Raphael Hegeler
Class of 2003

Past Occupation: McKinsey & Co
Present Occupation: Director of Strategic Initiatives, Dell, Inc.
Sector: IT/Telecom
Work Experience: 10 years
Professional Interests: Strategy, Business Development and Sales

The Journey to ISB

For Raphael Hegeler, life was never meant to move on the same track forever, this was one reason why after his undergraduate studies in Germany and France, he completed his military services in the French armed forces as Platoon Leader in Artillery, and Staff Officer in the logistic troops. Soon after, he joined Intel Corporation in the market development group. He worked with Intel for more than four years and was promoted to the position of a team leader. It was then when he realised that he wanted to further explore the corporate scenario, and decided to go for the Post Graduate Programme at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

“I was well aware of the fact that I would get to interact with a stellar line-up of faculty and learn from a strong academic programme,” says Hegeler justifying his decision for opting for the ISB. He also knew that this would set his foundation in terms of networks and experience for a career in the IT sector as India becomes the world’s IT powerhouse.

Founding President of the Graduate Student Board

Reminiscing about his days at the ISB, Hegeler says that, “Even with a challenging curriculum and high expectations of the faculty, I found myself enjoying the course with the help and support of my peers and friends in the programme.”

Known for his ability to multi-task, Hegeler was appointed as the President of the association, Graduate Student Board, a name which was kept by his batch. The board built a framework for the association by consolidating the clubs, launching new ones and making sure that they had clear mandates, goals and actions, and also that the GSB activities were integrated with the ISB administration/faculty.

Furthermore, in order to shape the overall life of the students on campus, the GSB under Hegeler’s guidance, made placements via Placement VP, giving emphasis on sporting and social activities and influencing the format and delivery of the ISB Curriculum.

“We wanted to make sure that we leave behind a strong legacy for the future batches and the ISB as an institution.” For the same, they connected with international entities to jump start international student applications and created the ISBAA with its Charta and governance structures.

Moving On

Hegeler had interviewed with McKinsey & Co at the ISB campus itself, and subsequently got an offer from its German office to join as an Associate. Within four years he got promoted as an Engagement Manager and moved on to join Dell and take up new challenges in the IT sector.

He is presently with Dell as the Director of Strategic Initiatives, focussing on growing the company’s business in the SMB space.

“My greatest memories are of the people at ISB. The ISB delivers on the promise of a top management institution with the unique opportunity to learn from and with outstanding students while immerging in a captivating cultural environment,” are his parting words.