her MBA at BITSoM. From making her international dance debut at age 11 to leading massive college fests as President, she thrives on creativity and leadership. When she isn’t diving into marketing strategy, one can find her writing bold blog posts, getting lost in a book, or choreographing her next performance. 

Q1.How did you choose your course of study in school (class XI-XII)? What made you choose your current college/course (undergrad/post-grad)? 

Post my 10th-grade exams, I wasn't entirely sure what my future career would look like. Following a common path, I chose the Science stream for Class XI-XII with the belief that it would offer the flexibility to switch later if needed. However, what had been a smooth academic ride quickly turned into a "nightmare" roller coaster; while I wasn't necessarily struggling with the subjects, I realised I simply didn't enjoy them. 

Believing that life is too short to pursue something that doesn't bring joy, I made the conscious decision to switch to Arts for my graduation. I joined Fergusson College, Pune, for a BA in English. This proved to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Alongside exploring literature, I led massive college fests as President and found success in theatre and acting. Throughout this entire journey, dance remained my constant support and core identity. 

After my undergraduate studies, I decided to deep dive into the academic side of my passion by pursuing a Master’s in Performing Arts, graduating with a 9.61 CGPA. However, an MBA had always been at the back of my mind. After preparing for the CAT and securing a strong percentile, I chose BITSoM as a very deliberate, conscious choice. 

I have always valued high-quality education, and I knew that taking on the "beast" of the business world required guidance from world-class professors. BITSoM provided exactly that, along with a culture that is incredibly friendly and helpful. What truly resonated with me was a line from our dean: "We are a part of creating a legacy." I see this proven every day by my amazing peers in our diverse cohort, where every student is truly valued. 

Q2.How did you crack admission in your current college? What entrance test(s) did you give? Any coaching classes that you took for preparation? Any other colleges that you were trying out for? What challenges did you face while opting for this college?

To get into an MBA, I began my preparation by joining IMS, Pune (Deccan branch). Coming from an Arts background, I had lost touch with Quantitative Aptitude after the 12th grade, so I relied heavily on my mentors to bridge that gap. I made it a point to attend every lecture, complete my test series sincerely, and seek regular feedback to improve my speed and accuracy in DILR and Quants. 

I appeared for several entrance exams, including CAT, XAT, and SNAP. While I received offers from some of the baby IIMs, BITSoM remained a conscious choice for me. The admission process was refreshingly different; the application required three essays that made me feel the school was genuinely interested in me as a person, valuing my journey rather than just my test scores. 

My BITSoM interview was my last one of the season, and it completely changed the narrative. Unlike other schools, the interviewers began by introducing themselves, turning a high-stakes 40-minute session into a genuine conversation. This respectful approach, combined with the stellar global faculty and the small, diverse cohort size, solidified my decision. I chose BITSoM because I wanted to be part of a "legacy" where my non-traditional background was seen as an asset to the business world. 

Q3.How do you spend your time at college? Which classes do you like to attend? Which extra-curricular activities are you a part of in college? If you had the opportunity, what other academic or co-curricular pursuits would you like to take up? How has your college experience changed you as a person? What opportunities do you see in future? 

 The academic experience is one of the primary reasons I chose this college. I am currently attending classes on Global Economics, Consumer Behaviour, and a unique "Winning at Workplace" (WAW) course titled "We the People". Given my background in the arts and my interest in marketing, these subjects are helping me bridge the gap between creative intuition and structured business strategy. The high-quality faculty was a major draw for me, and learning from them feels like I am truly taking on the "beast" of the business world. 

Outside of lectures, I have re-engaged with the leadership and operational roles I loved during my undergraduate days. I am currently part of the operations team for "Roar" and "Conclave," which allows me to apply my previous experience of managing large-scale fests and budgets. When I’m not working on events, I spend a lot of time hanging out with friends. Our conversations range from lighthearted gossip to deep, intellectual discussions. I’ve also started focusing on fitness and the gym, and I plan to restart my dance rehearsals as soon as I can carve out a bit more time. 

This experience has fundamentally changed me. Transitioning from a Master’s in Performing Arts to an MBA felt daunting, but the friendly culture and small cohort at BITSoM have made it a seamless journey. I have learned that my non-traditional background as a professional dancer and National Scholarship recipient is a unique asset. 

I see myself as part of a legacy that my peers and I create every day.  

Q4. What are your long-term professional aspirations?

My long-term professional aspirations are rooted in a unique intersection of passion and pragmatism. Eventually, I plan to return to my roots as a professional Bharatanatyam dancer, but with a much broader vision. I aim to establish my own Event management and Talent Management firm, specifically designed to bridge the gap between the creative arts and the corporate world.

About Author: Prajakta Bapat is currently pursuing an MBA at BITSoM.