In Conversation with Vikas Sachdeva, MBA Finance Alumnus of IBS Pune

ICFAI Business School Pune is a constituent business school of the IFHE which was established in the year 1995. IBS Pune has been approved by UGC (University Grants Commission). IBS Pune courses include PGPM courses in several specialisations. To be eligible for IBS Pune admissions students must ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria as per the chosen specialisations.

Careers360 brings an interview with Vikas Sachdeva, alumnus of ICFAI Business School Pune is now working as a Senior Lead at NPCI. He shares details about his career progression, memorable experiences, and the course pursued. Go through the interview to learn more about alumni's campus life and experiences.

Careers360: Please introduce yourself, and share reasons why you chose this college as your preferred institution for higher education.
Vikas Sachdeva: I am Vikas Sachdeva, currently working as a Senior Lead at the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). I chose IBS Pune for its strong academic foundation in finance, industry-oriented curriculum, and focus on experiential learning. The institution’s reputation for producing well-rounded management professionals made it an ideal choice for my higher studies.

Careers360: How would you describe your overall experience at the institution?
Vikas Sachdeva: My experience at IBS Pune was holistic and transformative. The interactive classroom sessions, practical assignments and continuous mentorship from faculty members helped shape my professional outlook and built confidence to navigate the corporate landscape.

Careers360: How well did the curriculum prepare you for your career or higher studies?
Vikas Sachdeva: The curriculum at IBS Pune was highly relevant, with a perfect mix of theoretical and applied learning. Courses on financial management, strategy, and analytics provided the base for understanding real-world business and financial systems, which directly contributed to my career growth in the payments and fintech domain.

Careers360: Were there sufficient opportunities for internships, projects, or industry exposure during your time here?
Vikas Sachdeva: Yes, the institute offered excellent opportunities through internships, live projects, and guest lectures by industry professionals. These engagements helped bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, giving me an early understanding of industry dynamics.

Careers360: How did extracurricular activities, clubs, or cultural events contribute to your personal development?
Vikas Sachdeva: Extracurricular involvement at IBS Pune played a key role in developing interpersonal and leadership skills. Being part of management clubs and cultural teams enhanced my collaboration, problem-solving and communication abilities, all of which are invaluable in my current leadership role.

Careers360: What were the key strengths of the campus environment (infrastructure, resources, student life)?
Vikas Sachdeva: IBS Pune offered excellent infrastructure with digital libraries, research databases, and modern learning spaces. The campus life was vibrant, with a culture that encouraged holistic development through academics, events, and peer learning.

Careers360: Did the placement cell or career services meet your expectations? Why or why not?
Vikas Sachdeva: Yes, the placement cell was very supportive and structured in its approach. From soft-skill workshops to interview preparation and industry connects, the team ensured that students were well-prepared and confident during the placement process.

Careers360: How has your degree contributed to your professional growth and career trajectory?
Vikas Sachdeva: My MBA from IBS Pune laid the groundwork for my career in the banking and payments industry. The program strengthened my analytical and decision-making skills, enabling me to handle complex financial operations and strategic roles at organizations like NPCI.

Careers360: What skills gained at the institution do you find most valuable in your current role?
Vikas Sachdeva: Analytical reasoning, stakeholder management, and data-driven problem-solving are among the most valuable skills I gained at IBS. The case-based learning approach also sharpened my ability to assess business challenges from multiple perspectives.

Careers360: What challenges did you face during your academic journey, and how did you overcome them?
Vikas Sachdeva: The rigorous academic schedule and multiple projects were challenging initially. However, through effective time management, teamwork, and self-discipline, I learned to balance academic and personal commitments efficiently.

Careers360: How do you stay connected with fellow alumni and the institution?
Vikas Sachdeva: I stay connected through alumni groups(Whatsapp, email), LinkedIn, and IBS Pune events. These networks provide an excellent platform for professional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and staying informed about institutional initiatives.

Careers360: Would you be interested in mentoring current students or participating in alumni activities?
Vikas Sachdeva: Yes, I would be glad to mentor students and engage in alumni activities. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the institution and help future graduates navigate their career paths effectively.

Careers360: As a professional, how would you advise a student to plan a career, keeping in mind changes and upheavals in the industry?
Vikas Sachdeva: Students should focus on building adaptability and continuous learning habits. In today’s fast-changing financial and fintech ecosystem, having a mix of domain expertise, technology skills, and strategic thinking is essential for sustained career success.

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?
Vikas Sachdeva: Continuous upskilling through certifications, digital courses and cross-functional projects is key. Students should identify their strengths early, align them with market opportunities and seek guidance from mentors to make informed career decisions.

Careers360: How likely are you to recommend this institution to those planning to pursue higher studies?
Vikas Sachdeva: I would strongly recommend IBS Pune for its academic excellence, industry-oriented pedagogy, and emphasis on holistic development. The experience and exposure it offers prepare students thoroughly for successful careers in finance and management.

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