Know all about IIFT Delhi: Interview with Akash Rawal (Student of MBA IB Course)

In this exclusive conversation with Careers360, Akash Rawal, a student at IIFT Delhi, shares his experiences and insights about the institution. He discusses why he chose IIFT Delhi, its distinctive features, facilities, and other key aspects. Read the full article for detailed information.

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi, is a private institution established in 1963. Accredited with an A+ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), IIFT Delhi courses include MBA, PGD, MA, and Ph.D programmes.

For IIFT Delhi admission students need to meet the required eligibility criteria and visit the official website: iift.ac.in to fill the application form with all the required information. As per the latest IIFT Delhi placements students have been placed in several leading organisations including Accenture, Apollo, CocaCola, ITC and many others.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.
Akash Rawal: Hi, I’m Akash Rawal, currently pursuing an MBA in International Business at IIFT Delhi. I have over six years of professional experience across banking, education, and the social sector. I’m deeply curious, love challenges, and enjoy exploring new perspectives. Outside work and academics, I’m passionate about music, chess, and fitness.

Careers360: What were the factors that made you choose IIFT?
Akash Rawal: I chose IIFT for its unique focus on international business, which I felt aligned perfectly with my aspirations. The reputation of the faculty, a strong alumni network, and exposure to global trade were big draws. Plus, I’d heard about the vibrant campus life and the diverse peer group, which sealed the deal for me.

Careers360: What was the first thing that you noticed about the campus and life at IIFT?
Akash Rawal: The green campus at IIFT Delhi immediately caught my eye—it felt like an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. I also noticed how driven and supportive everyone was. It’s an environment where people push each other to be their best while also looking out for one another.

Careers360: What were the initial challenges faced by you at the campus?
Akash Rawal: The pace of life here was a bit overwhelming at first. Balancing academics, case competitions, and extracurriculars took some time to get used to. Also, shifting from the job to a highly competitive academic environment was an adjustment. But the energy and support on campus kept me motivated to adapt quickly.

Careers360: What do you think are unique facilities that are offered at IIFT?
Akash Rawal: The Bloomberg terminals are a standout feature for anyone interested in finance. The library’s vast resources on international business are invaluable. Plus, the focus on practical learning through workshops and simulations is something I haven’t seen elsewhere.

Careers360: Give us a glimpse of the daily routine followed by you at the IIFT Campus.
Akash Rawal: My day starts early with classes, often packed with discussions and case studies. Post-lunch, there are club activities, group assignments, or case competitions. Evenings are a mix of brainstorming with friends, gym workouts, or campus events. The nights? Usually reserved for catching up on studies or just unwinding with music.

Careers360: If you were to rate one favourite thing at the IIFT Campus, what would it be?
Akash Rawal: The people. My peers have been the biggest source of learning and inspiration here. The diversity of experiences and perspectives they bring is something I’ll always treasure.

Careers360: How would you rate the campus facilities?
Akash Rawal: I’d give IIFT Delhi facilities a solid 8.5 out of 10. The academic resources are excellent, and the recreational spaces are great, though there’s always room for some upgrades.

Careers360: Which areas do you think can do with some improvement?
Akash Rawal: The hostel facilities and tech-enabled classrooms could use a bit of enhancement to better match the evolving needs of 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 IIFT?
Akash Rawal: The peer group here is phenomenal. Everyone brings their own expertise and perspective to the table, which creates a dynamic and collaborative environment. I’ve already made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.

Careers360: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. This holds true for all. What are the regular fun activities at IIFT?
Akash Rawal: There’s always something happening on campus—cultural nights, sports events, and impromptu karaoke sessions. The clubs also organise fun, creative events to take the edge off intense academic schedules.

Careers360: Name some of the prominent clubs at IIFT. Which ones are you part of? Do you think they are important for students?
Akash Rawal: Some of the popular clubs include Brandwagon (Marketing), Socrates (Consulting), and the Blash (Trade). These clubs provide a great mix of learning, networking, and leadership opportunities.

Careers360: Extracurricular activities cover a lot of things. Name some activities that you participate in.
Akash Rawal: I participate in case competitions, sports tournaments, and cultural events. These activities are a great way to relax while also developing new skills and connecting with people.

Careers360: Stress busters are important, especially with intense programmes of study. What are yours?
Akash Rawal: Playing chess, strumming my guitar, or going for a workout at the gym are my favourite ways to de-stress. Sometimes, a good laugh with friends is all it takes.

Careers360: Name some activities that are related and focused on the IIFT MBA-IB & MBA-BA.
Akash Rawal: Workshops on trade policies, sessions on cross-border logistics, and analytics-focused courses are core to the programme. They really prepare us for real-world challenges.

Careers360: If you were to rate your academic infrastructure, what would be your opinion on a score of 1 to 10?
Akash Rawal: I’d rate it an 8 out of 10. The infrastructure supports deep learning, but there’s always room for improvement to keep pace with new-age technology.

Careers360: In your opinion, how do campus life and interactions shape a student's life?
Akash Rawal: Campus life teaches you more than just academics—it’s about managing time, building relationships, and broadening your perspective. The interactions here shape you into a more adaptable and confident individual.

Careers360: What are the regular events that are held at the IIFT campus?
Akash Rawal: Trade Winds (the flagship business summit), cultural festivals, guest lectures, and club-led competitions are regular features. These events strike a balance between learning and fun.

Careers360: If you had to describe your campus in a nutshell, what would that be?
Akash Rawal: A melting pot of talent, ambition, and diversity, set against a backdrop of greenery and shared dreams.

Careers360: What would you miss most about the campus and life here after you leave?
Akash Rawal: The late-night conversations, the adrenaline of case competitions, and the sense of belonging to such an inspiring community. It’s these moments and relationships that I’ll cherish the most.

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