‘The simplest moments from school are the ones I remember’

His academic journey started with a background in automotive engineering, which gave him a strong understanding of technology, manufacturing and problem-solving. As he progressed, he realised that technical knowledge alone is not enough to build and lead successful businesses. He wanted to understand the other side of an organisation: strategy, marketing, finance, leadership and how businesses operate across different markets. This motivated him to pursue a master’s in Global Business Management. Meet Vinayak Kathuria, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad.

In a candid interview, he talks about how he combined his technical background with business knowledge and developed a broader perspective that can help him in his future career and entrepreneurial journey.

How did your school years in Faridabad shape your academic interests and career aspirations?

My school years in Faridabad played an important role in shaping the person I am today. School was not just about academics; it gave me opportunities to explore different interests, work with others and become more confident in expressing my ideas. Over time, I developed an interest in understanding how things work and solving practical problems. The overall school environment encouraged me to think beyond textbooks and develop an ambition to build something of my own in the future.

Which skills and values gained during school have helped you most in your higher education journey?

I would say discipline, teamwork, communication and adaptability have been some of the most valuable skills I carried forward from school. Higher education requires you to work with people who have different perspectives and approaches, so being able to listen, communicate clearly and contribute as part of a team is extremely important.

School also taught me the value of consistency. Whether it was academics or extracurricular activities, I learned that meaningful results come from putting in effort over a period of time rather than looking for immediate results.

What has been the most valuable aspect of studying Global Business Management so far?

The most valuable aspect has been learning to look at a business from a much broader perspective. My previous education trained me to approach problems from a technical and engineering point of view. Global Business Management has helped me understand how factors like customers, markets, finance, strategy, competition and people all come together when making business decisions. I have particularly enjoyed understanding real-world business situations through discussions, projects and case-based learning because they encourage you to think beyond a single correct answer.

How has the programme changed your understanding of international markets, cultures, and business practices?

The programme has made me realise that there is no single formula for doing business successfully everywhere. Different countries have different customer expectations, cultures, regulations, economic conditions and ways of working. Understanding these differences is essential for any organisation that wants to operate internationally. It has also taught me that global business is not simply about entering another country; it is about understanding the people and the environment in that market and adapting your strategy accordingly.

What career path do you hope to pursue after completing your Master’s degree?

My long-term goal is to build a career where I can combine my technical background in automotive engineering with my knowledge of business and management. I am particularly interested in areas such as automotive business, manufacturing, strategy and entrepreneurship. I want my career to give me opportunities to work on challenging problems, understand different markets and create something that has a meaningful impact.

A fond memory from the school…

The everyday moments with classmates, teachers, school events and the experiences we shared often become more meaningful when you look back after leaving school. School was a place where we learnt, made friendships, participated in activities and gradually became more confident individuals. Looking back, I realise that some of the simplest moments from those years are the ones that I remember the most.