FIRST STRIDE: Alumni Insights Empower PGP1s for Summer Placements
As PGP1s gear up for their upcoming summer placements, the FIRST STRIDE event hosted by the Alumni Committee proved to be an invaluable opportunity, offering insights and guidance from seasoned alumni across diverse management sectors.
Held over two days, the event featured speakers who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Among them were Thejas Rajagopal, former Senior Manager at HUL; Vikas Parthasarathy, former South India Head at Aditya Birla Group; Ashwin Ravikumar, D2C Head at PUMA India; Sathyanarayanan R, Head of AI & Co-pilot at Microsoft; Deepanshu Pattanayak, Principal at B Capital; Amanpreet Talwar and Vignamitran Karthikeyan, Associate Partners at Bain & Co.; Shilpa Naik, Associate Vice President at a Bulge Bracket IB; and Dylan Fernandes, Vice President at a Bulge Bracket IB.
These industry leaders shared their extensive experience and offered invaluable tips on CV building and interview preparation tailored to various domains. They also provided a comprehensive view of career paths and expectations in today’s competitive market. From navigating the nuances of different industries to understanding what top firms look for in candidates, the alumni offered a wealth of knowledge that was both practical and inspiring.
The sessions were interactive, allowing students to ask questions and seek personalized advice, making the experience highly engaging and relevant. Additionally, the alumni shared anecdotes from their career journeys, providing a glimpse into the realities of various industries and roles. This not only demystified the recruitment process but also inspired confidence among the students.
First Stride not only equipped PGP1s with the tools and insights needed to succeed in their internship pursuits but also underscored the importance of alumni engagement in fostering professional growth. The success of the event highlighted how the collective experiences of our alumni can empower students in their career journeys, preparing the next generation of leaders in management.
The event was a testament to the strength of our alumni network and its commitment to giving back to the institution. By bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, First Stride has set a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at enhancing student preparedness and career success.
This article was contributed by the Alumni Committee.