“My B School taught me to keep evolving”

Confidence, resilience, and real-world learning—these are the pillars that define Riya Singh’s journey at Apeejay School of Management. A student of the 2024–26 batch, Riya recently secured a role as a Category Manager at Lots Wholesale. In this candid conversation, she shares how her time at ASM not only enhanced her professional skills but also reshaped her mindset, turning challenges into stepping stones.

Read edited excerpts:

How did Apeejay School of Management contribute to your personal growth?
I was always an extrovert and interested in HR, but ASM helped me become more confident and self-aware. One of the best parts is the strong connection with faculty. I interact with almost every teacher, and they have supported me at every step. Managing both studies and office responsibilities wasn’t easy, but the faculty ensured flexibility and guidance. This taught me an important lesson: just like they supported us, we must be equally supportive towards our teams in the workplace.

Can you share a moment that significantly boosted your confidence?
One defining moment was my experience with the Corporate Resource Centre (CRC) selection process. I wasn’t selected in the first round, which was disappointing. But instead of giving up, I worked on my communication skills, actively sought feedback from faculty, and improved my weaknesses. After two to three months, I reapplied and was selected as Vice President. That transition from rejection to leadership was a huge confidence booster and a reminder that persistence truly pays off.

Was there a classroom experience that gave you real business exposure?
Absolutely! During our Marketing Management course, we worked on a New Product Introduction (NPI) project. Our team created and sold over 500 phone cases from scratch. It wasn’t just about selling, we handled ideation, production, and marketing. The fact that even faculty members purchased our products made it more exciting. We also generated good profits, and the entire experience gave us a practical understanding of how a business operates.

What stands out the most about ASM’s learning environment?
The constant interaction and feedback culture. Faculty members don’t just teach, they listen and adapt. Regular feedback sessions help improve both students and the institution. Additionally, the CRC plays a crucial role in bringing quality placement opportunities, which directly impacts our career growth.

What is the biggest takeaway from your ASM journey?
The biggest takeaway is resilience and continuous improvement. Whether it was balancing responsibilities, overcoming rejection, or working on real projects, ASM taught me to keep evolving. It’s not just about securing a job, it’s about becoming industry-ready with the right mindset.