Hardik Phagotra

Where are you from? What high school did you attend?

I am from Punjab, India and I attended Delhi Public School in Bangalore

What was your Program of Student for Years 1 and 2?

Bachelor’s in financial and business economics at York University

List your Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university.

Why did you choose Ivey’s HBA program?

I chose Ivey as it offered the best platform for me to gain a well-rounded experience, meet like minded students and grow in a challenging and rewarding environment. Ivey’s Case Method appealed to me because it mirrors the real world — decisions are made in diverse rooms, under pressure, and with the support of fellow students.

My passion for finance drove me to seek out a school where technical skills and leadership development go hand in hand. Ivey’s collaborative culture, rigorous curriculum, and strong alumni network offer the perfect platform to build those skills while engaging with peers who challenge me to think critically. Lastly, at Ivey I met people from diverse backgrounds that really challenged my perspective; This  has set me up to grow and make impact in the real world.

Describe one highlight of your Ivey Experience thus far.

One highlight of my Ivey experience has been the 24- and 48-hour case projects. There’s nothing quite like being locked in with five or six teammates, trying to crack a real business problem under time pressure. These projects pushed me out of my comfort zone — not just analytically, but in how I communicate and collaborate. We had to make decisions quickly, divide work, and trust each other’s action. The experience felt incredibly real, and made us learn what high-stakes business actually looks like. By the end, we weren’t just presenting a solution — we were a team that had weathered pressure together. It taught me how to stay calm, lead when needed, and rely on others. That mix of challenge and camaraderie is why this stands out as my favorite Ivey experience.

What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?

Be very involved and make most of what Ivey has to offer – in class contribution feels daunting at first but its actually an opportunity to be more vocal, express your thoughts and engage in insightful conversations with your teachers and peers which helps you to build confidence. Be enthusiastic about the learning experience – Ivey is truly unique, the case based method really helps you understand how its like to deal with actual business problems; Collaborating with your teams for the 24 and 48 hour group projects makes you experience how it would be like to work for a client in a high pressure environment. Overall, make sure to be very engaged and step out of your comfort zone to leverage the unique learning experience at Ivey.

How has Ivey’s Career Management team set you up for success?

Ivey’s Career Management team has been very helpful - The workshops in HBA1 on resume building, LinkedIn creation, interview help really guided me on how to stand out. Additionally, the one-on-one sessions really helped to display and a craft a story that stands out to companies. Ivey career management has also helped me expand my network and meet alumni in similar fields and help me navigate the recruitment journey.

What kind of support did you find the most helpful with the intense curriculum in HBA1?

I found the support from my Professors very helpful. The professors for all my courses were always happy and enthusiastic to re-explain concepts whether in class or after class. Additionally, the professors were very engaging in their teaching methods in class – this involved having debates, discussions amongst students and listening various perspectives; This support from the professors was instrumental in helping me navigate the curriculum.

What has been the most challenging part of the program for you and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging part of the curriculum for me was the in-class contribution. It took me some time to adjust to the contribution based style in class – at first I was overwhelmed with the competition from my peers, who were top students with very diverse backgrounds; But gradually, through the support of my peers and faculty I became more engaged and actually ended up liking the in-class contribution which really helped deepen my understanding of the courses.

How has Ivey helped you become a leader and make an impact on the world around you?

Firstly, it has immensely helped me build confidence and be more engaged; Ivey ensures students interact and learn from each others experiences and make strong connections. Throughout HBA1 Ivey helped me push myself outside my comfort zone – be it the 8am class schedule, contribution, extra-curricular involvement and group projects – I learned how to challenge myself. I also built an appreciation for teams – working in teams helped me learn from other people, challenge my perspectives and manage timelines, ideas and workflows. This experience has really helped me understand how to be a leader and I am sure I can apply this to my future.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation I am very excited to spend some time travelling with family and friends before beginning a role in investment banking in England. Over the long term I hope to start my own business some day!