Insights into IIFT Delhi: An interview with Ayush Patel (A student of MBA-BA course)

In this exclusive conversation with Careers360, Ayush R Patel, a student at IIFT Delhi, shares his insightful experiences and perspectives. He talks about why he chose IIFT, the unique attributes of the institution, placements, facilities, and other essential aspects. Read the full article for more details.

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi, established in 1963, is a private institution accredited with an A+ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and holds AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation.

IIFT Delhi courses, including MBA, PGD, MA, and Ph.D. These courses are offered across multiple specialisations. For IIFT Delhi admission students must meet the specific eligibility criteria for their chosen specialisations.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Ayush Patel: I am a finance enthusiast with a certification in accounting and equity research, deeply passionate about problem-solving and collaboration. My experiences range from captaining a volleyball team to working with ISRO scientists, showcasing my leadership and analytical abilities. Additionally, I have coordinated college placements, which honed my organisational and interpersonal skills.

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

Ayush Patel: IIFT Delhi is reputed for excellence in international business education and its strong industry connections were key factors. The rigorous curriculum, complemented by opportunities to engage in global trade dynamics, was highly appealing. Additionally, IIFT’s diverse peer group promised an enriching learning environment that would broaden my perspectives and prepare me for real-world challenges.

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

Ayush Patel: The first thing that stood out to me was the vibrancy of the campus life—there was a palpable sense of energy and enthusiasm among the students. The picturesque campus, coupled with its academic rigour and camaraderie among peers, created an environment that was both challenging and motivating.

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

Ayush Patel: Adapting to the demanding schedule and fast-paced environment was initially challenging. Balancing academic expectations with extracurricular activities required strong time management skills. However, by seeking guidance from seniors and forming study groups, I was able to overcome these challenges and thrive.

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

Ayush Patel: IIFT stands out for its dedicated focus on international trade with unique offerings such as the Trade Analytics Lab and its emphasis on global case studies. Additionally IIFT Delhi facilities strong industry interface through live projects and workshops, along with opportunities for international exposure, make it a truly exceptional institution.

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

Ayush Patel: A typical day at IIFT starts early with classes that demand active participation and critical thinking. Post lectures, the day extends into group discussions, assignments, or preparation for upcoming presentations. Evenings often involve club meetings, industry webinars, or networking events. Despite the hectic schedule, I make time for self-study and fitness, ending the day with conversations that inspire and motivate.

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

Ayush Patel: The peer learning environment is my favourite aspect of the campus. Interacting with a diverse cohort of talented and driven individuals brings fresh perspectives and fosters an enriching learning experience that goes beyond academics.

Careers360: How would you rate the campus facilities?

Ayush Patel: The campus facilities are excellent. The library offers an extensive collection of resources, while the modern classrooms and dedicated labs support an immersive learning experience. The hostel facilities and recreational areas also ensure a balance between work and relaxation, making the campus a holistic environment.

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

Ayush Patel: While the facilities are commendable, there’s always room for improvement in areas such as expanding the digital library for more global resources and enhancing campus-wide connectivity for better online collaboration. Additionally, increasing opportunities for international student exchange programmes could add further value to the global learning experience.

Careers360: Peer groups generally leave long-lasting impressions and many times translate to lifelong friendships. What is your opinion on the peer groups at IIFT?

Ayush Patel: The peer groups at IIFT are one of its greatest assets. With students from diverse academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds, every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. The camaraderie, mutual support, and shared experiences create bonds that go beyond the classroom, often evolving into lifelong friendships and professional networks.

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

Ayush Patel: IIFT ensures a great balance between work and play. Regular cultural fests, sports tournaments, and gatherings like "Promoween" and the sports tournament "UWL" keep the atmosphere lively. Additionally, team-building activities, inter-batch competitions, and informal cricket or volleyball matches provide a refreshing break from academics.

Careers360: Name some of the prominent clubs at IIFT. Which ones are you part of? Do you think they are important for students?

Ayush Patel: Some prominent clubs include Socrates - The Consulting Club, Marketing Interest Group (Brandwagon), and the Finance and Investment Club. I am an active member of the Finance and Investment Club, also known as Capital, which aligns with my interests. These clubs are crucial for students as they provide hands-on learning opportunities, industry exposure, and platforms to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

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

Ayush Patel: I actively participate in volleyball matches, cultural events, and case study competitions. These activities not only help me unwind but also enhance my teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills, contributing to my overall growth.

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

Ayush Patel: My go-to stress busters are engaging in volleyball, catching up with friends over casual conversations, and exploring music. A quick workout session or an evening walk around the campus also helps me recharge.

Careers360: Name some activities that are related and focused on the IIFT MBA-IB & MBA-BA.

Ayush R Patel: Activities include live projects in international business, case study competitions, trade simulations, and workshops on data analytics. These activities provide hands-on experience and are designed to complement the core curriculum by bridging the gap between theory and practice.

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

Ayush Patel: I would rate the academic infrastructure at IIFT a solid 9/10. The state-of-the-art classrooms, well-stocked library, and dedicated labs for trade analytics and data science provide an ideal learning environment. A slight improvement in technology infrastructure, like enhanced campus-wide Wi-Fi and additional sports facilities, could make it a perfect 10.

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

Ayush Patel: Campus life and interactions play a pivotal role in shaping a student’s personality, fostering adaptability, teamwork, and communication skills. Learning from diverse peers and collaborating on projects prepares students for the professional world, while extracurricular engagements teach time management and leadership.

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

Ayush Patel: The campus hosts a variety of events, including cultural festivals like Quo Vadis, guest lectures by industry leaders, alumni meet-ups, and inter-college case competitions. Additionally, clubs and committees frequently organise workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. In addition to that, there are annual sports events and section wars, also known as “The Big Fight.”

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

Ayush Patel: A vibrant hub of diversity, innovation, and camaraderie, where academic rigour meets holistic growth, and every day is a new opportunity to learn, network, and excel.

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

Ayush Patel: I would deeply miss the dynamic energy of campus life—the late-night group discussions, spirited debates, and bonds formed over shared challenges. The friendships, invaluable learning experiences, and the sense of community at IIFT will always hold a special place in my heart.

Disclaimer: The content has been published as a part of the marketing initiative between IIFT Delhi and Careers360.