From struggling to cope with Finance subjects in her initial days at Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow to being awarded the Gold Medal on the Convocation Day, Pooja Srivastava has come a long way and she knows it. She believes that her academic stint at the reputable B School has not only helped her improve her grades and grow as an individual, but it has given her the skills and knowledge needed to become an industry-ready professional. “It has been a great journey and a huge learning experience,” she says. “Right from the beginning I focused on studying hard and with the help of my faculty members I did well.”

“Doing well”, as Pooja modestly puts it, means topping the first year of her Financial Services batch, which was an achievement that earned her a Scholarship. She then proved herself as the overall batch topper as well, which was a proud moment for her. However, she admits that it doesn’t mean she is better than her batchmates; instead, it means that she is the one who focused on preparing herself for the challenges of a B School education. And, all the preparations have helped her bag a prestigious placement as well. “I have been placed with Diwan Housing Finance Company, DHFL, which totally matches my interests,” she tells us. “After a year’s training, I will be a junior credit analyst there.”

In fact, Pooja admits that it was her faculty team that, in addition to giving her solid support throughout her academic years, helped her scout the top companies in various sectors. “I couldn’t have achieved what I have without the backing of our faculty team,” she says gratefully. “They were always around to offer the best solutions for any problems we faced. They also helped us in getting the best companies in different sectors to visit campus. The faculty base at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow is a strong point and definitely the top reason for management hopefuls to come here.”

Today, the future beckons Pooja; however, she is filled with mixed emotions reflecting on the past and the memories she takes back from her institute. “Being a topper from my batch is definitely one of the most special memories I have had here,” she says. “I would encourage future aspirants to join my institute because of its faculty base, which is experienced and very accessible. I would also say to them that student life is a battle and you need keep fighting to achieve success and prove your true character.” Character is something Pooja so ably has, and it was her time at the institute that helped her develop as a well-rounded individual.