Alumni Speak
‘My school days were magical’
An alumna of Apeejay Charkhi Dadri shares her journey from a studious schoolgirl to a key player in international corporate banking
She has made her alma mater proud. A studious girl with her nose delved into piles of books, she is now a confident successful Senior Credit Manager at ICICI Bank, Mumbai, and works with international banking groups, with a focus on clients based in Dubai and Bahrain. Meet Riddhi who passed out from Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri in 2018.
Taking time from her packed schedule, she talked about her journey and listed the steps needed to walk in her footsteps.
What is a typical day for you?
Working in corporate banking, I specifically cater to clients in the Dubai and Bahrain regions. My responsibility is to help Indian subsidiaries or Indian companies in obtaining working capital limits. The work can be hectic at times, certainly has the potential. But generally, it’s manageable. I work around eight to nine hours a day.
When did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in finance?
I have always excelled academically at school, so it is safe to say I was good at school. However, it was during the mature years of graduation at Kamla Nehru College, University of Delhi, where I studied Economics Honours, that I realised my calling in finance. I decided to pursue an MBA in finance from The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in Delhi, majoring in finance and minoring in strategy. I was fortunate to get placed through campus recruitment, and it has been a great journey here over the past three years.
A thought on the school days?
My school days were magical. It was a time when I could be carefree and enjoy life. Despite being studious, I managed to have fun with friends. The teachers were amazing, and I still keep in touch with most of them. I was the house captain for Gautam House and excelled in English. I remember we hosted various events, including special assemblies that involved dance and music. These experiences helped me develop leadership qualities.
What advice would you give to present Apeejayites?
Don’t stress too much about exams. Enjoy the moments, participate in various activities, and be true to yourself. Focus on learning and developing yourself.
An essential skill to work in the finance sector.
A keen interest in the subject is crucial. Additionally, proficiency in MS Excel is necessary.
