Alumni Speak
‘Marketing was always a natural fit for me’
Alumnus reflects on his journey at Apeejay School of Management, the leadership roles he undertook, and the learning experiences that shaped his corporate debut.
For Shivom Gupta, a postgraduate student of marketing and finance at Apeejay School of Management (ASM), New Delhi, the campus journey was not just about academic enrichment, but also about personal transformation. From holding key leadership positions to actively engaging in debates and placement drives, he made the most of every opportunity that ASM had to offer. Now placed at Wipro Blackstone as a Management Trainee, Shivom shares how the PGDM course and the vibrant ecosystem at ASM helped him evolve into a confident, industry-ready professional.
What were your biggest learnings from the PGDM course at ASM?
Pursuing dual specialisation in marketing and finance gave me a strong foundation in business disciplines. Academically, the course was rigorous yet extremely enriching. Subjects like Marketing Strategy, Business Analytics deepened my understanding and sharpened my Excel skills. More importantly, it taught me how to think creatively and adopt a practical approach rather than just relying on theory.
Outside the classroom, ASM also shaped my leadership and communication skills. I was actively involved in several committees. I served as the Vice President of the Placement Committee and was also President of the Gender Championship Cell. These roles really helped hone my organisational, leadership, and teamwork skills. The consistent support from the faculty made a huge difference in my journey.
Your campus life sounds full of opportunities. What was it like?
Absolutely! ASM ensured we had plenty of industry exposure and insightful engagements. We attended numerous guest lectures, alumni meets, and participated in mock interviews during the “Visitation” initiative — one of the most impactful events here. Leaders from top organisations like Coca-Cola and NICA visited the campus, gave us GD topics, and simulated interview environments. It really helped us understand the kinds of questions to expect and how to prepare strategically.
We also had engaging sessions on soft skills, as well as debates on current affairs, which kept us connected with the real world and broadened our perspectives.
How did the faculty contribute to your grooming and overall growth?
The faculty members at ASM have been incredibly supportive. They were more than just teachers — they were mentors. Whether it was simplifying complex concepts or helping us navigate through academic and career decisions, they were always approachable and patient, even with the silliest of doubts.
They brought real-world case studies into the classroom, which made learning both engaging and deeply insightful. Their guidance went far beyond textbooks — it was about helping us evolve professionally and personally.
What inspired you to choose marketing and finance as your dual specialisation?
Marketing was always a natural fit for me. I’ve always been a people person and even tried my hand at a startup. I also interned at a business firm, which helped me realise how much I enjoy building connections and influencing decisions. I find joy in listening patiently and persuading effectively — core skills in marketing.
Finance, on the other hand, was a personal challenge. I didn’t know much about it during my undergrad, but I was always curious. Once I began the MBA, I realised how important financial literacy is — not just for a career in business, but for life in general. The practical exposure ASM provided in this area really helped me bridge that gap.
