Know all about K J Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai from Mehul Ashar (Alumnus)

Established in 1981 K J Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai is a private management institute affiliated to the Somaiya Vidyavihar University. K J SIM has been granted the status of an autonomous institute by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The institute has been accredited by National Board of Accreditation (NBA). K J SIM Mumbai has bagged the 71th position in the management category as per the NIRF 2022 ranking. K J Somaiya Institute of Management offers postgraduate and doctoral level degree programmes. The college offers MBA, MCA and Ph.D programmes in the field of management and research.

Careers360 brings you an interview with Mehul Ashar, Sr. Vice President Infidigit is an alumnus of K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai. He did his MBA in Marketing from K J SIM. In this interview, Mehul has shared his experience at K J SIM. What is life like inside the institute? How did he choose the MBA (Marketing) programme at K J Somaiya Institute of Management? To know more about K J SIM from an alumni perspective go through the complete interview of Mehul Ashar with Careers360.

Careers360. Tell us about your domain and your work profile. At the professional level, did you pursue the same field you were interested in, or did you switch?

Mehul Ashar. My specialization was marketing. I majored in that field at K J Somaiya Institute of Management. Fortunately, I was amongst the top 5 students in the department when I graduated. I have been in marketing for the last 20 years now. I am heading the business for a Digital Marketing Company, Infidigit Consultants, in Mumbai.

Careers360. Please briefly tell us about your career path so far.

Mehul Ashar. I started my career in advertising and then did my full-time MBA from K J Somaiya Institute of Management. After my MBA at K J Somaiya Institute of Management, I have worked in different industries with marquee brands like Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, GMR, Indian School of Business, and Apollo Hospitals.

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Careers360. Is the industry work different from what you learned at K J Somaiya Institute of Management?

Mehul Ashar. Yes, the industry is very different from what you learn at K J Somaiya Institute of Management. But my alma mater prepared me to face the challenges posed in the industry. That kept me in good stead during the tough times as the learnings at K J SIM taught me to learn and unlearn and thus adapt to the ever-changing corporate world.

Careers360. How do you think your time in college has added professional and personal value to your life?

Mehul Ashar. The environment at K J Somaiya Institute of Management offers a fantastic grounding to students. At a professional level, activities outside the classroom, like live projects, committees, competitions, etc., help bridge the gaps and develop soft skills, which become more and more vital as you grow professionally. It also teaches you to balance your personal life while managing your professional commitments.

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Careers360. What was your initial thought process when you joined K J Somaiya Institute of Management?

Mehul Ashar. I was fortunate to get a scholarship at K J Somaiya Institute of Management. I was happy to secure a seat as I was keen to start my management studies that year after working in advertising for three years post-graduation. I was anxious and excited to know what the next two years held for me at K J Somaiya Institute of Management.

Careers360. You must have had a memorable time at K J Somaiya Institute of Management. Do you miss being a part of it? Share a few good memories.

Mehul Ashar. My two years at K J Somaiya Institute of Management were one of the most memorable periods of my life. I made many friends and have been associated with the K J SIM through the alum network since I passed out in 2004. I miss the endless discussions and banter post classes and the food in the canteen. Though the food could have been better, I still have the food there whenever I visit the campus, just for nostalgia. It brings back fond memories.

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Careers360. Briefly take us through your life at the campus, the activities you used to do, and your routine life.

Mehul Ashar. As soon as I started at K J Somaiya Institute of Management, I was busy with various activities as a close friend was my senior, and he guided me on which clubs to join and what books to read. As an active placement committee member, I was busy with activities outside the class. A typical day for me would be to go to the placement office first to do some work and then attend classes, post that hang out with my friends in the canteen for some discussions about the future and meaningless banter. Afterward, we would go to the placement office again to finish some work and then work on projects and assignments. And just like that, the days and nights passed by instantly.

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Careers360. Apart from academics, what were the other activities you were involved in, and how did they enrich your life?

Mehul Ashar. K J Somaiya Institute of Management has many activities to offer students to develop their personalities and be prepared for the corporate world. I was always keen to be part of the placement committee and was involved in all activities in the P.Comm. (as we used to call it) for two years at K J SIM. In the first year, we learned a lot from our seniors about presenting ourselves to recruiters. We were the first point of contact and represented the K J Somaiya Institute of Management. It gave us a chance to interact with corporates and gave us a ringside view of how the corporate world works.

Careers360. How did you keep updated with the industrial requirements, and what was the institute's role?

Mehul Ashar. Being in the Placement Committee helped me understand what the industry requires once the student graduates. Also, K J Somaiya Institute of Management had an excellent lineup of visiting faculty and guest lecturers from the industry who helped us understand the application of concepts. Students also learn a lot from industry interactions through various engagements that K J SIM assures students.

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Careers360. You are a proud alumnus of this top college. What is the best part of K J Somaiya Institute of Management from a student's perspective?

Mehul Ashar. The well-rounded development that K J Somaiya Institute of Management provided me as a management student was the best part of my education. Though we only realized this once we graduated. K J SIM provided the right environment for young minds to develop their thinking apart from learning management tools.

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Careers360. What is your suggestion/guidance for MBA aspirants?

Mehul Ashar. Be open to learning and enjoy your time on campus. Make the most of your time at K J Somaiya Institute of Management. Most importantly, come back to campus and be associated with your alma mater after graduating. You can still learn a lot from the alum network and faculty. Also, give your knowledge to budding managers through mentorship programs. You will be surprised how much you can learn from them.

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Disclaimer: This content was distributed by K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.

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