‘A structured and well-planned approach helped me crack the interviews’

Shivom Gupta, an MBA graduate from Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dwarka, with a strong passion for finance, investment strategies, and portfolio management, recently secured an Analyst role at Blackstone and a Management Trainee position at Wipro. “This is the result of consistent effort, learning, and strategic preparation,” emphasises the 24-year-old Apeejay achiever.

In a quick interview with Shivom, he highlights his key preparation strategies that helped him to bag the offer. Read edited excerpts:  

What strategies did you apply to crack this placement interview? How do you feel about it? 

A structured and well-planned approach helped me crack the interviews: 

Industry Knowledge: I kept myself updated on market trends, investment strategies, and financial concepts by reading Investment Analysis by Prasanna Chandra and regularly following The Economic Times. 

Technical Preparation: I focused on financial modeling, advanced Excel formulas, fund accounting, and portfolio management. I also took courses on Advanced Excel, Google Analytics, and Business Intelligence to build a strong skill set. 

Mock Interviews & Networking: I practiced multiple mock interviews, connected with industry professionals on LinkedIn, and gained insights into what recruiters look for. 

Strategic Positioning: I tailored my CV to highlight key experiences—my internship at Kotak Securities, my leadership in the Placement Committee, and my research on quick commerce. This helped me showcase a balanced mix of finance knowledge and business acumen. The entire journey was both challenging and rewarding. Looking back, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. 

Were you nervous? How did you manage it? 

Yes, there was a bit of nervousness initially, but I tackled it with a few strategies: 

Mock Interviews: Practicing with friends and the CRC team helped me refine my responses and build confidence. 

Breaking It Down: Instead of seeing the interview as one big event, I approached it in small milestones—one question at a time. Positive Visualization: I imagined myself answering questions confidently and securing the role, which boosted my self-assurance. 

Confidence Over Perfection: I focused on explaining concepts clearly rather than aiming for perfect answers. 

Treating It as a Conversation: Once the interview started, I shifted my mindset from “test mode” to “discussion mode,” which helped me stay engaged and relaxed. 

How did the faculty at ASM help in your placement preparation? 

The faculty played a crucial role in my journey: 

Strong Foundation: Their case study-based teaching helped me develop a practical understanding of finance and investment strategies. 

Group Discussions & Assignments: These enhanced my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Presentation & Communication Skills: Regular feedback on presentations and reports helped me articulate my thoughts better. 

Mentorship: Professors guided me through my internships, projects, and entrepreneurial events, providing real-world insights. 

Please share a few tips for placement preparation? When should one start? 

Start Early (First Year Itself): Build a strong foundation in your domain (finance, in my case) and develop both technical and soft skills. Internships & Live Projects: Gain hands-on experience through real-world exposure. 

Networking: Connect with alumni and industry professionals to understand what companies expect. 

Mock Interviews & GDs: Regular practice helps build confidence and improve communication skills. 

Company-Specific Research: Understand the company’s business model and role expectations before appearing for interviews. 

Ideally, rigorous placement preparation should start 6-8 months before the placement season. 

Where do you see yourself in the coming years? 

In the short term, I aim to excel in my role as an Analyst at Blackstone, deepening my expertise in investment strategies and fund management. In the next 5-7 years, I see myself taking on a leadership role, managing portfolios, and contributing to high-value investment decisions. I also want to explore private equity and growth funds, potentially leading strategic investment decisions for large-scale projects. Ultimately, my goal is to make a significant impact in the financial sector, leveraging my expertise to drive strategic growth and investment success.