Securing a placement is often a mix of preparation, adaptability, and self-belief and Hardik, a student of Apeejay School of Management (ASM), reflects all three. With a specialisation in Marketing and Business Analytics, he recently secured a position as a Relationship Manager at ICICI Bank. In this conversation, Hardik shares how unexpected opportunities, consistent practice, and real-world experiences shaped his placement journey.
Read edited excerpts:
What was your initial reaction when you received your placement offer?
Receiving the offer was overwhelming. I had practised extensively, but honestly, I didn’t expect to enter the banking sector. I had applied mainly to experience the interview process and understand how to handle pressure. However, once shortlisted, I began researching the company and its products in depth, which boosted my confidence.
How did you prepare for the interview, especially for a sector you hadn’t initially considered?
Guidance from faculty played a big role. My faculties helped me understand how to approach interviews strategically. I also worked on aligning my answers with industry expectations. For instance, when asked why I chose banking, I explained that it’s one sector that continued functioning even during the pandemic, making it highly resilient and valuable to society.
What made you choose ICICI Bank over other organisations?
I highlighted that ICICI Bank is a leading private sector bank known for setting trends rather than following them. I also connected my past experiences in internships and sales roles to the position, which helped demonstrate my suitability for the role.
Which skills or concepts helped you the most during the placement process?
A strong understanding of basic finance concepts was essential. Since the role also involves sales, knowledge of sales techniques and processes helped significantly. I prepared for situational questions, especially those that test how you react under pressure or in tricky scenarios.
Can you share some experiences that strengthened your profile?
Certainly. I worked on a live marketing research project at MDRA, followed by an internship at Croma Technologies as a Customer Success Executive. I also handled social media for an NGO during another live project. Currently, I am pursuing my capstone project again with Croma, which has deepened my understanding of customer engagement.
What excites you most about your upcoming role as a Relationship Manager?
I enjoy interacting with people and understanding different perspectives. This role will allow me to meet diverse individuals, face new challenges, and step out of my comfort zone. It’s also an opportunity to overcome fears and grow professionally.