From volleyball matches to marketing pitches, Akash Yadav made the most of his time at Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dwarka. Now stepping into the professional world as a Relationship Manager at ICICI Bank, he looks back with a smile at the lessons, laughter, and late-night presentations that shaped his journey. Read edited excerpts:
So, Akash, you’re now working as a Relationship Manager at ICICI Bank, right?
Yes, that’s correct. Although I haven’t been officially allotted a branch yet, I expect to receive my placement by the end of April.
Which course did you pursue at Apeejay School of Management (ASM)?
I pursued a PGDM, with dual specialisations in Marketing and Operations.
Tell me about your role at ICICI Bank. What are your key responsibilities as a Relationship Manager?
My job mainly involves handling clients at the branch level. I’m responsible for managing relationships with high-value customers—those who maintain significant balances in their accounts. I suggest suitable investment products and services offered by the bank. Basically, I work as part of the sales team, offering tailored solutions and encouraging customers to explore relevant financial products.
Reflecting on your course at ASM, what were the key learnings you gained from the PGDM programme?
The PGDM course offered a wide range of learnings. It helped develop leadership and communication skills, which are essential in any profession. We had numerous presentations that not only improved our speaking abilities but also our confidence and fluency in English. These sessions, combined with group projects and brainstorming, really polished our presentation and teamwork skills.
Was the coursework intensive?
Yes, absolutely! We had several assignments and business model presentations, especially in the first year. These taught us how to think creatively, solve problems quickly, and manage time under pressure—skills you definitely need in the corporate world. The deadlines and workload really simulated real-life work scenarios.
What was your experience with the faculty like? Were they supportive?
The teachers were incredibly kind and approachable. If any student faced difficulty, the faculty was always ready to help and guide. They ensured we understood the concepts thoroughly and encouraged us to perform to the best of our abilities.
How would you describe your overall life at the ASM campus? Were you active in extracurricular activities?
Campus life at ASM was lively and enriching. There were so many activities and events that helped us grow beyond academics. I participated in events like Synergy and Freshers. Honestly, there were so many activities, I can’t recall all of them! But from conferences to cultural and sports events, there was always something to engage with. I also played volleyball. It was a great stress-buster and a fun way to bond with my peers.