An Interview with Rashmi Goswami, Alumnus at IBS Gurgaon

ICFAI Business School, Gurgaon, is a private institution established in 1995. It is a constituent college of ICFAI University, Dehradun. IBS Gurgaon courses offered include a 2-year PGPM programme. This article shares a one-on-one interview with Ms. Rashmi Goswami, an alumnus of IBS Gurgaon. Ms. Goswami is a dynamic and results-driven professional from the batch of 2010-2012. She speaks about her study experience at IBS Gurgaon.

Team Careers360: Please introduce yourself and share reasons why you chose this college as your preferred institution for higher education.

Ms. Rashmi: I am Rashmi Goswami, working as Deputy Vice President at J.M. Financial Services in private wealth. I chose IBS for higher education as this institution has a higher brand value and a strong corporate network for ensuring placement.

Team Careers360: How would you describe your overall experience at the institution?

Ms. Rashmi: My journey of two years at IBS was full of learning and challenges. It made me a tougher individual to handle not only professional problems but also life problems with ease and calm.

Team Careers360: How well did the curriculum prepare you for your career or higher studies?

Ms. Rashmi: Curriculum was assigned with industry requirements, and the IBS case study method of solving corporate problems in classrooms gave it a real company-like environment.

Team Careers360: Were there sufficient opportunities for internships, projects, or industry exposure during your time here?

Ms. Rashmi: The Summer Internship Program was an absolute must opportunity to get the exact feel of how companies operate and how real-time problems can be solved.

Team Careers360: How did extracurricular activities, clubs, or cultural events contribute to your personal development?

Ms. Rashmi: There were ample opportunities for the extra-curricular activities, like the marketing club and student council, to sharpen your leadership skills.

Team Careers360: What were the key strengths of the campus environment (infrastructure, resources, student life)?

Ms. Rashmi: The Key strength of the campus environment was the easy availability of the professors even after the classes. There was a bond between student and teacher beyond classes.

Team Careers360: Did the placement cell or career services meet your expectations? Why or why not?

Ms. Rashmi: I completely agree that the placement cell did their every bit to bring good companies. Banks like HDFC, ICICI, and Kotak were hiring then on an average package of 6-7 lacs. P.A. There was never a dearth of good companies at campus placements.

Team Careers360: How has your degree contributed to your professional growth and career trajectory?

Ms. Rashmi: As an institute, ICFAI has great brand value in the professional world. It is having great acceptance in the Industry and corporate world.

Team Careers360: What skills gained at the institution do you find most valuable in your current role?

Ms. Rashmi: I get to learn many skills at IBS, but one skill that still helps me is my self-confidence and my conviction, due to which I am able to express my views with great clarity and confidence.

Team Careers360: What challenges did you face during your academic journey, and how did you overcome them?

Ms. Rashmi: Since I came from a typical orthodox middle-class family, I was very hesitant to speak publicly in group discussions and presentations, but the campus gave me that much strength and confidence that I started participating in every group discussion. This faith was given to me by IBS, which is still with me.

Team Careers360: How do you stay connected with fellow alumni and the institution?

Ms. Rashmi: I am from a financial background, and I keep meeting with many of my seniors and colleagues who are from the same institute. I regularly get invites from the institute for different events on campus, such as Guest Lectures.

Team Careers360: Would you be interested in mentoring current students or participating in alumni activities?

Ms. Rashmi: I am a regular visitor to the campus and love to participate in guest lectures, mock interviews, and wish to continue my contribution in all possible ways.

Team Careers360: As a professional, how would you advise a student to plan a career, keeping in mind changes and upheavals in the industry?

Ms. Rashmi: As a professional l it is very important to stay relevant to the sector that you are aiming for. It is very crucial to do certifications in relevant fields to get updated. It is very important to watch the pace of your relevant sector. For instance, in the finance field, we keep on adding certifications like CFI, NISM to stay up-to-date.

Team Careers360: Learning never ends for any professional. In this context, how do you think one should prepare for career advancement with value additions? How can students identify these areas?

Ms. Rashmi: For career advancement, it is very important to keep your social circle alive. One should improve his or her social networking skills. Once you pass out from IBS, you should stay in touch with batch mates and seniors for professional support.

Team Careers360: How likely are you to recommend this institution to those planning to pursue higher studies?

Ms. Rashmi: ICFAI is an institute of very high standards and ethics. It is widely accepted in the corporate world. It has having strong network of alumni who help the newcomers in hand-holding. I would recommend this institute to every student who wants professional growth.

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