IMT Ghaziabad Alumni at JP Morgan, Uber, CRED, Cognizant, Aditya Birla Chronicles their Transformative Campus Learning Experience, Offer Practical Mantra for MBA Aspirants

To provide real-life Alumni experiences and practical advice to aspirants, MBAUniverse.com recently conducted in-depth interviews with eleven recent IMT Ghaziabad graduates, who are working at leading companies such as JP Morgan Chase, Uber, CRED, Cognizant, Dell, Credit Suisse and others. In a candid interaction, alumni spoke fondly about their IMT Days and various campus learning experiences that have played a crucial role in their corporate journey.

With an impeccable legacy of over 43 years, IMT Ghaziabad, a top-ranked management institute in India and a stalwart in the field of management education, is reaffirming its global reputation as a leader in business education by securing top ranks on the world’s most prestigious recognition platforms. IMT Ghaziabad is Ranked # 92 globally in FT Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2023. IMT Ghaziabad has made an impressive debut in the QS World Business Master's ranking, securing a global rank of 151+ band in Master’s in Management. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, faculty, and staff of IMT Ghaziabad.

So, join us as IMT Alumni uncover their memories, learning experiences, and invaluable advice for the gen-next.

Let’s start by knowing more about each of the IMT Alumni, particularly their job profile and skillsets.

MY JOB PROFILE AND KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

Ishita Bhowmik: I am working as a part of Custody Middle Office of JP Morgan Chase. The department is responsible for managing custody clientele of the bank. The key skills required for this job ranges from having good communication skills, sound market and finance knowledge and rapport building with the client.

Jitesh Goel: My current role as a Product Manager at CRED requires a comprehensive understanding of different products and their respective roles in the market. A key competency in my position is effective stakeholder management; it is crucial for building and maintaining successful relationships with parties. This role also demands deep industry knowledge to stay ahead of market trends and clarity in communication is paramount.

Jyotsna Lal: I work in the Strategy & Planning team for Uber’s customer experience in (Asia-Pacific) APAC. I lead global program adaptation and help scale successful APAC programs across countries. It requires strategic thinking to understand the impact of the initiatives on customer experiences and Uber’s business. I work with diverse stakeholders globally to implement high-priority programs.

Sushmit Sinha: In my current role, I serve as a mix of senior project and program manager at Cognizant, overseeing a portfolio of projects and programs pertaining to specific service lines, focusing on life sciences and medical device accounts. Proficient in project management, communication, and reporting, I regularly present executive updates and as a certified AGILE program manager, I implemented AGILE methodologies, facilitating the transition from traditional waterfall approaches.

Santosh Kumar Sahu: I am the Sales and Financial Consultant – Strategy, at Dell Technologies, reporting to CEO India, I drive business objectives across districts, tracking and optimizing operational efficiency. My role demands strong communication, precise data handling, and articulation of thoughts to leaders professionally. I regularly publish extensive reports with millions of data points, employing tools like Excel and Power BI for thorough analysis.

Anirudh Mittal: As the assistant manager at Indigo Interglobal Aviation's finance department, my role encompasses budgeting, reporting, and analysis, requiring a mix of soft and technical skills. Specializing in capital planning and financial analysis, I leverage a robust background in finance-related technicalities like accounting and forecasting. Additionally, I oversee project analysis, evaluating the tangible benefits and necessity of proposed projects through cost-benefit analysis.

Aditya Asopa: I am currently working at Credit Suisse as a Senior Analyst in Product Control. My core task is to monitor the trades that are performed by different traders. This requires good financial acumen in the Derivatives and Bonds domain, which allows us to be the second line of defence after traders and the first line of defence from the auditor’s perspective.

Aman Kumar: I'm working as a product manager in Aditya Birla Capital, I drive P&L and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including policy compliance and tech operations, to align our efforts for new requirements and initiatives. I lead sprint planning, backlog review, and analysis, and facilitate requirement scoping with business stakeholders, translating them into user stories for the technical team.

Ankush Khandelwal: Currently, I work in YES Bank’s Asset division, specializing in assisting SMEs with a turnover between 25 CR to 250 CR. My role entails providing tailored financial solutions, focusing heavily on financial analysis. Effective communication, combined with a deep understanding of the product and organization, is essential for success, given the direct interaction with customers in diverse scenarios.

Bhanu Prathap Govind: I did my MBA in finance and currently work as a consultant at LTI Mindtree. The primary responsibility is to serve as a bridge between the development team and the client. This includes gathering customer requirements for implementing or customising a product and designing a new one. The role requires client interaction to understand their needs. For new products, it includes conducting competitor studies to preparing functional specification documents.

Parth Patel: Currently I am working as the Chief of Staff for Designbox. I am responsible for formulating corporate strategy and overseeing new initiatives for the company. My responsibility also includes taking care of the employees’ well-being, which is the company’s internal branding strategy relating to employee motivation and policies needed to be in place.

With the introductions done, lets read about IMT Campus Experience, Corporate Life and Skills Required, and their message for MBA Aspirants!

IMT GHAZIABAD’S CONTRIBUTION TO MY CAREER

So, how has IMT Ghaziabad MBA Experience contributed to their journey. IMT Alumni shared common threads of transformative experiences. They attribute their present success to the institution's emphasis on practical learning, multitasking in severe time pressure, and various opportunities to build networking skills as crucial building blocks for their professional journeys. Let’s find out what stood out for each of them.

Ishita Bhowmik: Surely, IMT has made a big contribution in my professional journey! IMT gave me an in-depth knowledge of finance, people management and business communication. Primarily it taught me was to create effective networks and gain knowledge outside the classroom which in turn helped me become more street smart. Furthermore, working in a club or committee teaches you a lot about collaboration and being a team player.

Jitesh Goel: The most crucial skills that pursuing an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad instils in you are effective time management and multitasking. IMT’s comprehensive curriculum covering a variety of subjects exposes you to valuable case studies and real-world scenarios. Corporate interactions, including company presentations (PPTs) and case competitions, provide practical insights that are invaluable in a corporate environment.

Jyotsna Lal: At IMT, we balanced our curriculum, case competitions, leadership talks by industry experts, and extra-curricular activities. I learned how to prioritize, handle difficult situations, and work in diverse teams. These skills are valuable and help me even today. Further, the networks that you make here last even after your graduation and help you in your professional journey.

Sushmit Sinha: My journey at IMT Ghaziabad provided a 360-degree view of business, paving the way for my immediate transition into a Business Development role at Cognizant.

Santosh Kumar Sahu: I have always aligned myself closer to the business sphere, but before pursuing my MBA, I focused on extensive coding without fully comprehending its practical applications. The exposure to case-learning pedagogy and case competitions at IMT gave me a deeper understanding of the business sphere. Additionally, the dynamic corporate world has fostered my resilience and efficiency as a multi-tasker.

Anirudh Mittal: Despite my engineering background lacking financial expertise, IMT equipped me with crucial knowledge. Interactions with senior leadership, from Directors to CXOs, honed my management skills. Conversations with seniors and faculty at IMT underscored the program's strength in fostering these abilities.

Aditya Asopa: There are a lot of things to do at IMT! I remember not sleeping for some days due to tight schedules and stringent deadlines. This includes both academic and non-academic activities. I feel an analogy exists between working in college groups and the corporate. Thus, it is a demo experience of the corporate world! Another major experience of my MBA Education at IMT was the alumni connection that it provided me for the next phase of my life.

Aman Kumar: There were a lot of subjects with respect to marketing, which has given me a perspective on how customers think with respect to any business idea. The course structure helped me to navigate through the system in corporate. Interacting with diverse groups at IMT-Ghaziabad helped me overcome cultural and language barriers and facilitated my seamless integration when working in various teams and organisations.

Ankush Khandelwal: IMT significantly influenced my career development, paving the way for my transition to SITI Networks where I assumed the role of a treasury manager. The courses at IMT, particularly in finance, were crucial in preparing me for my professional journey, proving immensely beneficial given my consistent involvement in financial roles throughout my career.

Bhanu Prathap Govind: Prior to my MBA, I had a small social circle. However, the MBA experience provided me with the opportunity to engage with individuals from various parts of the country. During the program in Dubai, I interacted with people from South Asian and Middle Eastern countries, broadening my horizons. The overall exposure taught me how to deal with individuals from diverse backgrounds and also significantly helped in the development of an analytical approach.

Parth Patel: Along with all the subjects I studied at IMT, other activities such as committee work, doing project work together with my peers, studying with them, helped me a lot in building a network, understanding human behavior, how to work within the team, how to lead teams and how to perform under stress. It helped me immensely while performing my current role!

MY IMT MEMORIES!

So, what are their most cherished memories of IMT days! Alumni go down the memory lane and recall ‘burying a time capsule’, a symbol of enduring camaraderie, late-night parties, buzz of case competitions and placement seasons, and a lot more. Together, these narratives compose a vibrant symphony of the unforgettable tapestry of life at IMT Ghaziabad. Let’s find out that each alumni remembers most from IMT Days.

Ishita Bhowmik: There are so many memories that I have with IMT, it is hard to point on any one of them! I fondly remember the day during my last semester when some of classmates went ahead and created a time capsule with memorable items from each of us and buried it under the iconic tree of IMT Ghaziabad! We hope it is still there – hoping to be able to open it someday.

Jitesh Goel: IMT holds a special place in my memory. Engaging in Cricket and Chakravyuh as part of the sports committee, and juggling academic responsibilities and personal life presented challenges, and fun moments!

Jyotsna Lal: I had many cherished memory like - learnings throughout the student-exchange program. Jitters before the placement season. Struggling to wake up for early morning lectures. Late-night library sessions. Coffee breaks at Nescafe on campus. Late-night chit-chat with friends! All these experiences made my IMT days memorable.

Sushmit Sinha: I loved that IMT gave students the opportunity and freedom to initiate projects beyond traditional business curriculum. I love sports, and I met many like-minded people on campus. I remember we started and managed a football league from beginning to end. It taught me the intricacies of starting planning and strategizing, offering a unique learning experience!

Santosh Kumar Sahu: My campus life at IMT was enriched by the friendships I formed, both temporary and permanent. These friendships made the journey bearable and memorable. Case competitions were essential to my experience, as they fostered networking among peers.

Anirudh Mittal: People do enrol in MBA college to acquire knowledge. In my experience at IMT, I've gained lasting connections that I consider one of the most valuable aspects of my time there.

Aditya Asopa: The first and foremost memory of my IMT life was the Fresher’s Party and the Fashion Show that came as a part of it. Additionally, the days of the placement season are chaotic, but they lead us to be better individuals in the real world.

Aman Kumar: In terms of non-academic memories, we had a lot of fun parties like farewell parties and Christmas parties. We had Pizza Mania twice in that year. Academically, I actively participated in various case study competitions and won a few of them.

Ankush Khandelwal: You know, every single day at IMT holds a special place in my memory. I can vividly recall each moment spent there, and if I were to pinpoint a particularly significant instance, it would undoubtedly be the day of my placement. The excitement of receiving a shortlist, going through the interview process, and ultimately securing the role marks the pinnacle of my two-year journey at IMT!

Bhanu Prathap Govind: The infrastructure at IMT is excellent. In Dubai, all the students connected well, providing enhanced group work skills. Being placed early, I, along with my friends, explored Delhi and Ghaziabad.

Parth Patel: All my good days or good memories are with the friends that I've made with IMT. All the parties that we've done on campus, all the competitions that we've participated in, fought together, all the sports tournaments we played. I was the captain of the volleyball team of IMT for two straight years and we had won multiple tournaments. Those are the fond memories of IMT that still stay with me!

MY IMT LEARNING EXPERIENCE

IMT Ghaziabad alumni collectively shared a narrative of a rigorous and immersive academic experience. The demanding schedule, encompassing academics, committee work, and competitions, instilled resilience and the ability to manage diverse responsibilities seamlessly. The emphasis on practical exposure, highlighted through experiences like internships and case studies, equipped them with real-world insights. Let’s hear what were the key learning experiences for each alumnus.

Ishita Bhowmik: Our schedule used to be quite rigorous ranging from managing academics, committee/club work, and competitions. Every student goes through this experience of always being on the go at IMT and you are required to manage it all. This trains you in a very different way which has now become intrinsic to me. It truly trained me to handle the pressure of the corporate world.

Jitesh Goel: One of the high points of my IMT learning experience was my summer internship with Godfrey Phillips, where I was associated with their product, Marlboro. This project provided practical exposure while allowing me to witness tangible results in the market. The focus on case studies and collaboration on projects with sharp deadlines proved to be innovative tools applicable to real-world corporate scenarios.

Jyotsna Lal: In case studies, we analyzed real-life business situations and articulated recommendations. With collective participation, we fostered interesting discussions and various viewpoints, like how decisions happen at our workplace, so this was a good start. Via the student exchange program, I spent three months at IESEG, France, and learned how cultural and geographical differences influence businesses.

Sushmit Sinha: It was a transformative learning experience for me. The offering of a diverse range of subjects at IMT refined my mass media skills. The emphasis on broad learning, especially in the exchange program, allowed me to understand different cultures deeply. This exposure, particularly to French culture, has proven valuable in my current stay in Canada.

Santosh Kumar Sahu: At IMT, students create their own space and realise that there is more to life than just academics. Many students at IMT are involved in sports, and few are national-level players. Having said that, the journey at IMT is not easy. It tests you and your compassion for life, and it forces you to focus on yourself.

Anirudh Mittal: In my role, I rely on practical learning tools for on-the-ground project implementation, distinguishing them from theoretical knowledge in books. Financial projects, utilizing real-time data from sources like Bloomberg, provided a significant advantage. This hands-on experience with recent, tangible data sets contributed to a more comprehensive understanding than hypothetical scenarios.

Aditya Asopa: The curriculum at IMT is an overview provided by the faculty. It is upon you as an individual to take a deep dive into the topics that follow. According to me, you learn more outside the class than you learn inside the class.

Aman Kumar: The curriculum and the pedagogy which we follow in the case study are quite relevant, and it makes one aware of the theories used in marketing. For us, it was mandatory for everyone to join a committee. A committee is an excellent way to nurture and hone your leadership and your interpersonal skills.

Ankush Khandelwal: The IMT curriculum played a significant role in shaping my career through an emphasis on presentation skills and personality development. It provided valuable case studies and tools that extend beyond academics, proving essential in real-life scenarios and significantly contributing to my comprehensive personal and professional growth.

Bhanu Prathap Govind: IMT has a rigorous and extensive curriculum like any top B-school. The emphasis is on practical learning through case studies and group discussions. Guest lectures, including those from reputed B-school professors abroad, provide diverse perspectives. Despite the hectic schedule, studying until 2-3 am was enjoyable, and waking up early at 7 am for classes was a fulfilling part of the experience!

Parth Patel: I think it's evident from day one, from the moment you enter IMT and you appear for all those interviews for getting into the committees and then working for them, participating in B-School competitions, it teaches you so many management lessons that you cannot learn while sitting in the class.

IMT CLUBS AND COMMITTEES: HOW DID THEY HELP?

We heard that IMT is big on clubs and committees. But do they really help MBA students or are they a big distraction? To our question, IMT alumni responded emphatically that Clubs meant Business for them!

Ishita Bhowmik: I had a wonderful experience working with the clubs and committees. I was a part of the Cultural Committee and I am thankful for the experience.

Jitesh Goel: The most important contribution of clubs and committees was that they allowed me to pursue individual interests while connecting with like-minded peers and forming tight-knit peer groups.

Sushmit Sinha: Being part of the media relations and ranking committee in my second year at IMT Ghaziabad was pivotal. With a background in media, I applied skills learned in my mass media degree to promote events within the campus and then the skills learned on campus to my job.

Santosh Kumar Sahu: For those who have never held positions of responsibility in their undergraduate or corporate careers, participation in clubs and committees at IMT is an essential experience. IMT is a great place to explore your potential and develop your leadership skills if you are the right fit for the opportunity.

Anirudh Mittal: I firmly believe that committees play a pivotal role in cultivating distinct and irreplaceable connections. These relationships extend beyond project discussions, contributing significantly to personal growth by imparting valuable life management skills.

Aditya Asopa: Due to multiple clubs and committees, we get to meet a lot of new people, of similar and different tribes. You develop a sense of fraternity, relation, and bond with the people around you. You get to do both fun and productive work. This is like a chosen family for yourself.

Aman Kumar: I was part of the mess committee for both years. It has enhanced my experience because we conducted various activities. The most important activity was Pizza Mania. Sponsorship was also crucial. So, this committee culture helped my interpersonal skills and honed my leadership skills.

Bhanu Prathap Govind: Committees significantly broaden your horizons and enhance your administrative skills. You get a chance to interact directly with industry experts and leverage the alumni network. At IMT Dubai, I was part of the Media Committee, interacting with local media to cover events and maintaining the blog for IMT Dubai.

Parth Patel: I was part of the HR committee. At that point, it used to be called HR Uday. We organized many case study competitions and conducted vocational training courses. Talking to people outside of the campus and you get to learn how to conduct yourself while talking to the CEOs or CTOs or CSOs of the company.

MY MESSAGE TO MBA ASPIRANTS

Ending this conversation, IMT alumni offer valuable advice to MBA aspirants, emphasizing the importance of identifying key skills, researching B-school, and actively participating in academics and extracurriculars. They stress on the significance of a residential program for a holistic experience. Let’s hear it from those who have been there done that.

Ishita Bhowmik: Aspirants must first recognize the key skills that they want to hone for themselves. They should accordingly research each B-School’s strong suit and then base their decision on that research. The primary focus should be on academics, to participate in case study competitions, and be actively involved in events.

Jitesh Goel: My advice is to prioritise a residential program; cutting down on expenses or living with family might be a mistake. Speaking to current students is invaluable; inquire about the curriculum, involvement of companies, the emphasis on case studies, and the college's role as a centre for competitions.

Jyotsna Lal: Other than the various resources available online, I would encourage the aspirants to look at MBA schools that emphasize extracurriculars and practical application of classroom learning, focus on student diversity, have an on-campus residential program, have good placement records that are in line with your career aspirations, and preferably have a student exchange program. 

Sushmit Sinha: My message to MBA aspirants would be to prioritise an open mind over the choice of B-school. My fulfilling two years at IMT resulted from keeping an open mind, and I hope all students have a similar enriching experience.

Santosh Kumar Sahu: I believe that all MBA aspirants should prioritise experiential opportunities. As an MBA is a lifelong learning experience, it is essential to value the holistic growth that B-schools offer.

Anirudh Mittal: In my view, pursuing an MBA should be about finding joy in the process and not succumbing to pressure, especially in a renowned business school.

Aditya Asopa: You need to analyze your priority and should be able to answer if you got what you wanted out of your 2 years at the B-School.

Aman Kumar: The important thing for MBA aspirants to consider is the Alumni base and the quality of Professors.

Ankush Khandelwal: When choosing B-Schools, consider online reviews, connect with current cohorts, and talk to alumni to understand how their B-School experiences contributed to their careers.

Bhanu Prathap Govind: Before deciding on a course, evaluating the course content and ensuring it aligns with current trends and relevant subjects is essential. Knowing about the faculty, and possible campus life, and considering these aspects collectively will help make an informed decision.

Parth Patel: My advice on which college to choose is that all the top 20, 25, and 30 colleges are good enough. After five years, it would not make a lot of difference. Ultimately, your hard work, perseverance, and what you do within your job will decide where you end up going!

Wow, those are some really good insights! Coming from IMT Ghaziabad alumni, who are now doing so well in different corporate roles at leading companies, these inputs will surely help aspirants in their MBA journey.

MBAUniverse.com thanks all IMT Ghaziabad alumni and wishes them the very best in their corporate careers.