An Interview with Aakarsh Mody (Alumni at FLAME University)

FLAME University is a private university established under the FLAME University Act in 2004. FLAME University has been recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). FLAME University courses include B.Des, BBA, BA, BSc, MBA, and others, offered in a wide range of specialisations. Admissions at FLAME University are provided based on the scores in CAT/ XAT/ MAT/ CMAT along with several other entrance exams.

Careers360 presents an exclusive interview with Aakarsh Mody, an alumnus of FLAME University, Pune. In this conversation, Aakarsh shares his journey and experiences. Read the full article to know more about the point of view of an alumni.

Careers360: Tell us about your domain and your work profile. At the professional level, did you pursue the same field you were interested or you switched?

Aakarsh: I did my majors in Marketing. I’m currently working as a brand manager at the professional level and my work profile does align with what I have studied at Flame.

Careers360: Can you briefly tell us about your career path so far?

Aakarsh: I got into Reliance Retail after my MBA which was through campus placement. Worked there for a year as a Platform Merchandiser. Post that, I went on to pursue my second masters in Marketing. I did MSc. in Marketing from Alliance Manchester Business School. And now, I’m working as a Brand Manager at NoBrokerHood.

Careers360: Is the Industry work different from what you learnt at Flame University?

Aakarsh: Industry work is not different from what I learnt. It’s just that what we learn is theory and industry work is practical. Practical experience is much more important and teaches you a lot.

Careers360: How do you think your time in college has added value to your life, both professional and personal?

Aakarsh: Being a residential campus, I think it has added a lot of value to my life. I made contacts, peer learning, participated in extracurriculars gave me confidence which translated into the corporate world, took up leadership roles in college which again helped me professionally, etc. This way I got to experience and learn a lot that added extra value to my life.

Careers360: What was your initial thought process when you joined Flame University?

Aakarsh: It was the Covid year, so my initial thought process was only for the University to open and to experience campus life rather than learning online.

Careers360: You must have had a memorable time at Flame University. Do you miss being a part of it? Share a few good memories.

Aakarsh: Yes, it was an amazing experience. I wish I could roll back the years and go to Flame again.

Careers360: Briefly take us through your life at the campus, the activities you used to do and your routine life.

Aakarsh: We had a balance of academics, extracurriculars and sports. It was an amazing time. Used to attend lectures in from morning to evening. Had 2 hours of sports post that. At night we used to have committee meetings or project meetings followed by some chill sessions with friends near the Kund area. Despite having a packed day, there was never a dull moment. The campus always used to be buzzing and full of life.

Careers360: Apart from academics, what were the other activities you were involved in and how did it enrich your life?

Aakarsh: Besides academics, I was a part of the placement committee. I was the HOD in Kurukshetra (Flame Festival) and I was the Vice Captain of the college. I was also the Student Peer Mentor. All this sounds a lot, but it was smooth and I enjoyed every role to the fullest. It taught me leadership skills, learnt a lot from my peers, made good connections with the professors and industry people and gave me a lot of confidence in life that indirectly helped me to shape my future.

Careers360: How did you keep updated with the industrial requirements and what was the role of the institute in it?

Aakarsh: I was a part of the Placement committee so I was quite updated with the industrial requirements in general. The institute worked hard to get good companies possible for campus recruitment

Careers360: You are a proud alumnus of this top College. What is the best part of the Institute from a student's perspective?

Aakarsh: The best part about this institute is that it constantly makes an effort to stay connected with the alumni. Help them in every way possible and at the same time, they never stop upgrading. It keeps on looking to get better and more advanced for the upcoming batches

Careers360: What is your suggestion/guidance for the Course aspirants?

Aakarsh: As much as grades and academics are important, don’t just focus on that. Keep a balanced approach and focus on extracurriculars as well. That will have a deep impact on you and you will certainly learn various things which a book/pdf can’t ever teach you.

Disclaimer: This content has been published as a part of a marketing initiative between Careers360 and FLAME University, Pune.