When aspiration meets preparation, success becomes a natural outcome. In this interview, we explore how Apeejay School of Management’s rigorous training helped Priyadarshini Sharma secure a job offer from S&P Global as a Client Support Associate. She speaks about the work culture at S&P, the value of communication, and the importance of clarity in goal setting.
Could you walk us through your current role at S&P Global and your responsibilities?
I’ve been placed as a Client Support Associate at S&P Global. My department directly handles client queries related to S&P’s suite of products. Most of my day involves consulting with clients to resolve issues—these could range from retrieving market data for a specific company to working with index lists. The variety keeps things interesting.
Every day is a learning experience, and what makes it more exciting is that it’s all about finance—something I genuinely enjoy. The environment at S&P is very knowledge-driven. They ensure not only the clients but even employees remain well-informed and up to date with the financial world.
One initiative I particularly appreciate is a program called WIPE, which is designed to enhance employees’ skills—whether soft skills or leadership. It’s evidence of how people-oriented the company truly is. From my team to my team leader, everyone has been immensely supportive, and that has made all the difference in my journey so far.
That sounds like a fantastic work culture. You were campus-placed, right? How did ASM prepare you for the placement season?
Yes, I was placed directly from campus. The preparation phase was intense but structured. ASM conducted regular workshops, GDs, and mock interviews. There were constant updates and back-to-back sessions every second day, which kept us on our toes.
Since I specialised in finance, my faculty played a major role in my preparation. I would often approach them with specific questions, and they were always available to help. We even chalked out a timeline—on this day, we would tackle this topic, and follow it with Q&A drills. This strategic approach helped a lot, not just in understanding concepts but in developing confidence too.
Walk us through your placement experience. How many rounds did you go through?
The interview process was conducted entirely virtually. It began with a group discussion that lasted about 20–30 minutes. There were around 16 candidates in my group, and about 7–8 were shortlisted—I was fortunate to be one of them.
My personal interview was the first in the lot and involved the manager and assistant manager. Most of the questions were behavioural and situational. While they did test my finance knowledge, what stood out was their focus on how I’d handle certain team dynamics or client situations. That kind of questioning reflects S&P’s values—ensuring their employees are not just conceptually sound, but also people-oriented and aligned with their collaborative culture.
What’s one key skill that helps you thrive in your current role?
If I had to pick just one, I’d actually name two! Finance knowledge and communication skills. You’re constantly interacting with clients—sometimes through calls, sometimes over emails. So, you need a strong understanding of financial concepts, but also the ability to articulate solutions clearly and professionally. That blend is absolutely essential.
Lastly, what advice would you give to current ASM students preparing for placements?
I truly believe they’re in great hands already. But my advice would be—be consistent and find clarity. Once you know what you really want, you’ll be able to streamline your preparation.
For instance, when I heard S&P Global was coming for placements, I knew it was my dream company. That clarity helped me prepare with laser focus. I collaborated with my faculty, got my concepts aligned, worked on my communication—and the rest followed.
So yes, find out what you want early on, prepare strategically, and keep at it with consistency. Once those pieces are in place, no one can stop you.