Vivekanand PGDM Alumni Review – Ms. Simran Sabnis, HR Business Partner at Jio

Ms. Simran Sabnis (PGDM – HR, Batch of 2019–21) shares her journey from PGDM at Vivekanand to becoming an HR Business Partner at Jio 

From classroom learning to leading people initiatives in one of India’s largest organizations, Ms. Simran’s career reflects dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for shaping employee experiences. Her success story shows how the right foundation, combined with real-world experience, can turn ambition into achievement.

Take a glimpse into the career journey of Ms. Simran Sabnis and key milestones in HR

1. As an HR Business Partner, what are your key roles and responsibilities at Jio?
As an HR Business Partner, my main role is to connect business goals with people priorities. I handle all the aspects of the employee lifecycle like performance management, succession planning, engagement, and workforce movement, while making sure processes are smooth and compliant. A big part of my job is helping managers grow, creating a positive experience for employees, and promoting a culture of transparency and inclusivity. I also run initiatives like stay interviews, feedback sessions, and wellness programs to keep employees motivated and prepare the workforce for the future.

2. Can you share your professional journey after completing your PGDM at Vivekanand?
After completing my PGDM at Vivekanand, I explored multiple internships across industries to gain exposure to different HR practices from recruitment and onboarding to analytics and employee engagement. My first full-time role at Zee Entertainment helped me shape engagement and retention strategies for a dynamic workforce. At Fynd, I expanded my scope by managing HRBP responsibilities for tech and product functions, where I worked on policy design, HRMS governance, and culture-building initiatives. These experiences taught me how to balance day-to-day HR operations with strategic initiatives. I now use those skills at Jio, where my focus is on strengthening talent practices and supporting the company’s growth

3. Talent management often requires strong interpersonal skills. How did you build and strengthen these during your student days and early career journey?
I built my interpersonal skills at Vivekanand through presentations, team projects, and group interactions that encouraged collaboration. During my early internships, I got practical experience working with different people, which helped me improve my listening and build trust. Later, I applied these skills in employee connects, stay interviews, and handling conflicts. Over time, I learned that effective talent management is all about balancing empathy with insights, connecting with employees genuinely while also meeting business goals

4. What advice would you give to students at Vivekanand who are aspiring to build a career in HR or talent management?
Firstly, treat internships and projects as learning labs as they expose you to the practical side of HR beyond theory. Secondly, invest equally in your interpersonal and analytical capabilities; today’s HR professionals are expected to be empathetic yet data-driven, agile yet structured. Finally, be proactive in adopting new practices whether it’s digital HR tools, employee experience strategies, or change management. If you position yourself as a solution-oriented partner who can deliver value to both employees and the business, you will accelerate your growth in HR.