‘Take ownership of your future’

Ragini Kumari, a 2024 PGDM graduate from Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dwarka now works at Unstop, a software company as a Web Operations Associate. In a candid interview, she discusses her journey, work life, and offers some key tips for current students.

Please walk us through your day at work?
My workday at Unstop starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m., five days a week, in a hybrid model. My day usually begins with a cup of coffee as I get into my tasks, which currently focus on monitoring website operations for job and internship postings and handling customer queries and support. Since I’m in a probationary phase, I’m in a learning mode, and I’m really enjoying it. Office life is everything I imagined back in college, and it’s great to finally experience it firsthand.

So, how did the PGDM course at ASM benefit you?
The PGDM course at ASM was instrumental in shaping my professional persona. It instilled professionalism, not only in how I speak and behave but also in how I present myself overall. Apeejay School of Management helped me build confidence, and I’m grateful for the role it played in my development.

What was your campus life like during the PGDM? 
Campus life at Apeejay School of Management was incredibly engaging. I was lucky to have great friendships across the entire class and a fantastic rapport with the faculty, which made my experience truly fulfilling. 

I participated in a wide range of activities, including fashion shows, music and dance events, sustainability programs, and festive celebrations like Diwali and Christmas. I attended most of the workshops and often went to events held outside of the college with friends. My time at Apeejay was very social and memorable.

 Were you campus placed? How well did the PGDM program prepare you for it?

I secured my initial role through campus placement, though I later switched to Unstop, where I felt the position aligned better with my goals. Apeejay prepared me well, especially through webinars and workshops, which helped enhance my understanding, polish my English, and strengthen my sense of professionalism.

What are your future career goals?
I’m passionate about my work in operations, and my goal is to grow within this field, ideally advancing to a senior role with greater responsibilities. Naturally, I aim to achieve this while also enjoying my life and career.

Lastly, what advice would you give current Apeejay students?
Take ownership of your future. Don’t rely solely on the faculty to shape your career. While they can guide you, the real decisions are yours to make. Focus on finding a role that offers meaningful experience rather than simply chasing a high-paying position. 

In my own case, I chose a job where the work aligns with my interests, even though I had a higher-paying offer. This allowed me to truly enjoy my work and learn faster. Over time, both satisfaction and career growth will follow. So, choose your path wisely, prioritize learning, and enjoy the journey.