Know Your Faculty: ‘I thrive on intellectual challenges’

She feels blessed that she started her teaching career with a value-based, well-known, and iconic brand like Apeejay. Due to the rich academic environment at the institute she managed to complete her PhD in the first 10 years of her career. Meet Dr Anu Sahi, Assistant Professor at School of Management at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar.

“I joined AIMTEC in 2005. I have been teaching subjects of finance to students of MBA BBA and BCom for the last 20 years. My qualifications include BCom, MBA with distinction, UGC-NET and PhD in Management,” Dr Sahi said and added that AIMETC has empowered her academically and professionally and is confident that her research and teaching will continue to make a positive impact on the institute and its students.

In a candid interview, she talks about why she chose academia and books every Commerce student must read.

How important is institute building particularly in a value-based brand like Apeejay?

Institute building is crucial for educators in a value-based brand like Apeejay as it helps establish a strong educational framework, fosters a positive learning environment, cultivates values and character development, builds a collaborative community, and ensures the delivery of quality education. In today’s environment infrastructure plays an important role for the institute, yet an institute is still not known by its buildings alone, it is known for its educators.

An educator has a significant impact in shaping the present and future generations. The educator must be multi-faceted and impart not only subject knowledge but also foster critical thinking, creativity, usage of technology and global awareness. The educator has the responsibility of quality teaching, contributing to the holistic development of students and aligning with the core principles and ethos of the iconic brand Apeejay.

What led you to pursue a career in academia?

I belong to a family of academicians. My parents as well as my grandfather were in this profession. So, one reason may be genetic. Apart from the genes, my passion was always for deep learning of any subject and a genuine love for reading, exploring new topics and engaging in research. The environment at my home was always intellectual discourse, and my father inculcated in me the art of enquiry. I used to thrive on intellectual challenges and enjoy academic discourse.  The entire ecosystem in which I grew up was apt for pursuing a career in academia.

Apart from this, teaching is the noblest profession wherein you can make a difference in someone’s life and at the same time can have your independence and autonomy too. My Love for teaching also comes from the fact that academia provides a platform for conducting research and making new discoveries in various fields. The opportunity to contribute to the existing body of knowledge, push the boundaries of understanding, and engage in groundbreaking research.

Scholarly work or paper you have published.

I am happy to share that I have more than 30 publications in various journals of national and international repute. More than 20 papers have been presented in conferences in India and abroad. My publications are in ABDC, Scopus, and UGC Care Listed journals.

I am also the recipient of the Best Research Paper Award at the international conference held at NTU, Singapore. My recent paper has been published by Emerald Publisher and got more than 500 downloads in less than six months.

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Teaching is the noblest profession wherein you can make a difference in someone’s life and at the same time can have your independence and autonomy too. My Love for teaching also comes from the fact that academia provides a platform for conducting research and making new discoveries in various fields

–Dr Anu Sahi, Assistant Professor, School of Management at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus, Jalandhar

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What have been your achievements at Apeejay?

I became the Editor of Apeejay Journal of Management & Technology, and I have helped to raise the profile of the journal in the academic community and got it listed in the UGC Care List of journals with the encouragement and guidance of Director Dr Rajesh Bagga. I take immense pride in my achievement as Convener of the Finance Club at AIMETC. Here I had the privilege of organising workshops, quizzes, seminars, case competitions and had the opportunity of fostering a community of finance enthusiasts. Many of the finance club members have published their learnings of finance club in Apeejay Newsroom as well. 

I have been appointed as Centre Superintendent in University Examinations, which is a significant achievement as it comes with great responsibility and trust. As Convener Research Development and Consultancy Cell, I have organised workshops on research methodology, case analysis workshop, CMIE workshop and fostered a research culture. Recently, I delivered a two-day workshop on Fundamentals of Stock Markets.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked at such a prestigious institute under the visionary leadership of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia ma’am.

What does studying Security Analysis and Portfolio Management (SAPM) entail?

Studying security analysis and portfolio management equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to analyse securities, construct investment portfolios, manage risk, and make informed investment decisions in the dynamic and complex world of finance. Moreover, students of SAPM develop analytical abilities and understand the importance of personal finance as well. This also helps them to focus more on financial independence.

If a student wants to pursue MBA, what specialisation should be taken up in today’s scenario?

The choice of specialisation depends on various factors, including personal interests, career goals, and the present market demand. While it is challenging to provide specific recommendations without knowing the background and aspirations, I can mention a few popular MBA specialisations that are in demand in today’s scenario: Data Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Remember, the choice of specialisation should align with your passion, strengths, and long-term career goals. Reaching out to professionals in your desired field or speaking with career counselors can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed choice. I am happy to share AIMETC, Jalandhar offers all specialisations in MBA along with HR and MIS.

Books that every Commerce student must read.

There are many good books for students of Commerce and particularly Finance. Some of my all-time favorite books are: The Wealth of Nations: By Adam Smith; The Intelligent Investor: By Benjamin Graham; Why Didn’t They Teach Me in School: Cary Siegel; Rich Dad Poor Dad: by Robert Kiyosaki, and The Psychology of Money: By Morgan Housel.