Alumni Speak
‘Technical skills like Excel and Power BI are key to success’
An ASM alumnus highlights the role of the institute in shaping his career and offers advice for aspiring finance professionals
Sarthak Gupta, is a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing graduate from Apeejay School of Management (ASM). In a short span of time, he has been able to earn many successes in the finance industry and currently manages key clients for Wipro. In a quick chat about his career, ASM days and the finance industry, Sarthak shares many interesting anecdotes and alson offers advice for current students.
Walk us through your day at work.
Essentially, Wipro, an IT company, manages outsourced processes from various organisations, and Blackstone is one of their clients. I am a fund accountant here, handling key accounting tasks and client requests related to Blackstone’s investments. My work revolves around accounting and client engagement. I liaise with offshore clients in New York to understand their requirements. A significant part of my role involves managing Limited Partner requests — these are queries from investors in Blackstone funds regarding their investment values and other details. Additionally, I prepare financial statements, ensuring everything aligns with high standards of accuracy and transparency.
What attracted you to this line of work?
Joining a prestigious organisation like Wipro was a big motivator for me. It offers exposure to world-class infrastructure and deep insights into private equity, real estate investments, and accounting practices. It’s an incredible learning opportunity for someone starting their career.
How did ASM prepare you to land this role?
It was instrumental in shaping my journey. The faculty were incredibly supportive; they helped me clear subject-related doubts, guided me through placement preparations, and even assisted with personality development. Their mentorship gave me the confidence to excel in my interviews and secure this dream role.
How did ASM prepare you for the placement process?
Yes, I was campus-placed. ASM conducted multiple mock interviews to simulate the real placement experience. This rigorous preparation ensured I was confident and well-prepared for my final interview.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with the present students?
Focus on technical skills, especially software tools relevant to the finance domain. Excel is essential, it’s the foundation for most finance roles. Additionally, tools like Power BI are becoming increasingly important. Companies expect you to have basic proficiency in these tools before they provide advanced training, so it’s crucial to develop these skills during your college years.
How to make a mark in finance?
Stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the importance of technical skills. The field is challenging but immensely rewarding if you’re willing to put in the effort.
