Discover My School Journey: Why I Chose Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, PGDM – Finance & Business Analytics

I am a passionate student dedicated to academic excellence, driven by an unbounded curiosity. My journey extends beyond textbooks; it is a blend of literature, science, and art. I explore the intersections of knowledge while embracing the beauty of diverse interests.

Q1.How did you choose your course of study in school (Class 11-12)? What made you choose your current college/course (undergrad/post-grad)?

Like many students, I started my journey feeling uncertain.  I chose the MPC stream in Class 11-12, aiming for a career in engineering. My interests evolved, and I initially decided to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy (CA). However, For personal reasons, I withdraw from pursuing the same. It was through this I found my true interest in finance and accounting. As a result, I joined a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, and it felt like the right place for me.

During my BBA, I developed a strong foundation in finance, but something always felt missing. I have an interest in technology, AI, and data-driven decision-making. I would often explore SQL, Excel, and programming languages in my free time, but my knowledge remained basic. Then I decided to take the next step—pursuing a PGDM in Finance & Business Analytics. I wanted to bridge the gap between finance and technology, and this course looks like the perfect fit for my ambitions.

Q 2. How did you crack admission to your current college? What entrance test(s) did you give? Any coaching classes that you took for preparation? Any other colleges that you were trying out for? What challenges did you face while opting for this college?

My admission journey was not very hard or interesting. I appeared for AP ICET and MAT with less preparation and secured a decent score. I didn’t take any coaching classes, as I believed in self-preparation.

What made me choose Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management over other colleges? The answer was simple—very few institutions offered a PGDM with a specialisation in Business Analytics, and the dual specialisation option was exactly what I was looking for. Majoring in Finance and minoring in Business Analytics gave me the perfect combination of skills to achieve my career goals.

Leaving my hometown, Amalapuram (in Andhra Pradesh) was a tough decision. Until my under graduation, I had studied in my hometown, so moving to a new city was a big challenge—financially, culturally, and emotionally. But I believed in myself and trusted that VJIM would provide me with the right platform to grow, develop my skills, and gain recognition for my talent.

Q 3. How do you spend your time at college? Which classes do you like to attend? Which extra-curricular activities are you a part of in college? If given a chance, what else would you want to do? How has your college experience changed you as a person? What opportunities do you see in future?

VJIM has truly shaped me into the person I am today. The experience has been nothing short of transformative.

Some of my favourite subjects include:

• Financial Modelling using Excel – Taught by Dr. Nityasundar Nanda Sir, where I worked on practical projects that strengthened my analytical skills.
• Accounting for Managers – Guided by Dr. Vishal Kutchu Sir, which deepened my understanding of financial principles.
• Corporate Finance for Managers – Taught by Dr. T Hari Priya Mam, which enhanced my knowledge of corporate financial decision-making and strategic financial planning.
• Power BI – Taught by Dr. N Padmaja Mam, where I learned how to visualize and interpret business data.
• SQL – Covered by Yugandhar Sir, which helped me develop hands-on experience with databases.

Beyond academics, I actively participate in extracurricular activities. I’m a proud member of the finance club and have won first prize in a finance quiz competition, along with cash rewards. Photography is another passion of mine, and I was thrilled to win first prize in the MILAN event for my work.

My time at VJIM has shaped me into a professional. I’ve developed a corporate mindset, gained management and technical skills, and built a business-oriented perspective that will help me in the long run.

Q 4. What do you plan in future?

When I joined VJIM, my short-term goal was to become a Data Analyst. I’m proud to say that I’ve already achieved this through my campus placement at Metrics4 Analytics Pvt Ltd. After completing a three-month internship as a Financial Data and Research Intern, I secured a Pre-Placement Offer (PPO) and now work as a full-time Data Analyst.

But my journey doesn’t stop here. My mid-term goal is to grow into leadership roles like Team Lead and Project Manager, where I can contribute strategically. Ultimately, I aspire to reach the top—to become a director, so that I can combine my expertise in finance, analytics, and strategic decision-making to drive impactful business growth.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has only made me stronger. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that believing in yourself and continuously learning can take you places you never imagined.

Author Profile:

I am Naga Sai Nithin Chalagalla, a PGDM student at Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, specialising in Finance & Business Analytics. I have always been curious about the intersection of finance and technology, which led me to explore data analytics, financial modelling, and programming. Beyond academics and work, I have a deep passion for photography and drawing. I enjoy capturing different perspectives, through a camera lens or a creative sketch. I also believe in continuous learning and always look for opportunities to develop new skills and broaden my knowledge.