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Ananya Bhandari

Ananya Bhandari

Specialist – Climate & Energy Advisory, PwC India

  • MSc International Management, 2023

Biography

Tell us about your career journey from being a student at King’s to being in your current role.

When I joined King’s College London, I was clear about one thing — I wanted a global perspective. I had always imagined myself working in marketing, preferably at an FMCG company. But I also knew there was a world beyond what I had been exposed to. That’s what drew me to the MSc International Management course at King’s. The modules weren’t just textbook-heavy; they promised real, practical learning — about global business, culture, leadership, and strategy. Once I started the course, everything changed. The discussions we had in class, the people I met from all over the world, the consulting project I worked on with Collective Benefits — these experiences opened my mind to consulting and strategy. I had never thought of that world before, but something about it felt right. It was challenging, people-oriented, and purpose-driven — and I realised that was what I truly wanted. At the same time, living in London on my own for a year taught me so much. From navigating new cultures to managing deadlines and homesickness — it was a journey of personal growth as much as professional. After King’s, I interned at Sotheby’s International Realty — a luxury real estate company. I wanted to explore if marketing was still the path I saw for myself. But as I spent time there, I kept coming back to what I’d experienced at King’s — the case studies, the simulations, the real-world consulting work — and realised that consulting was where I belonged. That’s how I found my way to PwC. Today, I work in their Climate and Energy Advisory team — focusing on utility transformation, regulatory strategy, and financial modelling. It’s a role that challenges me daily, and one I wouldn’t have even imagined if it weren’t for King’s.

What's the one thing you enjoy most about your current role?

What I love most is that I’m constantly learning. This role is completely different from anything I’ve done before — and that makes it exciting. I work closely with energy utilities and regulators, helping them with tariff petitions, financial models, and compliance with state and central electricity regulations. It’s analytical, strategic, and impact-driven. Even though I primarily focus on utilities, I often collaborate with other areas within PwC’s Climate and Energy team. This exposes me to a wide range of topics — from sustainability frameworks to decarbonisation strategies — and keeps my learning curve steep. I’ve gained so much knowledge about financial modelling, sustainability, and energy markets, all while working alongside incredibly smart and supportive people. I feel genuinely grateful to be part of a team that pushes me to grow. They never judge me for not knowing something — instead, they guide me and help me build a path to navigate through challenges and new concepts. Every project teaches me something new. And honestly, everything I learned at King’s — the global perspective, the ability to navigate uncertainty, and the real-world thinking — is something I use every single day in this role.

What have been your biggest achievements in business and your career so far?

Honestly, there are a few that mean a lot to me. One of them was when I handled my first tariff petition and financial model. I remember thinking, 'Wow, I’m actually doing this.' Watching that work go forward felt surreal. Another proud moment was simply getting the job at PwC. The competition was intense, especially in such a niche sector like energy and utilities. But I got it. And every day since then, I’ve been learning and growing — not just professionally but as a person. I’m also proud that I’m exploring content creation alongside my consulting work — something I’ve always been passionate about. Balancing both has been tough at times, but I’ve learned so much about time management, creativity, and resilience. And truthfully? I’m proud of the little things — showing up, learning, contributing, asking questions, growing — one step at a time.

How did your time at King’s shape your career journey?

King’s changed my life. Not just my career — my life.

I came in thinking I’d study hard, get a good job, and that would be that. But what I found was so much more. I found a community of people from every corner of the world. I found professors who truly cared. I found modules that made me think differently. I found real-world learning — not just from books, but from doing. One of the biggest turning points for me was the consulting project we did with Collective Benefits. It gave me hands-on experience with a real company, working on a real problem, with real deliverables. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be in consulting. The course itself was intense — packed into one year — but so incredibly rewarding. It taught me how to juggle priorities, manage stress, collaborate in teams, and think globally. Living in London by myself added a whole other layer of learning. King’s gave me confidence. It gave me direction. It helped me discover who I was and what I wanted. And it gave me a network and a brand name I’ll always be proud of.

What is the best piece of advice you have for current King's Business School students on achieving success in their careers?

Start early. That’s the biggest thing. Start preparing for your job hunt from day one — because time flies faster than you think. Use every resource King’s offers — career counselling, networking events, guest lectures, CV workshops, societies, alumni connections — everything. I saw so many amazing resources go underutilised. Don’t let that be you. Also, don’t just focus on grades. Focus on growth. Find your niche. Be curious. Say yes to opportunities. Reach out to people. Practice interviews. Learn how to tell your story. And remember: confidence comes from preparation. The more you learn, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when those job interviews or consulting case rounds come your way. Be yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for support if you need it. No one is perfect, all that matters is your motivation to be willing to learn, grow and put yourself out there. The more you interact with people, the more you will understand yourself and the world.

What advice would you give to future students thinking about studying at King’s Business School?

If you’re even slightly considering it — do it.

King’s isn’t just a university. It’s an experience that transforms you. The learning isn’t confined to classrooms. It’s in the discussions you have with your peers. It’s in the pressure of a group presentation. It’s in that one module that changes the way you think. It’s in the coffee chats you have with someone from a completely different culture. And it’s in the confidence you walk away with when it’s all done. The professors are brilliant. The resources are endless. The exposure you get — from being in London, to the global student base, to the real-world projects — is unmatched. But most importantly, King’s teaches you how to think, how to adapt, and how to lead. It’s not about rote learning. It’s about growing as a person. I walked into King’s as one version of myself — and came out stronger, smarter, and more certain of who I want to be. You will be a part of an unmatched community that is going to be with you for life and is going to teach you things you never thought about. It is not just a university, it is an entire ecosystem of growth, inspiration, and transformation. It shapes not just your career, but your mindset, your confidence, and your worldview. It becomes a part of who you are — and who you’re becoming.