“It was a proud moment to be placed in the finance domain”

For many management students, placements mark the beginning of a new chapter, and for Swati Mishra, that chapter began even before her final exams. A finance and business analytics student at Apeejay School of Management (Batch 2024–26), Swati secured a pre-placement offer as an Officer Trainee at JK Papers. In this candid conversation, she reflects on her journey, preparation, and the small moments that made a big difference.

Read edited excerpts:

What does your current role involve, and how did your journey begin?
I specialise in finance and business analytics, and my current role is also in the finance domain. My work involves budgeting, financial statement analysis, GST filings, and related tasks. I joined on January 22, 2026, even before my final exams in April, as this was a
pre-placement offer. It feels exciting to already be working while still being a student.

Can you walk us through your placement experience?
The process started with resume shortlisting, followed by an interview with the CFO. I remember it was around October 27. Three of us were shortlisted, and within just two hours, the results were declared, I was selected! It was a proud moment, especially because I was among the first students from my batch to be placed in the finance domain. My parents and friends were very happy.

Was there a defining moment in your interview?
Yes, definitely. Most questions were based on my internship at a CA firm, where I worked on GST portals. Since GST was mentioned in the job description, I aligned my answers accordingly.

One tricky moment was when I spoke about my research paper on sustainability. Since it’s a paper company, I was challenged on how sustainability fits in. Luckily, I had read that the company plants more trees than it cuts. I explained that, and I think that answer really made a difference.

How did Apeejay School of Management support your placement journey?
The support was incredible. CRC’s soft skills sessions helped me understand how to be clear, confident, and precise. During the interview, I could actually recall her guidance. CRC Faculty was equally supportive, she encouraged me to apply despite my hesitation about moving to Mumbai. Even after I joined, she kept checking in on me.

How are you managing studies alongside work?
Since we have a No Objection Certificate (NOC), attendance isn’t mandatory, but assignments are. The faculty has been very understanding, deadlines are flexible, and presentations are scheduled on weekends. It really helps balance both responsibilities.

What excites you most about your role?
Right now, the most exciting part is witnessing a company merger. What I had only studied in textbooks is happening in real time. From April 1, everything will function under JK Papers as a listed company. Being part of this transition and learning hands-on in finance is incredibly rewarding.