Ilja Gendler, ISR ’21 alumnus, Computer Science and Business student at TUM and Co-Founder of GradTutor, shares about his challenges, journey, and tips for success! 🌟

Q: What felt particularly difficult for you in high-school?
A: I had trouble finding out where I want to go. As a high-school student, I had little knowledge of various industries, jobs, and roles that could be great growth opportunities. It made my decision on choosing a subject to study significantly harder.

Q: What is your biggest achievement?
A: Completing an internship at BCG.

Q: What advice would you give your high-school self?
A: Find growth outside of school. Network, do internships, and engage in a community that’s important to you.

Q: What makes you want to tutor?
A: I believe that helping students grow personally and academically is extremely fulfilling.

Q: Can you share a moment from your time at school where you discovered a breakthrough?
A: Questionbanks! IB feels very big and heavy. But if it can all fit on a website and I can go through every single question and plan out my studying, it seems manageable.

Q: How has your IB grade helped you with your goals?
A: Immensely. It is a key component and heavily influences any application I submit, from universities to jobs.

Q: What motivates you to keep learning and growing?
A: My dedication to my values. I am a firm believer and follower of the growth mindset.

Q: What is something you teach all your students?
A: How theoretical concepts play out in the real world. “Supply and demand” means nothing until you can visualize it.

Q: What profession are you working towards? Why did you choose this goal?
A: I want to have a job in which ambitious people encounter the toughest challenges. What comes closest for me is strategy consulting at top-tier firms.

Q: What subject did you struggle with the most? How did you master it?
A: I struggled the most in TOK. Although I enjoyed philosophizing about the question, I knew little of the requirements of the essay and what examiners would like to see. Truthfully, I did not figure it out and ended up with a grade that I am not proud of.

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