Campus Chronicles: Spotlight on Shreya Bansal (PGDM-RM Student) from BIMTECH Greater Noida

In this exclusive interview with Careers360, Shreya Bansal, a student from BIMTECH Greater Noida pursuing her PGDM In Retail Management. In this interaction with Careers360, SHreya has shared all about the her campus life, unique factors that made her choose BIMTECH Greater Noida, its admission process, placements, facilities, and various other significant aspects. Read the full article for complete information.

About: Birla Institute of Management Technology is a private institution which was established in the year 1988. The institution has been accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), NBA (National Board of Accreditation), and NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). BIMTECH Greater Noida courses are offered at postgraduate level. To enrol in BIMTECH, Greater Noida programmes candidates need to fulfil the required eligibility criteria as per the course choice. BIMTECH, Greater Noida admissions are merit and entrance based.

Q. Tell us something about yourself. Where are you from? What makes you want to pursue a master's degree? What do you hope to achieve with an MBA?

A. My name is Shreya Bansal from Delhi. I am BBA graduate and worked with S&P Global as an Operations Analyst for 13 months. After that, I chose to pursue master’s degree from BIMTECH as i was sure that with PGDM expertise, I will have good career growth and industry exposure.

Q. Presently which course are you pursuing and in which year are you? What has been your most rewarding academic experience thus far?

A. I’m a student of batch 2023-25 pursuing PGDM in Retail Management. Till today, the most rewarding academic experience for me has been the Industrial Visit to Mumbai where I got the chance to interact with Mr. Robin P Sharma, Head HRBP of Infinity Retail Limited. (Croma) Tata Group and Mr. Kavindra Mishra, CEO of Shoppers Stop.

Q. Tell us about the course curriculum and specialisations offered. Are the learnings more theory-based or practical-based?

A. Two years full-time Post Graduate Diploma Programmes and Fellow Programmes are offered here at BIMTECH. Specialisations are offered in International Business, Insurance Business Management & Retail Management.

The learnings are a mix of both theory as well as practical.

Q. Does the institute provide opportunities to interact with industry stalwarts and people from the corporate world? If yes, share your experience and learnings.

A. Throughout my time at the institute, there were opportunities to engage with both academic professionals and industry experts, contributing to a more balanced approach to our learning. The inclusion of experienced individuals from the retail sector in our classes provided a practical perspective to complement our academic studies. Moreover, organized market and industry visits, facilitated by the Retailers Association of India, allowed us to gain insights into the operational aspects of the retail industry. CEO talk sessions further provided a platform for open discussions, enabling us to benefit from the experiences and insights of corporate leaders.

Q. What initiatives are taken by the institute to make the classes and learning more engaging for all students?

A. The institute has introduced various measures to enhance the learning experience for all students. Among these, the provision of a virtual classroom/recording room is notable, aiming to improve the sound recording quality during virtual classes. Additionally, the incorporation of interactive touch boards (smart boards) in classrooms adds a level of interactivity to teaching methods, making sessions more engaging and collaborative.

Q. What activities are offered in the institute? Are there any clubs, societies, etc. for the various extracurricular activities? Which ones have you taken up and are a part of?

A. There are 2 student regulated bodies - Conduits and Clubs. In addition to these, there are class representatives of various programmes and a student Placement Committee. I am an executive member of Bizmark – The Marketing club and The Placement Committee. Along with these two, I’m also the Corporate Associate of the Retail Programme.

Q. Tell us about the faculty-student ratio here and the teacher-student relationship in your understanding.

A. The faculty-student ratio is 1:8. Faculty members are not just educators but mentors, readily available to offer guidance, support, and encouragement; creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages open communication and active participation.

Q. Does your college help you get internships? Have you undergone an internship via college? Was there any stipend? Share your internship experience with us. Tell us what all you learned, what challenges you faced, which company was it, which profile.

A. Yes, the college does assist with securing internships, providing students with practical exposure. Companies like - The Collective, Zudio, Big Basket, Under Armour, and Naturals, all facilitated for internships through the college's support. These internships offered stipends ranging from 2500 to 15000. While I am scheduled to start a new internship in May and June 2024, I've already completed a one-month on-the-job training in retail stores, focusing on front-end operations. I encountered challenges typical to adapting to dynamic retail environments, but overall, these experiences have contributed significantly to my professional development.

Q. Tell us about the placement drive. Is there a placement cell in your college? Do teachers/seniors help you prepare for placements, prepare a resume, and have mock interviews conducted?

A. Yes, our college has a placement cell that actively supports students during the placement drive. The placement process is well-structured, and the placement cell plays a facilitating role in connecting students with potential employers. Both faculty members and Seniors offer assistance in resume preparation and occasionally conduct mock interviews to help us better prepare for actual job interviews.

Q. Which companies generally visit your campus for placements? Can you give us an idea about the salary packages offered to the students at the time of placement?

A. Recruiters like Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), Landmark Group, Bata, Under Armor, ICICI Bank, and Make My Trip actively participate in the placement process. For the retail programme, salary packages typically range between 8 to 12 lakhs per annum.

Q. What facilities do you have on the campus? What do you like here the most which you feel is unique and differentiating?

A. The facilities on my campus offer a range of facilities, including a cafeteria with diverse culinary options and the presence of a Cafe Coffee Day outlet. There's a worship place for spiritual needs, a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts, and spaces like the music hub and beauty parlor for creative expression and grooming services.

What I find distinctive is the cycling club with 50 cycles, promoting both sustainability and a sense of community among cycling enthusiasts. Additionally, the attention to waste management of food reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, contributing to the overall campus experience.

Q. What about the medical facilities? Can you avail requisite medical attention if needed in an emergency?

A. The medical facilities at the campus are in place and efficient. In case of emergencies, there is access to necessary medical attention with well-equipped facilities and trained staff on campus. This contributes to a sense of safety and well-being within the campus community.

Q. How do you balance your studies, projects, exams, and other activities?

A. Balancing studies, projects, exams, and other activities is a key aspect of effective time management and academic success. Here’s a list of what I try to juggle:

• Create a to-do list and prioritise tasks based on urgency and deadlines.

• Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable parts. It makes them less overwhelming to me. This approach helps me to progress gradually.

• Take breaks and practice self-care.

Q. How comfortable are your hostels and how about the cleanliness factor over there?

A. I am pleased to share that my hostel accommodation is quite comfortable. The rooms provide ample space and storage facilities, ensuring a well-organized living environment. Security and invigilation measures are in place, offering a sense of safety and peace of mind.

The hostel is equipped with convenient amenities, including a microwave, iron, and a heating kettle. These additions contribute to the overall convenience and comfort of daily living. Basic amenities are readily available.

Furthermore, the temperature within the hostel is controlled, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. The management also emphasizes cleanliness, with daily room cleaning services provided by the dedicated housekeeping staff.

Q. What are the popular hangouts at the institute? What, according to you, are the most-visited places nearby?

A. The popular hangout places within the premises are the machans, cafeteria and the BIMTECH lawn. Whereas out and about the institute is the Grand Venice mall, Jagat farm and Alpha 1 and 2.

Q. How do you spend your leisure time at the campus?

A. When it comes to leisure time on campus, I have a few favorite activities that bring me joy and relaxation. Firstly, I love to go for a refreshing jog. The campus provides a beautiful backdrop with its wide pathways and lush greenery.

Secondly, there's nothing quite like cozying up in my dorm room and watching a movie on my laptop.

Lastly, when I really need some quality rest and relaxation, I indulge in a blissful nap. Sometimes, taking a break to recharge my energy is just what I need to regain focus and productivity.

These activities allow me to strike a balance between staying active, entertaining myself, and finding peaceful moments to recharge. It's all about making the most of my leisure time on campus while enjoying the things that bring me happiness and inner peace.

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