An Interview with Nimish Gupta, a PGDM Student from SPJIMR Mumbai

SP Jain Institute of Management and Research was established in 1981. SPJIMR Mumbai is accredited by the EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. SPJIMR courses include PGDM and PGDM-BM. SPJIMR Mumbai PGDM specialisations are Finance, Information Management, Marketing and Operations and Supply Chain.

Students seeking admission to the PGDM programme at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, must appear and obtain a valid score in CAT or GMAT. In the conversation below, a PGDM student, Nimish Gupta, is talking about his experience while studying at SPJIMR Mumbai with Careers360. Read the article to know more.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Nimish Gupta: I’m currently pursuing PGDM (Finance) at SPJIMR, after working as a Fixed Income Derivatives Trader at Axxela. I completed my BMS from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies and have always been drawn to the world of markets and problem-solving. Outside academics, I’m usually planning my next trip or looking for new experiences — travelling is my favourite way to reset and gain perspective. Overall, I’m someone who enjoys numbers, new places, and learning something new every day.

Careers360: What were the factors that made you choose SPJIMR?

Nimish Gupta: Choosing SPJIMR was a mix of instinct and clarity. I wanted a B-school that combined academic rigour with real-world exposure, and SPJIMR stood out for exactly that. Its reputation in academics, strong industry connect, and focus on value-based leadership were major reasons for me. I was also drawn to how SPJIMR develops well-rounded managers through programmes like Abhyudaya, DoCC, and ADMAP — something I felt would complement my experience in trading and help me grow beyond just technical skills. Overall, SPJIMR felt like the right place to challenge myself, broaden my perspective, and prepare for roles that require both competence and character.

Careers360: What was the first thing that you noticed about the campus and life at SPJIMR?

Nimish Gupta: The first thing that struck me about SPJIMR was how lively and welcoming the campus felt. Even before classes began, there was this energy, people interacting, events happening, that made it clear this wasn’t just a place to study, but a community you become part of. The mix of greenery, open spaces, and a buzzing student life immediately made the campus feel warm and dynamic.

Careers360: What were the initial challenges faced by you at the campus?

Nimish Gupta: The initial challenge for me was adjusting to the pace of life here. SPJIMR moves fast — classes, group work, committee activities — everything happens simultaneously. Coming from a trading role, I was used to pressure, but the constant context-switching in a B-school environment took a little time to adapt to. Another small challenge was figuring out how to balance academics with all the opportunities happening around me, because there’s always something to participate in. But with time, it all settled into a rhythm.

Careers360: What do you think are unique facilities that are offered at SPJIMR?

Nimish Gupta: One of the standout aspects of SPJIMR is how thoughtfully the campus is designed to support both learning and overall well-being. The recreation centre, with its gym and sports facilities, is a huge plus, and the multiple study spaces across campus make group work much easier. What really sets SPJIMR apart, though, is the environment — a blend of nature, open spaces, and a close-knit student community that creates a refreshing break from the usual city hustle.

Careers360: Give us a glimpse of the daily routine followed by you at the SPJIMR Campus.

Nimish Gupta: A typical day starts with morning classes, often running back-to-back, which means quick coffee breaks and catching up with batchmates in between. Afternoons usually go into group meetings, assignments, or prepping for the next day. Evenings are the time to unwind, either at the recreation centre, walking around campus, or spending time with friends. The days are busy, but there’s always a good balance of learning, teamwork, and small pockets of fun that keep things enjoyable.

Careers360: If you were to rate one favorite thing at the SPJIMR Campus, what would it be?

Nimish Gupta: My favourite thing would definitely be the annual fest and the cultural events that keep happening throughout the year. They bring the whole campus together, committees buzzing with preparation, performances, music, late-night rehearsals, and create an energy that you just can’t replicate. These events add colour to the hectic MBA schedule and make campus life genuinely fun and memorable.

Careers360: How would you rate the campus facilities?

Nimish Gupta: I’d rate the campus facilities an 9/10. The classrooms, recreation centre, and study spaces are all well-maintained and equipped, and the campus environment adds a lot to the experience. A few areas can be enhanced, but overall, the infrastructure supports both academic and personal growth really well.

Careers360: Which areas do you think can do with some improvement?

Nimish Gupta: One area that could be improved is the hostel infrastructure, a few upgrades would definitely enhance day-to-day comfort. Adding a bit more variety in food options would also be great, especially on long academic days. Overall, nothing major, but small improvements here and there would make campus life even smoother.

Careers360: Peer groups generally leave long-lasting impressions and many times translate to lifelong friendships. What is your opinion on the peer groups at SPJIMR?

Nimish Gupta: The peer group at SPJIMR has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. You get to work with people from different professional backgrounds, strengths, and perspectives, and that naturally pushes you to grow. What starts as group work often turns into friendships, late-night conversations, and a support system you rely on throughout the programme. It’s a mix of camaraderie and healthy competition that really shapes your journey here.

Careers360: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. This holds true for all. What are the regular fun activities at SPJIMR?

Nimish Gupta: There’s always something happening on campus — cultural events, club activities, sports tournaments, music nights, and movie screenings. Whether it’s spontaneous events by student clubs or larger celebrations and fests, you never really run out of ways to unwind. Even a simple evening hangout at the recreation centre can turn into a fun break from the academic rush.

Careers360: Name some of the prominent clubs at SPJIMR. Do you think they are important for students?

Nimish Gupta: SPJIMR has a wide range of clubs, from cultural ones like B-Major, SPin, and GaSP to professional clubs focused on consulting, finance, product management, and analytics. It’s a great way to meet new people and explore interests beyond academics. These clubs definitely matter, they help you unwind, build skills, and feel more connected to the campus community.

Careers360: Extracurricular activities cover a lot of things. Name some activities that you participate in.

Nimish Gupta: I mostly participate in cultural events, fest activities, and occasional sports events on campus. I enjoy being part of anything that brings people together, whether it’s performances, competitions, or just fun student-led events that break the routine.

Careers360: Stress busters are important, especially with intense programmes of study. What are yours?

Nimish Gupta: For me, stress busters are simple things — taking a walk around campus, listening to music, catching up with friends, or planning short trips whenever I can. A quick break, good conversation, or even just stepping away from screens for a bit works wonders during hectic weeks.

Careers360: Name some activities that are related and focussed on the SPJIMR PGDM.

Nimish Gupta: Some of the most impactful PGDM-specific activities include Abhyudaya, DoCC, and ADMAP. Each of them pushes you to learn beyond textbooks — whether it’s mentoring, working with NGOs on real problems, or taking up responsibilities through student committees. They’re designed to build leadership, empathy, and practical decision-making, which adds a lot of depth to the MBA experience.

Careers360: If you were to rate your academic infrastructure, what would be your opinion on a score of 1 to 10?

Nimish Gupta: I’d give the academic infrastructure a solid 9/10. The classrooms, resources, and learning spaces are well-equipped and make the academic experience smooth and engaging.

Careers360: In your opinion, how do campus life and interactions shape a student's life?

Nimish Gupta: Campus life plays a huge role in shaping who you become. The interactions — from working in diverse groups to sharing late-night discussions — teach you teamwork, adaptability, and empathy in ways the classroom alone can’t. The mix of collaboration, competition, and shared experiences builds not just skills, but confidence and perspective that stay with you long after you graduate.

Careers360: What are the regular events that are held at the SPJIMR campus?

Nimish Gupta: Biggest highlights at SPJIMR are OJAS, the annual management and cultural festival, and Sprint, the flagship sports festival that brings in high-energy participation from across campuses. Alongside these major events, the year is filled with club activities, competitions, speaker sessions, and workshops. Cultural festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Holi add warmth and vibrancy to the campus atmosphere and make the community feel even more connected.

Careers360: If you had to describe your campus in a nutshell, what would that be?

Nimish Gupta: A vibrant ecosystem where learning, people, and experiences come together in the best possible way.

Careers360: What would you miss most about the campus and life here after you leave?

Nimish Gupta: I’ll miss the little moments the most, late-night group work that somehow turns into long conversations, spontaneous campus hangouts, cultural nights, and the constant buzz of student life. Most of all, I’ll miss the people and the energy they bring, because that’s what truly makes SPJIMR special.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a marketing initiative between Careers360 and SPJIMR Mumbai.