An Interview with Sajal Swapnil (PGDM Student) at SPJIMR Mumbai

S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai is a private university. It was launched in 1981 as a constituent of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. SPJIMR courses are recognised by the AICTE. The college offers postgraduate degrees in the fields of management and business administration. Admission to SPJIMR Mumbai is given based on merit secured by the candidates in the previous qualifying examination.

Careers360 shares with you an interview with Sajal Swapnil, who is currently studying at the SPJIMR Mumbai campus. In his interview with Careers360, Sajal shares what is it like to study at the college. To know more about the campus life at SPJIMR Mumbai from a student’s perspective go through the complete interview of Sajal Swapnil.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Answer: Hi, I’m Sajal Swapnil from Gurugram. I studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at NIT Kurukshetra. Besides academics, I was involved in music and creative writing, even leading the social media team for our college magazine. My interest in data analytics started during an internship at United Airlines, which led to a full-time role at American Express where I worked before coming to SPJIMR. Outside of work, I am passionate about drumming and find exercising a great way to unwind.

Careers360: What factors made you choose SPJIMR?

Answer: I chose SPJIMR for its unique focus on value-based leadership and its strong emphasis on experiential learning. The program's blend of academics and real-world exposure through initiatives like the Abhyudaya and Global Fast Track resonated with my desire to apply knowledge in a practical, impactful way. Additionally, SPJIMR's reputation in consulting and its strong industry connections align with my career goals, making it the ideal environment to develop the skills I need for a successful consulting career.

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

Answer: The first thing you'd likely notice about the SPJIMR campus is its beautiful, green environment paired with a calm, serene atmosphere—an oasis amidst the hustle of Mumbai. The campus blends nature and modern infrastructure seamlessly, creating a space that fosters both academic rigour and personal reflection. This peaceful setting allows students to disconnect from the city's busyness while engaging deeply in their studies and extracurricular activities. The sense of community is also immediately noticeable, as students are quick to collaborate on projects and participate in the various events and clubs on campus.

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

Answer: One of the initial challenges I faced at SPJIMR was adjusting to the food at the campus mess. Coming from a different place with specific food preferences, it took some time to get used to the taste, preparation style, and variety offered. Although the mess provides a balanced and healthy diet, the flavours and dishes took a while to align with my palate.

However, over time, I found myself gradually adapting to the meals. The regular menu rotation, which includes both North and South Indian options, helped break the monotony, and I started appreciating the diversity in the food offerings.

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

Answer: The best-in-class academic infrastructure ranging from the classrooms to the libraries as well as the auditorium are a few facilities that stand out. On top of that, the greenery and the calmness within the campus which contrasts to the outside city life are also unique.

Read Also: SPJIMR Mumbai Facilities

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

Answer: At SPJIMR, my day typically starts around 8 am as I get ready for my 9 am class. On the way to the academic block, I often stop by the Bistro, the college canteen, to grab a hearty breakfast. After a cup of coffee, I attend classes until the evening, frequently returning to the Bistro between sessions to catch up with friends.

Once classes are done, I usually stay back with my academic group in the group work room to brainstorm and collaborate on assignments. Later, I make time for some physical activity, either by hitting the gym or playing sports. After a refreshing shower and dinner at the mess, I spend some time reviewing pre-reads for the next day's sessions before heading to bed, ready to recharge for another productive day of learning and fun.

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

Answer: One of my favourite aspects of the SPJIMR campus is the freedom and infrastructure that fosters collaboration and flexibility. Whether it's the group working rooms or the reading rooms that are accessible 24/7, the campus is designed to support seamless teamwork. Additionally, the unique arrangement allowing women into the men's hostel for academic discussions promotes a sense of inclusiveness and unity. These elements together create an environment that encourages collaboration, making everyone feel more connected and fostering a strong sense of community.

Careers360: How would you rate the campus facilities?

Answer: Based on the current infrastructure, I would rate the campus facilities an 8. The upcoming recreational centre, set to open in the next month or two, which will feature a world-class gym, would boost that rating to a 9 or even a 10. This addition will elevate the overall campus experience, offering more comprehensive facilities for fitness and recreation.

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

Answer: The hostel arrangements could benefit from improvements, particularly in terms of infrastructure and the number of occupants per room. I’m confident that these issues will be addressed in the future, which will undoubtedly enhance the overall living experience 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?

Answer: SPJIMR’s peer groups are undeniably one of the campus's greatest strengths. With students coming from diverse backgrounds, there’s often a natural tendency to gravitate towards those with similar experiences. However, the college intentionally assigns diverse groups, ensuring a mix of perspectives. This diversity not only enriches discussions on academic challenges but also broadens our understanding of different life experiences, which is invaluable.

Furthermore, lifelong friendships often develop in such environments, where collaboration and creativity thrive, creating lasting bonds beyond the classroom.

Careers360: What are the regular fun activities at SPJIMR?

Answer: SPJIMR students enjoy a good balance between academics and fun. The campus regularly hosts cultural festivals, sports days, and music nights. Events like SPandan (the cultural fest) and other club-led activities such as cultural nights and sports leagues do resonate with the students.

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

Answer: Music is naturally my go-to extracurricular activity at SPJIMR. Whether it’s performing at cultural fests or joining the music club, these activities would be a great way to connect with like-minded peers and unwind after a busy academic schedule.

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

Answer: There are few outlets for releasing my stress that I often depend on. One is hanging out with my closest friends, either within the campus or outside at a restaurant, catching up on the events of the day. Secondly, I get together with some musicians on the campus for a jamming session.

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

Answer: Core to the PGDM program are activities that blend academics with hands-on learning, such as case studies, guest lectures, and leadership labs. SPJIMR’s focus on experiential learning, through initiatives like the Abhyudaya mentorship program (which aligns with your mentoring experience with Gauri), further deepens the practical exposure students receive.

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

Answer: SPJIMR offers best-in-class infrastructure equipped with future-looking technologies that are unique to its curriculum. I would rate it as a 10.

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

Answer: Campus life and interactions are foundational in shaping a student’s personal and professional growth. At SPJIMR, for instance, the diverse student body, regular events, and collaborative culture create an environment that fosters learning beyond the classroom. The diverse campus life provides students with the opportunity to build friendships, develop leadership qualities, and learn the importance of teamwork, all of which are essential in shaping future leaders.

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

Answer: At SPJIMR, regular events serve to complement the academic experience by promoting leadership, creativity, and networking. Some of the notable events include:

Ojas: The annual management and cultural fest, which brings together students from top business schools for various competitive events in marketing, finance, operations, and more. It's a major highlight of campus life.

Spandan: SPJIMR’s annual cultural fest, where students showcase their talents in music, dance, and theatre. This is a fun, creative break from the rigorous academic schedule.

Abhyudaya: Part of the DOCC (Development of Corporate Citizenship) initiative, where students mentor underprivileged children. This aligns with SPJIMR’s focus on values-based education.

PG Lab: A key event at the start of the program where students participate in team-building and leadership exercises to bond with their peers and enhance self-awareness.

These events provide a rich blend of cultural, academic, and social experiences that help shape students holistically.

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

Answer: If I had to describe SPJIMR Mumbai's campus in a nutshell, it would be a vibrant ecosystem of learning, innovation, and collaboration. Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, the campus fosters an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, diversity, and community engagement. With a blend of academic rigour, cultural richness, and hands-on experiences, SPJIMR offers the perfect platform for aspiring leaders to thrive both personally and professionally. From the quiet reflection spaces to the dynamic group projects, the campus is where ideas meet action, and every interaction leaves a lasting impression.

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