My VJIM Story: Learning, Leading and Growing

My Relationship with Commerce

Back in school, when it was time to choose a stream for Classes 11 and 12, I wanted to explore something different that was growing in relevance. My father suggested Commerce for the same. And since I was also interested in it, I decided to follow his advice. Commerce caught my attention as a dynamic field with a vast array of opportunities, and my parents fully supported my decision. It felt like the perfect blend of logic, business, and real-world applications, which made me eager to learn more.

As I delved deeper into Commerce during my school years, my interest only grew stronger. Naturally, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) for my undergraduate studies. This reinforced my understanding of Finance, Accounting, and Business Dynamics. However, I soon realized that technical knowledge alone wasn’t enough—Management skills were equally important for growth.

With this realization, I chose to pursue PGDM in Finance at Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM), Hyderabad. This course not only builds on my Commerce background but also equips me with essential leadership, decision-making and strategic thinking skills. I believe Finance is not just about numbers—it’s about making informed decisions that drive businesses forward. By combining Finance with Management, I aim to develop a well-rounded perspective that will help me thrive in the corporate world.

Looking back, every step in my academic journey has been a valuable learning experience, shaping my passion for Commerce and Finance while preparing me for future challenges.

The Admission Journey

Getting into VJIM, Hyderabad, was a journey filled with decisions, challenges, and excitement. I secured admission through my Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) score and performed well in the Personal Interview. Unlike many others, I didn’t take any coaching classes for CMAT preparation, I relied on self-study and practice.

While exploring colleges, I applied to Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Siva Sivani Institute of Management and Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Systems and Management in Hyderabad. These were reputed institutions known for their Management programs, and were also fitting my budget. However, choosing the right college was not easy. With so many options available, I had to ensure that the one I picked aligned with my career goals in Finance. I spent time researching faculty, curriculum, placements and overall reputation before making my decision.

The admission process itself was quite competitive. Apart from having a strong academic background and a good CMAT score, I had to prepare well for the interview and present myself confidently. The pressure to meet eligibility criteria and perform well in the selection process was a challenge.

Another major factor was financial planning. Higher education comes with its costs, and I had to evaluate tuition fees and additional expenses before finalizing my choice.

After all this, I chose this college based on my parent's decision and my belief that it would provide the right opportunities for learning and growth. The transition to a new academic environment required adjusting to new teaching methods, classmates, and expectations. Initially, stepping out of my comfort zone was challenging, but over time, I adapted to the environment and college life. Looking back, I am glad I made this decision.

Life at the Campus

College life at VJIM has been an exciting and transformative journey. I love spending my time chilling with friends, learning new things and staying curious about various subjects. Exploring the campus is one of my favourite things to do, especially sitting at my favourite spots - the basketball court surrounded by greenery, which offers a peaceful break from a busy day.

I enjoy attending classes, recollecting memories, and particularly love Finance classes because of their practical approach and engaging faculty. The classroom atmosphere is encouraging, silent, and thought-provoking, making learning enjoyable. Subjects like Financial Modelling with Excel, Accounting, Financial markets and Services and Auditing fascinate me. They help me understand the corporate world better. Apart from Finance, I find Business Communication and Marketing interesting, as they enhance my interpersonal and strategic thinking skills.

Beyond academics, I actively participate in various extracurricular activities. I am a member of the Finance Club; I also have a strong passion for dancing and participated in dance competitions during the Milan Fest at VJIM. Additionally, I coordinated and conducted a ramp walk event which was a great leadership experience and even had the opportunity to participate in the event the following year. 

If given another chance, I would engage in many more extracurricular activities. Initially, I was strict about attendance and missed many opportunities to explore different events. I now realise that, balancing academics with extracurriculars is key to a well-rounded college experience.

My college experience at VJIM has been nothing short of amazing. The faculty have played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. I have learnt valuable skills such as negotiation, time management and leadership, and I am trying to overcome stage fear which will help me in both my personal and professional life. Stepping out of my comfort zone and participating in various activities has made me more confident, independent and adaptable.

One of the biggest milestones in my journey at my college has been securing a placement in a well-reputed company in the Finance Sector. This opportunity is a significant step in my career, aligning with my interest in Finance, Taxation and Auditing. The support from VJIM’s placement cell, faculty mentorship, and industry-oriented curriculum played a crucial role in preparing me for this achievement.

Overall, my college journey till now has been enriching and full of learning experiences. My college has provided me with the right mix of academic knowledge, extracurricular exposure and industry insights, which will help me grow further. Now, I look forward to making the most of every opportunity that comes my way and shaping a successful career in the Finance Industry.

Future Plans

I plan to build a strong career in Finance and Taxation, applying the knowledge gained at VJIM. In the short term, I aim to gain hands-on industry experience, enhance my analytical skills and pursue certifications such as CPA to strengthen my expertise.

In the long run, I aspire to take on leadership roles in Finance, explore Financial Consulting. Personal growth is also important to me, and I wish to develop strong leadership and decision-making skills while mentoring aspiring Finance professionals, just like my professors and mentors have supported me.

With continuous learning, hard work and dedication, I look forward to seizing new opportunities and making a meaningful impact in the Finance Industry.

About the author: K. Kasturi Reddy is currently pursuing PGDM (specialising in Finance) at Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad. With a keen interest in Accounting and Auditing, she loves exploring new concepts and expanding her knowledge. Beyond academics, she enjoys dancing and crafting. Known for her punctuality and dedication, she believes in giving her best effort in everything she does, always striving to learn and grow.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.