An Interview with Nishika Mehta, Student at IBS Gurgaon

IBS Gurgaon inaugurated in 1995, is a private constituent college of ICFAI University, Dehradun. ICFAI Business School, Gurgaon courses are offered at the postgraduate level, which is a PGPM programme in a full-time mode for the duration of 2 years. This article is a conversation between Careers360 and a current student, Ms. Nishika Mehta, at IBS Gurgaon. Read through to get insights into how her journey is progressing while studying at IBS Gurgaon.

Career360: Tell us about yourself and what made you choose the college as your alma mater?

Ms. Mehta: I’m Nishika Mehta, currently pursuing the PGPM with a focus on Finance. I chose IBS Gurgaon mainly because it is renowned for delivering excellent job placements and having a faculty composed of highly experienced industry veterans. The educational emphasis on real-world case studies aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.

Careers360: How would you describe the overall academic atmosphere on campus?

Ms. Mehta: The environment here is characterized by its intensity and energy. The case-study methodology drives a strong professional work ethic, demanding that students consistently prepare and contribute in class. While competitive, this atmosphere promotes collective advancement, ensuring we quickly adopt the mindset required of industry professionals.

Career360: Do you find the library, labs, and digital resources sufficient for your academic needs?

Ms. Mehta: Yes, they are entirely sufficient. The digital resources-especially the specialized databases and case archives-are invaluable and fundamental to our learning. They fully support the curriculum by enabling the deep, comprehensive research necessary for all our projects and presentations.

Career360: How approachable and supportive are the faculty members outside the classroom?

Ms. Mehta: Faculty members are notably available and encouraging. Thanks to their significant professional history, they offer much more than academic assistance; they provide critical career guidance and up-to-date market knowledge. It is standard practice for students to seek them out for advice and mentorship after classes.

Career360: Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, or innovation?

Ms. Mehta: Absolutely. The structure of the PGPM inherently fosters cross-functional learning through assignments and electives that necessitate combining skills from areas like finance, marketing, and operations. innovative thinking actively rewarded through events focused on solving complex, real-world business challenges that span multiple domains.

Career360: What student clubs, committees, or organizations are most active and engaging?

Ms. Mehta: The Students' Council, my own organization, is very busy, orchestrating numerous events to keep the student body engaged. We work closely with the Digital Marketing Cell, which handles the college's social presence. Other highly active groups include the Samvaad Cell for intellectual publications and the Placement Cell, which is a vital component of the campus's professional success focus.

Career360: Are events like cultural fests, sports meets, and social activities held regularly at GGU? If yes, did you participate, and how was the experience?

Ms. Mehta: Various events are scheduled throughout the year. As a member and Core Coordinator of the Students' Council, I am heavily involved in planning and running many of these, including social gatherings and major fests. My participation, both as an organizer and attendee, has been highly enriching. These activities are essential for fostering community spirit and offering a necessary break from the rigorous academic schedule.

Career360: Do you have a favourite spot on campus? If so, what is it, and why does it stand out to you?

Ms. Mehta: My favourite spot is the Library. It functions as the ultimate academic hub because it provides access to the newest books, articles, and newspapers. Most importantly, its quiet environment offers the perfect space for deep focus and dedicated preparation for exams and other intensive academic work.

Career360: How effective is the career services/placement cell in guiding and preparing students?

Ms. Mehta: The placement cell is exceptionally effective, living up to the reputation that drew me here. They deliver comprehensive assistance, including specialized mock interview sessions, aptitude training, and corporate workshops. Their strong corporate network ensures students are fully prepared to secure the excellent placements for which the college is known.

Career360: What challenges do you face in balancing academics with extracurricular activities?

Ms. Mehta: The main difficulty is managing my schedule. The demanding PGPM curriculum, combined with the substantial duties of the Students' Council, makes it challenging to dedicate sufficient time to both. This requires significant personal discipline, but successfully navigating this pressure has been extremely rewarding for developing my leadership and multitasking abilities.

Career360: Are there any suggestions/ improvements you would like to see to make campus life better?

Ms. Mehta: I would suggest increasing the frequency of collaborative events with other colleges. While our internal events are great, hosting more open competitions and fests would significantly expand networking possibilities and introduce our students to a broader competitive landscape.

Career360: What is one memory from your time at the college that you think you'll cherish the most after you graduate?

Ms. Mehta: I will always treasure the moment we successfully executed a major event like Blitzkrieg (Annual Management Fest) in the Students' Council. This memory is meaningful because of the support received from our council heads, Dr. Ranika Choudhary Ma'am and Prof. Rajesh Mishra Sir, but even more so for the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie shared with my teammates-who became close friends-during the intense period of collaborative work.

Career360: Would you recommend this campus to future students? Please state your reasons.

Ms. Mehta: I would highly recommend IBS Gurgaon to future business students for a few core reasons that ensure professional success. Foremost, a superior faculty with deep industry experience is crucial for practical learning. The reliable record of strong placements offers a great return on the time and money invested. The active campus culture ensures graduates gain vital leadership, organizational, and communication skills in addition to their academic knowledge, preparing them for future executive roles.

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