Know all about BIMTECH Greater Noida: Interview with Gokul Menon (PGDM-RM Student)

In this exclusive interview with Careers360, Gokul Menon, a student enrolled at BIMTECH Greater Noida, provided insights into his decision to choose the institution, what is unique about 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.

Careers360: Tell something about yourself, such as your background and where you're from? Additionally, what motivates you to pursue a master's degree? Specifically, what are your aspirations and goals with obtaining an MBA?

Answer: Being a biotechnology engineer it wasn’t easy transitioning to a career in business. But at times life takes a different turn and you have to make the best decision possible. That’s me changing and adapting to the situations around me and being constant at it just like the city from where I belong, Mumbai. I have always wanted to pursue a master's degree, especially considering my background in previous ventures. For me, an MBA seemed like the ideal choice. I always felt that I lacked business knowledge and hope that the void will be filled with learnings on completion of my MBA.

Careers360: Presently which course are you pursuing and in which year are you? What has been your most rewarding academic experience thus far?

Answer: I am currently in the first year, pursuing PGDM in Retail Management at BIMTECH Greater Noida. The most rewarding academic experience so far has been the one-month on-the-job training opportunity we were provided which allowed me to connect the theories and projects learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios in sales and operations. Additionally, I've been able to actively participate in various competitions alongside fellow business students, including case studies and business plan competitions.

Careers360: Tell us about the course curriculum and specialisations offered at BIMTECH Greater Noida. Is the learning primarily focused on theoretical concepts or practical applications?

Answer: The course curriculum is very specific for the programme that you have chosen. We get opportunities to interact with industry specialists and individuals with more than 25 years of work experience in their field. BIMTECH Greater Noida courses include PGDM, PGDM Retail Management, PGDM International Business and several others. The learning approach here incorporates a blend of both theoretical and practical elements. We get opportunities to implement theory-based learning in practical situations through projects conducted in the field, which are evaluated by industry professionals. Additionally, we have the chance to visit companies and facilities related to the subjects covered in our courses.

Careers360: Did you face any difficulty in the initial months when you joined BIMTECH Greater Noida?

Answer: Personally, I did not encounter any significant challenges adjusting to life away from home at the institution, as I had previous experience of staying at hostels. However, it did require a few days to adapt to the different cultures here at the institution

Careers360: Does BIMTECH Greater Noida provide opportunities to interact with industry stalwarts and people from the corporate world?

Answer: Yes the institute does provide such opportunities. For instance, in our managerial finance class, we were taught by a faculty member who works in a financial consultancy. He provided insights into real-world challenges and current trends faced by startups and multinational corporations. During our industrial visit to Mumbai, we had a CXO talk with CHRO of Chroma and Shoppers Stop, they gave us a broader perspective of how retail would grow in the upcoming years and how technology plays a vital role in it.

Careers360: What all initiatives are taken by the institute to make the classes and learning more engaging for all students?

Answer: The environment provided in every class is very interactive. Concepts of subjects are taught with the help of case studies and debates, which make the learning more engaging and create a constructive competitive environment in the class.

Careers360: What activities are provided at the institute? Are there clubs available for different extracurricular activities? Are you currently involved in any of these clubs?

Answer: There are several clubs and conduits which are available at the institute which help us gain extracurricular activity credits. Some of the clubs and conduits are cultural conduit, alumni conduits, sustainability club, entrepreneurship clubs, debate club and many others.

I am a part of the entrepreneurship club called E-Cell. We indulge in different activities related to entrepreneurship, such as conducting b plan competitions and pitch decks.

Careers360: What is the faculty-student ratio at BIMTECH Greater Noida, and how would you describe the teacher-student relationship based on your understanding?

Answer: Each teacher is responsible for approximately 15 to 20 students at the institute which helps us maintain a very close relationship with our faculties. As most of the faculties stay at the college hostels, it is very convenient for the students to have a personal relationship with them.

Careers360: Does your college assist with internships? Have you completed one through college, and were you paid? Share your internship experience, including what you learned, challenges faced, the company, and role.

Answer: The summer internship period hasn't started yet, but I've secured an offer from Zudio, a brand under Tata Trent. I had a similar experience through an on-job training opportunity that is provided for a period of one month and dealt mainly with store sales and operations, building customer relationships and analysing consumer behaviour. Given the customer-centric nature of the retail sector, this training provided a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Careers360: Tell us about the placement drive at your college. Does BIMTECH Greater Noida have a placement cell, and do faculty members or seniors assist with resume preparation and mock interviews?

Answer: Yes we do have placement drives at our college which is handled by BIMTECH Greater Noida placement cell called placecom. Starting from the first day of college, dedicated sessions are conducted for resume building, group discussions, and mock interviews.

Careers360: Which companies generally visit the campus for placements? Can you give us an idea about the salary packages offered to the students at the time of placement?

Answer: The companies which generally visit our campus are ABFRL, Shopper Stop, CAP Gemini, BATA, Under Armor, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank etc. BIMTECH average salary package offered this year is around 12 to 14 Lakhs.

Careers360: What facilities are available at BIMTECH Greater Noida campus? What do you like here the most which you feel is unique and differentiating?

Answer: BIMTECH Greater Noida provides a wide range of amenities like a gym, football ground, basketball court, volleyball court, badminton court and indoor courts. However, what sets us apart and creates a distinctive atmosphere is the year-round sports activities that contribute to our physical and mental well-being.

Careers360: What about the medical facilities? Can you avail requisite medical attention if needed in an emergency?

Answer: We have 2 clinics at the institute, one on the main campus and one at the boys’ hostel. Emergency medical care is accessible at any hour. Clinic hours are scheduled twice daily, in the morning and evening.

Careers360: How do you balance your studies, projects, exams, and other activities?

Answer: Time management is very crucial here at the college. You have to be very dedicated to achieve your goals. The college creates a very opportunistic environment for the students here. The entire calendar plan is already provided to us on the first day of college which helps us to make our schedule before all the upcoming projects, exams and events.

Careers360: How comfortable are your hostels and how about the cleanliness factor over there?

Answer: The hostel is quite comfortable with ACs fitted in every room and can be used only during summer. Additionally, the institute provides heaters during winter, which helps us to focus more on our curriculum during drastic weather changes. The cleanliness of the hostel is given great importance as every room and bathroom is cleaned every day.

Careers360: What are the popular hangouts at the institute? What, according to you, are the most-visited places nearby?

Answer: Students at the college have limited opportunities to explore places outside the campus due to time constraints imposed by the institution. During winter, students must return to the college and hostel premises by 6:00 PM, and during summer, by 7:00 PM, with exceptions made for project-related activities.

Careers360: How do you spend your leisure time at the campus?

Answer: I spend my leisure time at campus by engaging in any sports activities like football, badminton, or basketball. Other than that, we try to sharpen our business management skills by competing with students of different programmes in our college, in activities like debates, extempore and pressure interviews. The supportive and comfortable environment encourages enjoyment of these activities. Moreover, I also enjoy unwinding by watching movies and sports on TV.

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