My Transformative Journey at NIBM: From UPSC Aspirant to Future Banker

I am Rushikesh, a second-year PGDM student at the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune. My journey at NIBM started quite unexpectedly. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics. Before joining NIBM, I was preparing for UPSC and other government and competitive exams.  As we all know, UPSC is full of uncertainties. I had already decided to limit my UPSC attempts to just two. That’s why I paused my UPSC preparation and began working on my Plan B for my career. 

Why I Chose NIBM Over IIM Sirmaur

Based on my CAT score, I secured admission to the flagship MBA program at IIM Sirmaur. However, my aspiration to build a career in the banking and finance domain led me to choose NIBM, College Established by Reserve Bank Of India, which was the perfect platform to achieve my goals. I joined NIBM in July 2023 through my CMAT score, followed by the OCPI process. The curriculum at NIBM is exclusively focused on banking and finance, offering students practical, industry-oriented knowledge. 

NIBM has a lush green campus in the heart of Pune city and is well-known for its expertise in risk management, particularly in Credit risk, Market risk, and Treasury-related courses. The institute also offers a well-rounded combination of subjects, including Marketing, Operations, Credit analysis, Business analytics, Human Resources and programming languages such as R, SQL, and Python, which are essential for the banking sector.  The curriculum at NIBM is a perfect blend of hands-on exposure and theoretical foundation, enabling students to explore various branches and verticals in the banking and finance sector. 

Participation in Student Committees and Clubs

Coming from a non-commerce and non-management background, it was initially challenging for me to understand the concepts of this new course. However, the cooperative faculty at NIBM helped me build a strong foundation, making it easier for me to adapt and excel. Additionally, various online courses further supported my preparation for this sector.  At NIBM, we have 11 student-driven committees and 3 clubs that focus on not just academic progress but also the development of personality traits and group potential. NIBM is a completely ragging-free campus, which is a matter of pride for all students. 

I am a member of the Admissions Committee and the Students’ Council. I am also the Vertical Lead of the Arthanomics vertical under Vittarth, the Finance Club of NIBM, and a member of Konsult, the Consulting Club of NIBM. NIBM celebrates all festivals, and faculty members actively participate in these events, fostering a bond beyond academics.During my time at NIBM, I had the opportunity to work as a Research Intern at AJVA Fintech Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. Leveraging the knowledge gained during my first year, I successfully applied my skills to complete the summer internship. 

Placement Success at Federal Bank

NIBM offers a variety of electives, allowing students to choose subjects that align with their interests and market trends, helping them gain relevant and hands-on knowledge. During placement season, we have a Placement Preparation Week, which includes mock interviews conducted by faculty and personalized guidance for placements.  Finally, I secured a placement at Federal Bank, and I am excited to begin my journey there. I believe this will be a valuable experience and an excellent opportunity for learning and growth. NIBM has played a vital role in shaping my academic and professional career. I hope that new students will also make the most of this opportunity and build successful careers with the help of NIBM. 

About the Author:

 

 

Rushikesh, a second-year PGDM student at the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM)