An Interview with Sharanya Menon (PGDM student) NIA Pune

NIA Pune aka National Insurance Academy is a private institution that was established in the year 1980 jointly by the Ministry of Finance - Government of India, Life Insurance Corporation of India, and other firms. PGDM is the only NIA Pune course that is offered. Candidates having a valid score in CAT/MAT/XAT and qualifying for the PI round will be considered for NIA Pune admissions.

In this interview brought to you by Careers360, you will be enlightened about the unique facilities offered, campus life, daily routine, extra-curricular activities, events held, and more. Know more about NIA Pune from a student's point of view in the article below.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Sharanya Menon: I am a first-year PGDM student from NIA Pune. I am an aspiring insurance professional who’s eager to learn.

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

Sharanya Menon: NIA is the best option for anyone wishing to study and work in the insurance industry in India as it is regarded as the leading educational institution in this field.

The Academy has an accomplished legacy as it was established cooperatively by Public Sector Insurance companies and other prestigious financial institutions of the country. • The fact that it’s not just an educational institute but a training institute as well where I can learn from industry experts.

• The PGDM programme offered here is AICTE approved, MBA Equivalent accredited by AIU, NBA, etc.

• NIA has had 100% placement since the inception of the PGDM programme.

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

Sharanya Menon: It has a huge lush green campus that’s equipped with modern sports and recreational facilities like a gym, swimming pool, badminton court, cricket ground, mediation hall, etc. The campus life at NIA is very exciting; since coming here I’ve been juggling many new experiences: new classes in niche subjects from new teachers, taking part in prestigious industry interactions such as Insurance Summit, HR Summit, and Research Conferences and Seminars organised by the college, interacting with peers from all over the country, etc.

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

Sharanya Menon: Coming from a different state, adapting to the new environment at NIA Pune was a bit difficult for me. Adjusting to the new campus life, with its rules and regulations also took some time.

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

Sharanya Menon: The positive and nurturing environment filled with camaraderie makes students feel that NIA is a home away from home. The large green campus is equipped with modern sports and recreational facilities and the academic resources provided by the institution on campus such as the Insurance Lab, Motor Lab, and Marine Lab so that students can gain in-depth technical knowledge of these subjects.

Also See: NIA Pune Placements

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

Sharanya Menon: On most days I wake up early in the morning and go to the gym to exercise or to the meditation hall to practice yoga and then do my daily chores and have breakfast at the mess where we have a different menu every day. Then I attend my classes which usually last from 9 in the morning till 6 in the evening, in between which I go to have lunch at the mess. The classes vary each day and can include lectures, guest lectures, industry visits, expert interaction, etc. Once the classes are over, the students meet with our study groups to study, work on assignments, projects or brainstorm for case studies etc. Then, if there are any upcoming extracurricular activities such as club or committee work or cultural events, we prepare for that. After having dinner, we use the time to do personal activities such as exercise, socialize with friends and college mates etc.

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

Sharanya Menon: The sprawling green campus with many sports and recreational activities and the 24/7 Wi-Fi connectivity available in the entire campus are my favourites.

Careers360: How would you rate the campus facilities?

Sharanya Menon: The campus facilities are top-notch. They are well maintained by the college and are available to all the students for use.

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

Sharanya Menon: The on-campus library can extend its operating hours to be even more useful to the 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 NIA?

Sharanya Menon: Here at NIA, the students form a strong support system of peers. The students are from different backgrounds and different parts of the country as well so the culture and atmosphere of the college is very lively and inclusive. Our collegemates are highly supportive, always ready to help each other out with academic work, projects, or personal challenges. We can network effectively for successful collaborations and mutual learning.

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

Sharanya Menon: At NIA, the importance of physical activities is emphasized. Various inter-department sports competitions are conducted frequently like cricket and football tournaments. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and other regional festivals are also celebrated with enthusiasm. There are decorations, traditional foods, and cultural performances that are very fun to organize and participate in.

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

Sharanya Menon: The various tournaments and sports matches organized by the sports committee of the college regularly as well as the occasional cultural events during festivals and competitions which include singing and dancing performances.

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

Sharanya Menon: Physical activity, especially taking walks inside the lush greenery of the campus is an instant stress buster and helps boost your mood.

Careers360: Name some activities that are related and focussed on the NIA PGDM. Sharanya Menon: Debates and Discussions, Case Analysis, Collaborative Group Projects and Assignments, Guest Lectures, Industry Interactions Research Projects etc.

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

Sharanya Menon: I’d rate the academic infrastructure at NIA a 9 out of 10.

Careers360: In your opinion, how do campus life and interactions shape a student's life? Sharanya Menon: Campus life and interactions play a significant role in shaping one’s academic and personal development. From the moment we step into the campus, we have the chance to meet and connect with new people from diverse backgrounds which are essential for our personal, social, and professional growth. Apart from this, sharing a living space and regularly interacting with our peers is a challenging yet exciting experience which teaches us valuable life skills such as communication and cooperation.

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

Sharanya Menon: Celebrating Festivities and important days like Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Independence day Foundation Day etc;

• Sports competitions and friendly matches;

• Social Events such as Bollywood Nights, Christmas Parties, Dandiya Night, and Talent Hunt apart from the usual birthday celebrations in the student’s hostel on campus.

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

Sharanya Menon: Clean, Green and Lively with impressive facilities.

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

Sharanya Menon: The time spent with friends and peers in a supportive and vibrant community along with the shared experiences of both challenges and triumphs.

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