Session on The SIIB Advantage – An Alumni Perspective
SIIB Auditorium | June 04th, 2025 | 02:30 PM – 04:30 PM
Batch 2025-27 | Participants – 250+
Panelist: Mr. Priyanshu Gaurav, Executive Director – Nuvama Private; Ms. Saumya Agarwal, Senior Executive – MSCI; Mr. Amit Agarwal, Founder – Webshorts Casting
On June 4, 2025, SIIB continued its Orientation Program with a vibrant and insightful session titled “The SIIB Advantage: An Alumni Perspective.” The event, held at the SIIB Auditorium, welcomed distinguished alumni from the Batch of 2002–2004, who shared their invaluable experiences and learnings from their time at SIIB and their professional journeys thereafter.
The esteemed panel comprised Mr. Priyanshu Gaurav, Executive Director – Nuvama Private; Ms. Saumya Agarwal, Senior Executive – MSCI; and Mr. Amit Agarwal, Founder – Webshorts Casting. The session was moderated by Ms. Ruhi Gore (MBA–AB, Batch 2024–2026), under the guidance of Dr. Dharmesh Mishra.
The discussion began with a candid reflection on expectations versus reality during the MBA journey. The alumni described their time at SIIB as a blend of cultural diversity, emotional evolution, and intellectual growth. Mr. Gaurav spoke fondly about the spirit of continuous learning, while Ms. Saumya emphasized the enduring impact of teamwork—both experiences they would love to relive.
Throughout the session, the panel emphasized the importance of soft skills and professional networking. They highlighted how building relationships, learning from peers, and staying observant in dynamic environments are key to thriving in the corporate world. The ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead emerged as essential attributes that supported their success beyond technical knowledge.
In a particularly engaging segment, when asked about lessons beyond the classroom, Mr. Gaurav shared a personal anecdote about overcoming failure and developing resilience, while Ms. Saumya highlighted how SIIB’s campus infrastructure played a pivotal role in both learning and wellness. Both underscored the value of trusting the process and embracing every phase of the MBA experience.
Mr. Amit Agarwal offered a thoughtful perspective on the differences in opportunities for freshers and experienced professionals. He reminded students that regardless of background, every MBA journey is unique and filled with new beginnings. Ms. Saumya reiterated the importance of individual skill sets and pointed out how participation in student committees mirrors real-world corporate functioning and cultivates leadership.
The session concluded with a collective reflection by the panelists on the advice they would give to their younger selves: invest in professional relationships, practice consistency, and always value the strength of collaboration.
An engaging Q&A session followed, allowing students to interact directly with the alumni and further deepen their understanding of life at—and beyond—SIIB.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
“Success in and beyond an MBA is not just about academics—it’s about consistency, collaboration, and building meaningful networks. The session offered us clarity, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose for the journey ahead.” – Pranavavel M (MBA SM 2025-27)
“Hearing first-hand experiences from accomplished alumni helped us connect the dots between classroom learning and real-world applications. This session reminded us that SIIB is a launchpad for both personal and professional growth.” – Radhika Goel (MBA IB 2025-27)
“The session instilled a sense of confidence that each student’s path at SIIB is unique, and embracing one’s individuality while learning from peers is key to unlocking long-term success.” – Saurav Kumar (MBA AB 2025-27)
