INTERVIEW 1: Srijan Virmani,2011-13 batch


INTERVIEW 2: Shradhaspada Nayak,Alumni of 2009-11 batch.

Next on Sakshatkar Series Mr Ashish Kumar of IILM Knowledge cell talks to Mr. Shradhaspada Nayak,Alumni of 2009-11 batch.

A must read for all Especially those interested in Analysts profile



Q1.Hello Shradhaspada Sirthanks for interacting with us. How was your Journey with IGSM? How helpful and different it was with professional life?

Ans. IGSM was an opportunity for me actually. I was a part of 2009-11 batch-the batch of some extremely talented and creative people. And the Professors we got were the best of all time. The teacher-student relationship was amazing I must say. Be it in the class or outside we had a healthy tuning. And the journey was so full of fun that we had dreamt of PGDM continuing for two more years. I took every moment there as a Learning. The learning of adapting to stiff situations, the art of concealing your weakness and moreover the way you need to present yourself in the competitive world are the main takeaways of that wonderful journey. I sometimes become jealous of you people living the life I used to live 2/3 years ago.

Q2.Could you please share with us your academic background and Your specialization in PGDM? What prompted you chose your Specialization?And how helpful it is to perform better in professional life?

Ans. I was a Commerce Graduate when I wrote my CAT. But there was a healthy inclination towards Marketing and Advertising. I must admit I was not good at Finance (though I have been working in the Finance Industry for quite a few time now). But in marketing I always found pleasure. Sales was never a pressure thing, as it gave me the opportunity to interact with people. As of now I work for Axis Bank Ltd as an Asst. Manager. We have to do operations as well as we need to focus on sales. Targets are being achieved month on month. Contests are being qualified. Prizes are won. So I must say I am loving what I do. At the end of the day it really feels great when the Boss doesn’t end up the evening huddle without saying few lines in your praise.

Q3. Share with us your hobbies, strengths and weaknesses and how these have contributed in your success?

Ans. Music it is at the first place. I am a trained classical vocalist. Secondly, I love writing and I am a voracious reader too. My strength are my communication and a never-give up attitude. I am weak at letting things go. I find it difficult to say No to people and that becomes a problem later.

Q4.Given that most students in the current batch are freshers without any industry experience to speak of, how you would advise one to go about so that he/she knows their strengths and weaknesses?

Ans. For a fresher it is always an easy thing. As you have got nothing to compare, you can accept those challenges are meant for you. And if you need to survive then you should first conquer them. Moving out of the college gate and entering the corporate is an adventure. Enjoy every bit of it. You will first get nervous. Then you will find it tiring. But always remember that it is what you had wished for. Never skip a chance of learning. There are severe corporate politics going on. Be strong enough to stand tall. After all it feels superb when you get a text on your cellphone saying ‘Salary has been credited.’ Love what you do and don’t ever trust your colleagues.

Q5.We have started an initiative called the Knowledge cell,many of the students registered with knowledge cell are interested in taking up an analyst profile as a career option? What would you advise them?

 Ans.Yeah..that sounds great. As most of the students are inclined towards this profile these days and some good companies are visiting and hiring people form our campus. If you guys are sure about going for it then I would advise to be in touch with your seniors who are already working in that profile. Trust me it helps a lot. You will get an idea of how to groom yourself for that. Knowledge Cell sounds interesting. And I am happy that the initiative has been taken. I would love to register in to that.

Q6.What are the skillsets which in your opinion are the most essential to be an financial analyst? What other skills in your opinion does a student require for placement?

Ans.Be open to the financial world surrounding you. Keep your brain charged up for knowledge coming from everywhere. Make ET your friend. Be creative. Imagine a lot and then present what you have imagined neatly. You need to be really good at thinking if you need to be an analyst. You need to experiment with all the possible outcomes. That’s what an Analyst does.

 

Q7. A students of Non commerce background what disadvantage in comparison with commerce background student can face (specially who are opting Finance)? How they could counter these disadvantage, if any?

Ans. If you people are pursuing PGDM then there is no difference between a Commerce and a Non-Commerce student. Your course outline has sufficient nutrients to transform a Non Commerce Graduate in to a Finance Maestro. If you are equipped with textbooks then it’s high time you should go through them. In finance textbooks play a vital role unlike marketing. You will never get time to read them after your post-graduation. So, finish them off.

 

Q8.There is always a lot of Buzz about SIP and most students are in a State of doubt as to which companies’ one must look forward to? What was your approach? Please advise us.

Ans. The first year of PGDM is crucial as it tells us what we should go for. By the end of the third term you should be clear about your goal. If you are helpless, talk to the professors. SIP is a vital aspect. It will nurture you for the long term survival. That two months break is crucial for every student. Learn as much as you can. And mark my words; your SIP is going to decide your fate in the final interview. So plan for it wisely. Take the help of your seniors and the professors at college. 

Q9.Any suggestion for passing out (2011-13) batch?

Ans. The world out is dynamic. PGDM must be your platform to get ready for it. Apart from the Fun Factor, you people should always keep in mind where you want to see yourselves after five years.
Remember-
A VISION WITHOUT A MISSION IS DAY DREAMING,

A MISSION WITHOUT A VISION IS A NIGHTMARE.

 

Q10.As I said, we have started an Initiative called as the Knowledge cell where we are conduction different soft skills workshops and events like ET discussion?What In your opinion should we include in these workshops specially for our finance students?

On a Scale of 10,how would you rate the Knowledge cell?

Congratulations first of all. I really feel happy for you guys. ET discussion is a big help. You people should conduct debate on several monetary/fiscal issues that are buzzing in our country. You can also conduct speeches by good people from the industry and make sure the participation increases. And I will make sure that I must attend one seminar of yours. 

 

Q11. What is your message for Students of Current batches and for knowledge cell?

 Guys, always be rooted to your culture but never stop dreaming. You never know what wonderful gifts are waiting for you. Believe in yourself and be sincere to your work.

 

And Knowledge Cell!! Great Initiative taken, your prime motive should be taking the fear out of the Finance students and making that interesting.

 

God bless all

 

Best Wishes

Shradhaspada Nayak

Batch:2009 - 11