Wisdom from Alumni

On 24 October 2024, Alumni Relations Committee at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow organized "Wisdom from Alumni” a three-day event designed to bridge the gap between alumni and the students, equipping them with up-to-date knowledge and latest trends within the various industries. The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Anupam Saxena (Chairperson-Alumni Relations) and expertly coordinated by the ARC team, led by Ms. Muskan Bansal (Student Coordinator-ARC).

Day 1:

The session on 24th Oct was on Finance domain, the speaker for the day was Mr. Ashafaque Ahmed (Vice President at Indusind Bank) a distinguished alumnus (b.2005-2007) of our college, with over 17 years of extensive experience in the finance sector under his belt.

Mr. Ahmed emphasized the central role of finance in all businesses, stressing the need for strong financial management and innovation to avoid product obsolescence amid rapid technological change. He highlighted data-driven decision-making as crucial for understanding industry trends and customer needs.

Mr. Ahmed provided insights into banking cost structures, explaining the importance of achieving breakeven and profitability in Cash Management Services (CMS). He also covered regulatory compliance, discussing due diligence practices, fraud prevention, and FATF guidelines. For aspiring bankers, he recommended certifications offered by NISM and IRDA, emphasized interpersonal skills, continuous learning, and the value of mentorship for career growth. 

He underscored the importance of interpersonal skills, continuous learning, clear career goals, and mentorship for long-term growth. The session provided a comprehensive view of the financial sector, particularly highlighting practical banking applications. Mr. Ahmed’s emphasis on certifications, data-driven decision-making, and hands-on learning was especially valuable for those pursuing careers in banking and finance. The session offered valuable strategies for building a successful finance career.

At the end of the session Dr. Anupam Saxena presented a memento to Mr. Ashafaque.

Day 2:

On Day 2 of the "Wisdom from Alumni" event, Ms. Anushka Dwivedi, Sales Executive at Kimberly Clark and a 2021-2023 alumna shared her inspiring journey in marketing and sales. She began by addressing the differences between sales and marketing, and busting myths about women in marketing.

She talked about the importance of interpersonal skills which are considered vital for career success. Ms. Anushka highlighted essential tools like MS Excel, Power BI, and Tableau, emphasizing their practical use in the field. Encouraging a growth mindset, she advised students to seek practical experience through live projects and competitions to strengthen their resumes. Ms. Anushka also stressed teamwork as crucial for learning and problem-solving, and recommended engaging in live projects to improve internship prospects and gain a deeper understanding of corporate dynamics, especially for women aiming to excel in sales. The session ended with an insightful Q&A session and memento presentation to Ms. Anushka by Dr. Anupam Saxena.

Day 3:

On October 26, 2024, the final day of the "Wisdom from Alumni" event, Mr. Ayush Agarwal, Business Analyst, CEDCOSS Technologies (Batch 2018-2020), and Mr. Mazhar Khan, Manager at ICICI Bank (Batch 2016-2018), shared their expertise in Business Analytics and Operations, respectively. The session began with the presentation of green certificates to the alumni, followed by insightful discussions on essential skills, market trends, and growth opportunities in these domains.

Mr. Ayush spoke on Business Analytics, highlighting that a technical degree is not a prerequisite for entering the field. Instead, proficiency in tools like MS Excel, SQL, and Tableau provides a solid foundation. He emphasized that students should align their learning with current industry demands and seek practical experience through live projects, which not only build expertise but also strengthen interview performance. Stressing work-life balance, Mr. Ayush encouraged students to pursue domains they are passionate about, as this balance contributes to long-term career fulfillment.

Mr. Mazhar then discussed Operations, emphasizing its vital role in ensuring efficient inventory management, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing organizational performance. He introduced students to continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, underscoring their effectiveness in refining processes and boosting productivity. Quality management, he explained, is essential for reducing errors and elevating customer satisfaction. Encouraging students to consider Operations as a career path, Mr. Mazhar highlighted its direct impact on customer experience and brand reputation.

The event concluded with Mr. Anurag Mohan presenting mementos to the guests in appreciation of their valuable contributions, marking a rewarding end to the "Wisdom from Alumni" series.