Achieving rapid career growth in a short span is something many aspire to, but few manage to pull off. Entrepreneur, author, and content creator Ankur Warikoo recently opened up about how he increased his salary tenfold in just five years — a transformation driven by calculated risks, self-investment, and perseverance. Through a detailed account of his early struggles and key turning points, Warikoo shared on Linkedin a roadmap of how he went from earning Rs 15,000 a month to Rs 33 lakh per annum, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to grow in their career.
From PhD Dropout to Entry-Level Job
Warikoo began his professional journey at the age of 24 after dropping out of a PhD program in the US. With no clear direction and in urgent need of financial stability, he returned to India and started looking for work. Relying on newspaper ads and walk-in interviews, he eventually landed a position at a company. Despite lacking real-world experience, he was offered a monthly salary of around Rs 15,000 — more than he had expected.
This first job involved designing training programs for corporate clients. Warikoo admitted he knew little about the practicalities of the workplace but was determined to prove himself. Observing how much better equipped his MBA-holding colleagues were, he started considering a management degree as a way to bridge the gap between his academic background in physics and the business world.
Risking It All for an MBA
His decision to pursue an MBA marked a turning point. The course came with a hefty price tag and a loan repayment plan that meant he would need to earn at least Rs 35,000 a month after graduation — more than double what he was currently making. Despite it being the first loan ever taken in his family, Warikoo took the leap, betting on himself.
While at the MBA college, he aimed to make the most of the experience. Although he didn’t make it into the top 10% — usually the group that attracts top consulting firms — he remained active, maintained strong grades, and broadened his profile. His persistence paid off when he landed two job interviews.
Breaking Into Consulting and Rapid Growth
After a failed attempt with the first company and a shaky second round with the other one, Warikoo eventually secured an offer from the latter — a major win that placed him among the highest earners from his batch with a Rs 12 lakh per annum package. Within a year and a half, he was promoted — the fastest ever in the firm at the time — and his salary doubled. By the time he left AT Kearney in 2009, he was earning Rs 33 lakh per annum, a dramatic leap from his starting salary of ₹3 lakh five years earlier.
Looking back, Warikoo credited his rise to the opportunities provided by those who believed in his potential. He emphasized that while others took a chance on him, he did his part by working hard and staying thankful. His key message: when someone bets on you, the best thing you can do is bet on yourself too.
From PhD Dropout to Entry-Level Job
Warikoo began his professional journey at the age of 24 after dropping out of a PhD program in the US. With no clear direction and in urgent need of financial stability, he returned to India and started looking for work. Relying on newspaper ads and walk-in interviews, he eventually landed a position at a company. Despite lacking real-world experience, he was offered a monthly salary of around Rs 15,000 — more than he had expected.
This first job involved designing training programs for corporate clients. Warikoo admitted he knew little about the practicalities of the workplace but was determined to prove himself. Observing how much better equipped his MBA-holding colleagues were, he started considering a management degree as a way to bridge the gap between his academic background in physics and the business world.
Risking It All for an MBA
His decision to pursue an MBA marked a turning point. The course came with a hefty price tag and a loan repayment plan that meant he would need to earn at least Rs 35,000 a month after graduation — more than double what he was currently making. Despite it being the first loan ever taken in his family, Warikoo took the leap, betting on himself.
While at the MBA college, he aimed to make the most of the experience. Although he didn’t make it into the top 10% — usually the group that attracts top consulting firms — he remained active, maintained strong grades, and broadened his profile. His persistence paid off when he landed two job interviews.
Breaking Into Consulting and Rapid Growth
After a failed attempt with the first company and a shaky second round with the other one, Warikoo eventually secured an offer from the latter — a major win that placed him among the highest earners from his batch with a Rs 12 lakh per annum package. Within a year and a half, he was promoted — the fastest ever in the firm at the time — and his salary doubled. By the time he left AT Kearney in 2009, he was earning Rs 33 lakh per annum, a dramatic leap from his starting salary of ₹3 lakh five years earlier.
Looking back, Warikoo credited his rise to the opportunities provided by those who believed in his potential. He emphasized that while others took a chance on him, he did his part by working hard and staying thankful. His key message: when someone bets on you, the best thing you can do is bet on yourself too.
You may also like
Majorca horror: Shackled bodies latest grim find as islands dubbed 'cemetery'
DGCA begins in-depth audit of Air India's Gurugram base
Khabib Nurmagomedov sends 'not friends' message to Jon Jones after retirement
Sportvot x FPJ: Almighty FC Beat FLA By Comprehensive Margin Of 3-1
New Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer deadline emerges as Mikel Arteta sets key condition
