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My Transformative Journey at XIME through PGDM Business Analytics

Swasti Krishna, XIME, Batch 2 - PGDM in Business Analytics

My name is Swasti, and I hail from the enchanting city of waterfalls, Ranchi. After completing school, my interest in technology led me to pursue a BCA degree in Rishikesh, another place of breathtaking beauty. An internship at a start-up as a digital marketer ignited my passion for marketing. While I always intended to pursue an MBA/ Post Graduate Diploma of Management (PGDM), I was always drawn to the thought of working with data and information. So, I opted for a PGDM in Business Analytics (BA) with a minor in marketing, the perfect blend of my interests.

When I think about it, Business Analytics has become crucial for career growth in today’s data-informed world. XIME’s inclusive environment provides an excellent platform for students from all walks of life to excel in the Business Analytics programme. Opting for Business Analytics at XIME turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me a deep dive into the world of data, covering everything from managing databases to visualising data using tools like Python, Power BI, and Tableau. Exploring areas like AI/ML opened up entirely new avenues of learning and discovery for me.

Because of this, I am very fortunate to have been placed in a highly reputed firm with the highest CTC in the entire college. I am incredibly grateful to XIME for helping me achieve something I never imagined.

Today, as I look back, I see that the offer letter from XIME, which I received on 19th March 2022 for their PGDM in Business Analytics program, was a life-changing moment. It marked the beginning of a 2-year journey filled with learning, personal growth, overcoming challenges, building networks, and transformation. 

My first day of class remained etched in my mind. As I entered the classroom, I found similar faces filled with anticipation, mirroring my eagerness for the journey ahead at XIME. What made this experience even more enriching was the diverse composition of our class. Among the 60 students in our PGDM-BA batch, coming from 15 different states, there was a surprising mix of educational backgrounds spanning from fields as technical as engineering to not so technical like humanities and sociology. This diverse nature of students expanded my horizons and taught me invaluable lessons, particularly in inclusiveness. 

As I settled into the classes, I realised that one doesn’t necessarily need a technical background to excel in Business Analytics. It’s not the background that is necessary to excel but the willingness to adjust or learn something new. With a mere interest in numbers, anyone can pursue this interesting field of Business Analytics. 

The well-crafted curriculum for the Business Analytics program ensured that I was well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the data-informed world, providing me with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for success. 

The highlight of my curriculum was having outstanding professors who became lifelong mentors. Each course left its mark on me – from Professor Subha’s Organizational Behaviour classes, which taught me to manage myself as well as group dynamics, to Professor Rajkumar’s finance lectures, where I learned various aspects of finance needed for life. Then, Chris Sir’s analytics class taught me essential analytical skills; Bhatta Sir’s agile class (to whom I owe my placement too) taught methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, emphasising collaboration and iterative development. Subbu Sir’s engaging IT classes, where I learned to manage technical and software-oriented projects. Mercia Ma’am’s Case Based Learning (CBE) class discussions sparked lively debates and broadened my understanding of business scenarios. Roshni Ma’am’s Personal Growth class helped me navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a PGDM-BA program.

At XIME, the batch coordinators play an important role in taking exceptional care of us and being our best confidants. Prof. Vallinayagam and Dr. Subramanian, our first year and second batch coordinators respectively have been my constant source of support through emotional challenges, academic issues, or anything else.

A defining moment was working in the alumni committee under the leadership of our President, Mr. Anil J. Philip Sir and Mr. Sujit Shetty, Treasurer of XIME Alumni Association. Working with the President has taught me to think innovatively and efficiently in team leadership. Sujith sir, being the alumni of Batch 5, taught us the value of giving back to the Alma Mater. Their approachability and willingness to help made them more like our allies than some distant authorities. I learnt that being approachable is key to being a good leader. As a member, I found myself entrusted with tasks that demanded thoughtful decision-making, strategic planning, and clear communication with diverse groups. Whether leading initiatives or coordinating events, I learned to navigate complexities, negotiate effectively, and foster teamwork among my peers. These experiences not only boosted my confidence as a leader but also provided invaluable insights into team dynamics and problem-solving.

I have learned so much from our esteemed Chairman, Prof. J. Philip. Every time he speaks to us, I am inspired. Prof. Philip is living proof that age is merely a number. Even at 88, he exudes more youthfulness and vitality than most of us students. His vibrant spirit serves as a reminder for us all to stay young and be lifelong learners.

Another transformative experience was participating in Socially Useful and Productive Activity (SUPA), a program that connects students with social causes. I volunteered with TCS’s CSR outreach program, teaching underprivileged adults. This humbling experience broadened my perspective on life, and my students taught me more than I could have ever taught them. The international trip to Malaysia during my first year was an eye-opening adventure that gave me global exposure. We explored new places, learned from a start-up camp, and visited universities abroad. 

There are many other ways XIME transformed me, including my internship at Wrogn, which was secured through the college’s internship committee. It was an incredible experience that exposed me to the corporate world. And yes, as my friends jokingly say, the added bonus I received was that Virat Kohli had the opportunity to meet me, haha!

As our senior year approached, the focus shifted towards placements. XIME equipped us with the necessary skills through training programs, mock GDs, and interviews. Amodh Sir’s attitude learning class significantly helped refine my self-pitch, eventually landing my dream job. 

Of course, none of this would have been possible without my parents and two elder sisters’ unwavering support. Their constant encouragement and belief in me fuelled my determination throughout this journey. 

In summary, choosing Business Analytics at XIME was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The late nights spent writing assignments, many presentations, and the pressure of exams all seem insignificant compared to the immense value I gained. This was a journey of self-discovery, with XIME providing different pathways for growth and learning. All we have to do is choose them wisely and carve out our own unique paths towards success and fulfilment.