ABS ALUMNI OF THE MONTH

Q 1. As you walk back onto campus today as the Alumni of the Month, what emotions or memories come rushing back—especially those that mirror your very first day here as a student?

Ans: It’s not often that one experiences such an incredible feeling, and today is certainly one of those rare moments. I’m genuinely thrilled to be here. As I walked around exploring the cafeteria and the surrounding areas, a wave of nostalgia hit me—but more than that, it reminded me of how far I’ve come. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in life is the importance of breaking through challenges and continuing to move forward. I wasn’t an exceptional student—in fact, I considered myself below average for a long time. But when I graduated in 2022, I felt a turning point. Today, I can confidently say that I’ve grown into someone who’s above average, both in skill and mindset. Along the way, I’ve achieved a few milestones in my career that, while small, are deeply meaningful to me. I’m now in a position where I can offer guidance to students, especially in the field of finance—something I never imagined a few years ago. I still vividly remember the first day of my interview at ABS. I was incredibly nervous during the media round. When it was my turn to speak, I paused awkwardly and simply said, “My name is Ravi.” It wasn’t my finest moment, but it was real.

Q2. Reflecting on your time in college, how did the specific courses, projects, internships, or mentorship experiences play a significant role in developing your interest in financial analysis and strategic planning? How did those experiences influence your career direction?

Ans: Activities like the AIMA BizLab simulation and the Seed Fund competition were especially valuable—they taught me budgeting, strategy, and teamwork in a practical setting. In 2018, I attempted to start a business that didn’t succeed, but the experience taught me a lot about strategy and resource management. I’m confident that with what I’ve learned, I’ll be able to build something successful in the future. Initially, I used to bunk classes, but as job preparation became challenging, I turned to PDP sessions for support. They helped me build confidence and eventually crack my interview. While some friends got placed earlier, I stayed focused and kept working on myself. What matters is that I didn’t let that nervousness define me. I worked on myself, step by step, and today, I’m proud to share that I’ve been honored with the Employee of the Year award at HCL.

Q3. Transitioning from the academic environment to the corporate world often brings new challenges and learning curves. How did you cope with it?

Ans: I was placed with HCL Technologies in 2022 and currently work as a Financial Analyst. My role involves supporting our client with financial processes using Oracle and other enterprise software tools, given the scale and complexity of the company.

Initially, I found the transition challenging—corporate accounting was quite different from the theoretical knowledge we had in college. In the workplace, unexpected responsibilities can arise—for example, your manager might call late at night asking you to draft an urgent email, and you have to be ready to respond promptly. One key realization I’ve had is that, unlike in college where you have the freedom to actively develop and apply your skills, the corporate environment is more structured, and opportunities for personal growth often depend on how proactively you seek them out.

Q4. Where do you see yourself evolving in the next few years—more towards strategic finance, investment roles, or tech-driven finance?

Ans: I completed an internship in the securities market, where I focused heavily on research—regularly exploring platforms like Moneycontrol, analyzing companies, studying their asset structures, and understanding fund utilization. Although it was during the COVID period, the experience taught me how to leverage technology effectively for financial research and market analysis.

Today, I generate personal revenue through investments in the stock market and mutual funds. Additionally, I work as a financial advisor with ICICI Prudential as part of a side business, helping others make informed investment decisions.

Q5. You’ve always kept a strong track record in strategic leadership—how did you build that mindset early in your career?

Ans: I've always been driven to learn and develop new skills. During my recent trip to Oxford Business College in January 2025 by ABS, I was especially enthusiastic about the opportunity to present our project. I took the lead on our team’s work and was proud to deliver a confident and well-received presentation in front of Oxford faculty members—a moment I will always cherish.

In my professional life, I now mentor young interns and students, helping them craft effective job descriptions and prepare for interviews. The leadership skills I gained at ABS have been instrumental in this journey, and I’m truly grateful to be applying them in real-world scenarios today.

 

Rapid Fire Questions

One new skill or area in finance you’re excited to explore or master next? – Financial strategy making

Your biggest professional achievement till date – Employee of the Year

First internship or first job – what was more exciting? – First Job

Which was tougher: budgeting your pocket money or creating a company budget now? – budgeting pocket money

First financial term you truly understood and loved? – Money Making

Fav event of ABS - Freshers