From cricket pitches to corporate strategy, Apeejay alumnus shares his journey in consulting

Shantanu Dasgupta, a Principal at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Mumbai office, has built a strong career in consulting, working closely with senior leadership in FMCG and consumer durable sectors. An Apeejay Panchsheel Park alumnus, he attributes his holistic perspective and communication skills to his school days, as well as a passion for cricket and science that continues to shape his professional journey. Read edited excerpts:

Shantanu, tell us about your work life?

I’m currently working at BCG as a principal in the Mumbai office. I mainly focus on the consumer practice, working with clients in FMCG and consumer durables. My role includes leading teams, managing projects, and ensuring we meet the high expectations our clients have of us.

 It sounds like a very demanding job. Could you tell me more about your responsibilities?

Yes, it’s a challenging role, but that’s what I enjoy about it. I work closely with senior leadership, which means the stakes are high. Every project brings new goals and challenges, keeping the work dynamic. I manage a team and am responsible for delivering tangible results for our clients.

What inspires you to stay committed to this role?
It’s the constantly changing nature of the work. Each project is different, each client has unique needs, and that keeps things interesting. Working with senior leaders and seeing the tangible impact of our work on businesses really motivates me. It’s rewarding to make a visible difference every few months.

How did your school experience at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, shape you?
Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park provided me with a diverse and inclusive environment, which was invaluable. My classmates came from various backgrounds, and that exposure helped me understand different perspectives. Today, I still connect with friends from school who are now spread across the world. This taught me communication skills early on, which are essential in consulting.

Did any teachers have a lasting impact on you?
Yes, definitely. Each teacher brought a unique perspective, which helped shape my worldview. For example, my physics teacher, Aparna Krishnan, taught concepts in such an engaging way that it left a lasting impression. I still remember her classes fondly, and they helped me build a strong foundation in science.

Do you have any special memories from school that you hold dear?

 I have so many! Playing cricket for the school team was one of the highlights. We’d start our mornings with coaching sessions during the ‘zero period’—the first half hour of the day. We’d go straight from practice to class. That feeling of starting the day with sports was something special and not easy to replicate later in life.

Which subjects did you enjoy the most?
 I was in the science stream with a focus on PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Physics was my favorite, thanks to Aparna Krishnan. She made it fascinating and approachable. The way she explained complex topics stayed with me and fueled my love for the subject.

 Any extracurriculars you were passionate about besides academics?
 Cricket was definitely my main interest outside of studies. I played for the school team, and it taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that are crucial in both life and consulting.

 Finally, what advice would you give to current students?
 Follow your passions and engage in extracurriculars. Don’t just focus on academics. Until around the 8th grade, I wasn’t a top scorer, but I explored various interests. It’s essential to develop well-rounded skills, as interactions and teamwork are often more impactful than scores. Your path will be shaped by how you connect with people, not just grades.