An MBA in Italy? You must be joking!

 was greatly influenced by my mother during my school days. So it was no surprise that I wanted to be a successful doctor like her when I grew up.

When I appeared for my HSC examination from S P College, Pune, I knew just one thing: get an admission at one of the top MBBS colleges in India [ Images ].

• What's YOUR career story? When the results came, I was knocked off my feet. I scored just 92% in the Physics-Chemistry-Biology stream. My dream of becoming a doctor was shattered.

  I got an admission at MIT, Pune, for a mechanical engineering course. But my inclination towards medicine did not die. So much so that I applied for a Microbiology course at MES Garware. After much advice and recommendations from my family, I continued with mechanical engineering and graduated in 1997.

  I worked for three years at an engineering company in Pune. And, then, I said enough is enough.

  I wanted to do something different. So what if I couldn't fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor? I still wanted to do something unique.

  My father then introduced me to a professor. He told me to do something which would be my competitive advantage.

  Meanwhile, all my colleagues and friends were leaving for the US to do their MS and MBAs. Somehow, I did not want to follow their footsteps. Then came the most defining moment of my life. I came to know of a university in Europe which offered MBA courses. That got me interested.

  Now, a European MBA is not very common. Many Indians know the work ethics or ethos of the US, UK or Australia [ Images ]. But not many have experienced the diversity of the European culture or the way things work there.

  I decided to pursue an MBA in Italy [ Images ].

  My friends called me crazy. My family was sceptical about my move. After all, you go to Italy to do a fashion course, not an MBA.

  Add to it the problems of language. But I was determined to do something different. My wife supported my decision, too.

  So I landed in the nation of fashion and art and did my MBA. I learnt Italian.

  I worked there for two years. I came back to India hoping that my move wouldn't fail. Back in India, I was sought by companies looking to expand their presence in the European market. My language skills, my work experience and my European savvy made me unique.

  I remembered that professor who said you must have some competitive advantage. And, here, at 29, I have one!

  This is Amit's story. What's YOUR career story? I earn in dollars, spend in rupees!

• Premjith's story: The story of a young achiever
• Satyajit's story: I proved them all wrong!
• Ashish's story: I want to be a rich US businessman!