The Risk That Changed Ankur Warikoo’s Career

Before becoming one of India’s most-followed entrepreneurs and creators, Ankur Warikoo returned from the US at 24 after dropping out of his PhD programme. He was unsure of what came next. In a recent Instagram post, he revealed how he went from earning ₹14,750 a month to ₹33 lakh a year in just five years. The story of Ankur Warikoo inspires many who are unsure about their next step in life.

How Did Ankur Warikoo Start His Career?

After returning from the US, Warikoo spent nearly 45 days searching for work through newspaper advertisements and walk-in interviews. In fact, Ankur Warikoo eventually secured a role at NIS Sparta, where he was offered a salary of around ₹15,000 a month. This was significantly more than the ₹10,000 he had initially hoped for.

While working there, he noticed that many of his colleagues had MBA degrees and possessed a stronger understanding of management concepts. That experience planted a thought that would eventually change the trajectory of his career. It set Ankur Warikoo on a new path.

Why Did He Take A Huge Education Loan?

When the one-year MBA programme at the Indian School of Business was launched, Warikoo decided to apply despite the financial burden it would place on his family. Here, the decision by Ankur Warikoo showed his commitment to personal growth and education.

He later described the education loan as the biggest loan his family had ever taken. The monthly EMI itself was around ₹20,000. Before making the decision, he asked himself a simple question: could he secure a job after the MBA that would comfortably cover both his existing lifestyle and the loan repayment? Believing the answer was yes, Ankur Warikoo took the risk.

How Did His Salary Reach ₹33 Lakh?

At ISB, Warikoo discovered the world of consulting and began preparing intensely for placements. During this time, Ankur Warikoo was determined to secure the best opportunities. After multiple interview rounds, he landed what he described as one of the best jobs on campus.

His salary jumped to ₹12 lakh per year after graduation. Roughly a year and a half later, Ankur Warikoo received a promotion that accelerated his growth even further. By the time he left the organisation three years later, he was earning ₹33 lakh annually.

What Does Warikoo Credit For His Success?

Reflecting on the journey, Ankur Warikoo said his growth was not driven by extraordinary intelligence. Instead, his growth was driven by making the most of opportunities when they appeared.

According to him, people took chances on him at various stages of his career, and his responsibility was to justify that trust through hard work and consistency. He believes that while opportunities may come from others, what people do with those opportunities ultimately determines their growth. This is a message that resonates with Ankur Warikoo’s own approach to success.

Today, the story is resonating with young professionals because it is not just about a salary jump. For those inspired by leaders, the journey of Ankur Warikoo is about taking calculated risks. It is also about investing in education, staying willing to learn, and making the most of the opportunities that come your way.