An Interview with Om Kailaswar, PGDM Graduate from SPJIMR Mumbai

S P Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai is a private institution that was established in the year 1981. SPJIMR Mumbai has been accredited by the NBA (National Board of Accreditation), AMBA (Association of MBAs), AASCB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). SPJIMR Mumbai admissions are given based on merit a candidate obtains in the previous qualifying examination.

Careers360 brings an interview with Om Kailaswar, a PGDM alumnus of SPJIMR. Om, currently a mechanical engineer, shares details about his career progression, memorable experiences, and the SPJIMR course pursued. Go through the interview to learn more about the campus life and experiences.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Om Kailaswar: I’m a mechanical engineer by training, but a problem-solver at heart. I spent my early career at Eaton leading advanced manufacturing projects, and that's where I realized my true interest was in managing the entire process and driving outcomes. I came to SPJIMR to sharpen my skills in Operations and General Management. Outside of academics, I'm an avid hiker and enjoy following the esports scene to unwind

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

Om Kailaswar: Coming from a core mechanical engineering background, my turning point was at Eaton, where I led end-to-end Additive Manufacturing projects. I realized I was more passionate about managing projects, leading teams, and driving outcomes than the purely technical aspects of my role. This realization pushed me to pursue an MBA to build a strong business foundation. I chose SPJIMR specifically for its stellar reputation in Operations & Supply Chain Management and its unique emphasis on practical, value-based learning. The curriculum's focus on solving real-world problems and its strong industry interface aligned perfectly with my career goal of moving into impactful General Management roles.

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

Om Kailaswar: My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. I came in expecting a cut-throat competitive environment, which made me both excited and nervous. However, I was immediately struck by how incredibly collaborative the culture is. From the program office and faculty to my fellow students, there is a genuine sense of support and mutual respect. The environment is designed to help you grow with your peers, not against them, and that was a very pleasant and impressive surprise.

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

Om Kailaswar: The biggest initial challenge was adapting to the program's pace, which is deliberately designed to mirror the demands of a management role. Unlike the linear progression of an undergraduate degree, the PGDM program requires you to balance priorities across multiple domains—from finance to operations to marketing—all at once. Learning to switch contexts effectively between different complex problems was demanding initially, but it has been invaluable in developing the mental agility and ability to perform under pressure that is essential for a career in leadership.

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

Om Kailaswar: While the physical facilities are excellent, I believe SPJIMR's most unique offerings are its experiential learning programs. Initiatives like DOCC (Development of Corporate Citizenship) and Abhyudaya are unparalleled. They allow us to step outside the classroom and apply our management skills to solve real-life problems for social organizations and mentor underprivileged children. These programs are woven into our curriculum and teach invaluable lessons in empathy, leadership, and social responsibility that one can't learn from a textbook.

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

Om Kailaswar: A typical day is a balanced mix of rigor and collaboration. Mornings are usually packed with interactive, case-based lectures that run until the afternoon. The rest of the day is often dedicated to group meetings in the dedicated rooms in our group work room and reading rooms, which is where a significant amount of learning happens through debate and discussion with peers. Evenings are for committee work, preparing for the next day's pre-reads, or attending insightful guest lectures from industry leaders. To unwind, I try to make time for reading fiction or following esports, which helps me stay mentally sharp amidst the hectic schedule.

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

Om Kailaswar: My favorite thing is definitely the peer group. The diversity of experience within the cohort is phenomenal. In a single project group, you'll find yourself working with and learning from individuals with backgrounds in everything from finance to medicine to manufacturing. The insights gained from these varied perspectives are invaluable and represent a core part of the learning experience here.

Careers360: How would you rate the campus facilities?

Om Kailaswar: I would rate the facilities a solid 9/10. The classrooms are modern, well-maintained, and equipped with the latest technology. The library is an excellent resource, with dedicated group work rooms and reading rooms that are perfect for collaborative projects and individual study. Even the older hostel blocks are kept in very good condition through regular maintenance.

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

Om Kailaswar: While the overall infrastructure is excellent, there are a couple of areas that could be enhanced. The variety of food in the hostel mess could be improved to cater to more diverse tastes. Additionally, some of the older hostel rooms are a bit congested and could benefit from renovation to create more comfortable living spaces for students.

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?

Om Kailaswar: My opinion is that the peer groups are the absolute cornerstone of the SPJIMR experience. The program's intensity means you inherently rely on your group for everything from academics to emotional support. This process of shared struggle and collective success builds incredibly strong bonds that go far beyond professional networking. You end up with a close-knit community of brilliant individuals who you can count on as friends for life.

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

Om Kailaswar: There's a strong "work hard, play hard" culture here. For daily fun and relaxation, we have numerous active student-run clubs, including the music club (B-Major), drama club (Gasp), and dance club (Spin). The campus also has a fantastic recreation center with a gym, squash courts, pool tables, air hockey, and table tennis, which is a popular spot to unwind. On a larger scale, major events like our cultural fest Ojas and sports fest Sprint offer a great break from academics and bring the whole community together.

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

Om Kailaswar: SPJIMR has a vibrant ecosystem of over 20 student-run clubs and committees. Some of the prominent ones are the Consulting Club, the Marketing Committee, Gasp (the drama club), and Trivialogy (the quizzing club). I am currently a member of the Trivialogy committee. I believe these clubs are critically important; they provide a platform to apply classroom learnings, develop leadership skills, and network with industry professionals in a practical, hands-on environment.

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

Om Kailaswar: On campus, my primary extracurricular involvement is with the Trivialogy committee. I also plan to join the Ojas organizing committee and the placement preparation cell. Outside of academics, I actively participate in various corporate and B-school case competitions, especially those focused on operations and strategy. To maintain a work-life balance, I make sure to set aside time for my personal interests like hiking and following esports

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

Om Kailaswar: Absolutely, finding ways to de-stress is key. For me, it’s a mix of activities. I love reading fiction; a good story is a perfect escape. I also follow the professional esports scene, as I find the high-level strategy and teamwork fascinating. Whenever I get the chance on a weekend, a long hike is the ultimate reset button for me, helping me disconnect from the routine and recharge

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

Om Kailaswar: The PGDM program has several signature activities that are central to its curriculum. The most notable are the DOCC internship, where we work on live projects with non-profits for several weeks, and Abhyudaya, a year-long mentorship program where we guide underprivileged children. These non-classroom learning initiatives are mandatory and designed to instill a sense of social consciousness and develop us into responsible leaders.

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

Om Kailaswar: I would rate it a 10/10. The classrooms are state-of-the-art, and the library provides access to an extensive collection of books, journals, and premium databases like Bloomberg and Capitaline. The seamless Wi-Fi coverage and robust IT support ensure that we have all the necessary resources for our academic pursuits at our fingertips.

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

Om Kailaswar: Campus life is the crucible where theoretical knowledge is forged into practical wisdom. The classroom provides the frameworks, but it’s the late-night project debates, the informal discussions with peers from vastly different industries, and the experience of leading a committee that builds true character. These interactions teach you invaluable skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Learning to appreciate diverse viewpoints from a team member who might be a doctor or a chartered accountant is what shapes you into a well-rounded and empathetic leader.

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

Om Kailaswar: The campus is always buzzing with activity. We have two main flagship events: Ojas, our management and cultural festival, and Sprint, our annual sports festival, which see participation from B-schools across the country. For first-year students, one of the most exciting events is the "Division Wars," where all sections battle it out in various sports and cultural competitions to be crowned the champion division. It's a fantastic way to build camaraderie.

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

Om Kailaswar: A transformative ecosystem. It's a place that relentlessly pushes your intellectual and personal boundaries while providing an incredibly strong and collaborative support system of peers and faculty. You are constantly challenged to become a better version of yourself.

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

Om Kailaswar: I'll definitely miss the people and the energy of the campus. Being around so many smart and driven people pushes you to be better every day. What I'll remember most are the late-night project meetings that somehow turn into great conversations and build real friendships. It's a place where you can actually feel yourself growing, and I'll miss that a lot.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by SPJIMR Mumbai and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.