Pranay Loya, Yale School of Management MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: B.Com (Hons) in Finance and Investment, Christ University, Bangalore
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Investment Banking Analyst, Verity Knowledge Solutions (Hyderabad); Project Leader, Private Equity Group, Bain & Company; Business Development Manager, Financial Partnerships, Revolut; (6.2 years total experience across investment banking, consulting, and fintech).
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After six years across investment banking, consulting, and fintech, I’d reached a point where I had both the analytical and operating experience to know what I wanted next. My long-term goal is to build a fintech venture that empowers underprivileged individuals with access to affordable credit. To get there, I wanted to strengthen my leadership, expand my global network, and sharpen my understanding of how businesses create value across functions like marketing, operations, and product.
I’ve always believed education has the power to change trajectories. Coming from a background where education was never the primary path to success, I wanted to rewrite that story for myself and for others like me from smaller towns in India. Business school felt like the right bridge between where I am today and the kind of leader I want to become.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I applied to several top schools, but Yale SOM stood out for its smaller cohort, strong connection to the New York finance ecosystem, and its mission-driven yet highly analytical culture. I wanted to be in a place where relationships go deeper than surface-level networking, and SOM’s community really offers that.
The location felt perfect close enough to New York’s financial hub but grounded in the calm of New Haven. The balance matched my personality. What also drew me was Yale’s focus on “business and society.” I want to build ventures that create both financial and social value, and SOM is full of people who share that mindset.
I spoke with several students and alumni who were incredibly generous with their time and honest about their experiences. The courses I’m most excited about include Negotiations with Barry Nalebuff, Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition with AJ Wasserstein, and Generative AI and Social Media with Professor Zaman. I also look forward to taking a course at Yale Law School and joining the Global Network Week programs that let you learn in different countries.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I’ve worked in three fast-paced industries – investment banking, consulting, and fintech – and across global teams in Europe, Asia, and the US. That combination gives me a well-rounded view of how culture shapes business. I’ve learned to navigate ambiguity, communicate across borders, and adapt to different working styles.
Coming from Nagpur, a small city in India, I also bring a grounded perspective on financial inclusion and ambition. I understand what it means to grow up without easy access to resources and how financial systems can either empower or trap people. That perspective drives how I approach leadership and problem-solving.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application.
I’ve been creating content on LinkedIn for the last seven years, focusing on business and finance. Over time, my community has grown to more than 90,000 followers, and my posts reach 30–50 million people a year. It’s something I started casually, but it’s now a creative outlet that helps me connect ideas and people across the world.
Post-MBA Career Interests
In the short term, I’m interested in consulting roles within private equity or value creation teams – helping portfolio companies grow and transform. Long term, I hope to build a fintech venture that provides fair and accessible financial products to underserved groups, especially gig-economy workers who often lack credit access. My motivation is personal – I’ve seen firsthand how limited financial access can impact families, and I want to change that.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend time understanding what you want from business school beyond rankings and brand names. Every top school can open doors, but the real difference lies in fit – the people, location, and culture. For example, if you’re interested in finance, being on the East Coast and close to New York’s ecosystem makes a real difference.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d start earlier. I underestimated how much reflection and writing time the essays require. Starting months before the deadline gives you space to refine your story. Also, aim for Round 1 or Round 2 if you’re an international applicant – it reduces uncertainty and gives you more time for logistics.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could — and what helped you get through it?
I wouldn’t skip anything. The process was challenging but necessary. Each part from GMAT prep to interviews forced me to clarify why I wanted this journey in the first place.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
Before coming here, I associated Yale SOM mostly with its global reputation and social impact focus. Once I arrived, I realized how multidimensional the community is. The people here are humble, collaborative, and incredibly driven – whether they’re coming from consulting, tech, non-profits, or startups.
The second-year students go out of their way to help the first years with recruiting, case prep, and interview practice. Every week there’s an event or guest session with leaders from top global organizations. In just a few months, I’ve met CEOs, founders, and executives from companies like Delta Airlines and BCash. The access to such conversations is extraordinary.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the Consulting Club, Technology Club, Entrepreneurship Club, South Asia Club, and the Skiing Club. The first few align with my professional goals in consulting and fintech entrepreneurship. The Skiing Club, on the other hand, is pure fun – it’s a great way to experience a new culture and get to know classmates outside academics. We’re planning a trip to Canada this winter, and I’m really looking forward to it.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how consulting-oriented SOM actually is. Around 35-40% of students go into consulting, and the level of preparation and support is remarkable. The career development resources and peer mentorship structure make it much easier to navigate recruiting, especially for someone coming from a different country.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the Negotiations course with Barry Nalebuff – it’s one of the most talked-about classes here. Beyond academics, I’m looking forward to the international immersion trips through the Global Network programs and exploring the US with friends. Most of all, I’m excited to keep meeting people from across the world, learning from their stories, and building relationships that last beyond the MBA.
