From Hospitality to IT: Rahul’s Journey with SOIL’s PGPM

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How SOIL’s PGPM Transformed Rahul’s Career

20 Jun 2025
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In today’s dynamic job market, shifting careers can feel like a hurdle, yet it also unlocks fresh opportunities. Rahul Chakraborty’s story exemplifies this shift. A Kolkata native, he transitioned from a hospitality foundation to a flourishing role in IT consulting, all thanks to the one-year PGPM programme at SOIL Institute of Management. This program didn’t just teach—it sparked a transformation that redefined his career trajectory.

The Turning Point

Rahul wrapped up his schooling in Kolkata and dove into a B.Sc. in Hospitality Management at IHM Chennai. His professional life began at Mahindra Holidays, where he spent over two years as an Assistant Front Office Manager, juggling check-ins and the odd hectic day.

A shift to Amazon’s Fraud Prevention team followed, immersing him in a different corporate realm. Despite this solid experience, a void became apparent. Rahul recognized that his strengths lay in operations, leaving him green in areas like sales, marketing, finance, and analytics.

I saw my operations skills were sharp, but I needed a broader business outlook to advance,”

He realized that with nearly three years of work experience, a traditional two-year MBA felt like overkill. That’s when SOIL’s one-year PGPM caught his eye.

Why SOIL Stood Out

Crafted for professionals with 2-5 years of experience, SOIL’s PGPM curriculum offered Rahul a packed year of leadership training, practical problem-solving, and a wide skill set. What drew him in?

The program prioritized character growth—focusing on compassion, ethics, and sustainability—through engaging, hands-on methods that clicked with him. The curriculum’s scope amazed Rahul, stretching from marketing tactics to data analytics and leadership skills. “This might just open new career doors,” he mused, a hunch that soon proved spot-on.

The Shift to IT Consulting

Rahul’s ambition was straightforward: move from hospitality to marketing or consulting. At SOIL, he gained the resources, exposure, and guidance to make the leap. Mentors spurred him to think ambitiously, landing him a position at St. Fox, a rising IT consulting startup, as a Channel Sales and IT Consultant. Today, he tackles cutting-edge areas like:
- Data Engineering
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
Collaborating with clients such as Microsoft Azure, CrowdStrike, and Cisco is now part of his routine. “I owe this breakthrough to SOIL’s support,” he acknowledges, underscoring the program’s role in his success.

SOIL’s Practical Edge

SOIL breaks from traditional learning, merging classroom insights with industry engagements, live projects, and leadership labs. Rahul remembers lively sessions with corporate leaders, wrestling with real-time case studies, and tackling hands-on tasks—a real-world bootcamp, in his view.
Despite a slightly adverse macro environment for hiring, our valued base of recruiting organizations has continued to repose its faith in our students. Plus, we have managed to add several new Companies to this firm base. Our students have been absorbed in all the key sectors – including IT, Manufacturing, Finance, Consulting and eCommerce.
- 22.0 LPA Highest CTC
- 11.7 LPA Average CTC
- 120% Average Increase in Post-MBA Salary
- 64 No. of Companies Participated
These numbers speak volumes about the program’s outcomes. In fact, as per the latest PGPM placement report, average CTC jumped from ₹9.8L in 2021 to ₹11.7L in 2024.

AI and Innovation at SOIL

Rahul was struck by SOIL’s forward-thinking approach to technology. During AI Week, leaders from top MNCs demonstrated how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing consulting, finance, and marketing. “It’s more than a trend—AI is redefining industries,” he observes, crediting the exposure for expanding his horizons.

Beyond a Degree

SOIL sets itself apart with a foundation in values like empathy, mindfulness, and integrity—principles deeply embedded in its leadership approach, not just surface-level jargon. Through meditation sessions, community service, and emotional intelligence workshops, the PGPM doesn’t just shape skilled professionals but inspired leaders who drive sustainable growth and build high-trust organizations.

Is SOIL’s PGPM the Right Fit?

Rahul’s journey proves a career pivot is always possible, no matter the stage. For working professionals with 2-5 years of experience feeling stagnant or seeking growth, SOIL’s PGPM offers a powerful solution. It provides a strong skill set, valuable network, and confidence to chase dream careers, as seen in Rahul’s shift from hotel management to consulting with tech giants like Microsoft Azure and Cisco.

Beyond a degree, the program unlocks potential through practical and personal development. With a 139% salary increase and a dynamic startup role, Rahul’s success inspires. For those considering options, SOIL’s PGPM could be the key to turning ambitions into reality.

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22.0 LPA Highest CTC

11.7 LPA Average CTC

120% Average Increase in Post-MBA Salary

64 No. of Companies Participated

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