An Interview with Harsh Wardhan Kataria, Student at IBS Gurgaon

IBS Gurgaon, or ICFAI Business School, was launched in the year 1995. It is a private college and also a constituent of ICFAI University, Dehradun. IBS Gurgaon courses include a two-year full-time postgraduate course. The article below captures a conversation between Mr. Harsh Wardhan Kataria, a student at IBS Gurgaon and Careers360. Read more to know about the internship and study experience of Mr. Kataria at the institution.

Careers360: Tell us about yourself and what made you choose the college as your alma mater?

Mr. Kataria: My name is Harsh Wardhan Kataria and I am currently pursuing the PGPM in Marketing here. I chose IBS Gurgaon primarily because of its reputation for delivering great placements and its faculty, who are known for being exceptional professors with extraordinary industry experience. The emphasis on practical, case-based learning, especially in a specialized area like Marketing, was a perfect fit for my career ambitions.

Careers360: An Interview with Harsh Wardhan Kataria, Student at IBS Gurgaon How would you describe the overall academic atmosphere on campus?

Mr. Kataria: The atmosphere is incredibly rigorous and dynamic. There’s a strong culture of professionalism, driven by the case-study methodology which demands constant preparation and active participation. It’s competitive, but in a way that fosters mutual growth. The academic standards are high, pushing us to think like industry professionals from day one.

Careers360: Do you find the library, labs, and digital resources sufficient for your academic needs?

Mr. Kataria: Yes, they are very sufficient. The library and digital resources, particularly access to databases and case repositories, are excellent and crucial for the case-based learning model. The digital resources are key, allowing us to conduct thorough research, which is essential for our projects and presentations.

Careers360: How approachable and supportive are the faculty members outside the classroom?

Mr. Kataria: The faculty are highly approachable and supportive. Their extensive industry experience means they're not just willing to discuss coursework but also provide invaluable career guidance and insights into industry trends. It’s common to see students engaging in informal discussions with professors after class or during office hours to seek mentorship.

Careers360: Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, or innovation?

Mr. Kataria: Definitely. The structure of the PGPM itself allows for interdisciplinary exposure through electives and projects that often require a combination of finance, operations, and marketing perspectives. As the Content Head of the Students' Council, I see firsthand how innovation is encouraged, especially through competitive events that challenge students to solve real-world business problems across domains.

Careers360: What student clubs, committees, or organizations are most active and engaging?

Mr. Kataria: The Students' Council, for which I serve as the Content Head, is highly active, focusing on organizing a spectrum of diverse events to engage students across all domains. Closely supporting this effort is the Digital Marketing Cell, which handles the college's social media front and works with us to effectively cover all our events. Additionally, the Samvaad Cell is vital for intellectual engagement, putting out thought-provoking articles on various topics, while the Placement Cell remains central to the campus's professional drive, working tirelessly to secure the college's reputation for great placements.

Careers360: Are events like cultural fests, sports meets, and social activities held regularly at GGU? If yes, did you participate, and how was the experience?

Mr. Kataria: Yes, events are held regularly. Being part of the Students' Council means I'm actively involved in the organization of many of these. We regularly conduct events that span from intellectual competitions to social mixers and larger-scale fests. Participating, both as an organizer and attendee, has been incredibly rewarding. It's where the campus community truly comes together, making the rigorous academic schedule manageable and fun.

Careers360: Do you have a favourite spot on campus? If so, what is it, and why does it stand out to you?

Mr. Kataria: My favourite spot is the main central lawn area. It stands out because it's a dynamic social hub. You'll find students huddled there discussing case studies, preparing presentations, or just de-stressing. It’s the unofficial meeting ground where both intense academic collaboration and spontaneous social bonding happen.

Careers360: How effective is the career services/placement cell in guiding and preparing students?

Mr. Kataria: The career services/placement cell is highly effective, which aligns with my initial reason for joining. They provide comprehensive support, from mock interviews and aptitude workshops to company-specific training. Their strength lies in leveraging the college's strong industry connections to ensure students are well-prepared to secure those great placements the college is known for.

Careers360: What challenges do you face in balancing academics with extracurricular activities?

Mr. Kataria: The biggest challenge is time management. Given the heavy academic load of the PGPM, combined with the significant responsibilities of the Students' Council, the challenge is to allocate time effectively without sacrificing quality in either area. It requires strict discipline and often means late nights, but the payoff in developing leadership and multitasking skills is worth it.

Careers360: Are there any suggestions/ improvements you would like to see to make campus life better?

Mr. Kataria: I would suggest increasing the number of inter-college collaborative events. While we host many internal activities, opening up more fests or competitions to students from other institutions would significantly enhance networking opportunities and expose our students to a wider competitive landscape.

Careers360: What is one memory from your time at the college that you think you'll cherish the most after you graduate?

Mr. Kataria: I will undoubtedly cherish the collective achievement of the Students' Council, specifically the successful organization of one of our major student engagement events like Blitzkrieg (Annual Management Fest), Inter-College Sports Fest. This memory is profoundly special because of the people involved: the unwavering guidance of our dedicated Professors as council heads, who managed and supported our entire team. Even more so, the bond and camaraderie formed with my close friends and teammates while working side-by-side, is the memory of collaboration and friendship that I know I will carry with me long after I graduate.

Careers360: Would you recommend this campus to future students? Please state your reasons.

Mr. Kataria: Absolutely, I would strongly recommend IBS Gurgaon to any aspiring business student. My reasons are threefold, and they boil down to what truly drives a successful management career.

First is the Faculty Expertise: for an MBA, having access to great professors with exceptional industry experience isn't just a bonus-it's non-negotiable. They bring real-world context into every class.

Second, the Career Outcomes speak for themselves: the consistent track record of great placements provides a secure and reliable return on investment, which is the ultimate goal.

Finally, the focus on Holistic Development is vital. The college culture, driven by vibrant student-led organizations like the Students' Council, ensures you don't just graduate with top-tier academic knowledge, but also with the critical leadership, organizational, and communication skills necessary to thrive professionally. It's a place that prepares you for both the interview and the corner office.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a marketing initiative between Careers360 and IBS Gurgaon.