Vivekanand PGDM Alumni Review: The Journey of Ms. Yashna Bhagchandani into HR Excellence 

At Vivekanand, we are proud of our alumni who continue to make their mark in the professional world.  Ms.Yashna Bhagchandani, PGDM Batch (2020-2022), demonstrates this spirit through her journey from classroom learning at Vivekanand, Mumbai, then working successfully in HR Operations at Slice Small Finance Bank. Her experience illustrates how the institute has taught and mentored students to be at ease facing real-life challenges.

This is what Ms. Yashna herself shares about her experience in PGDM and the events that actually made a difference in her life.

Q. Which part of the PGDM journey at Vivekanand influenced you the most and why?

Frankly speaking, the most striking was the fact that learning in the classroom was always intertwined with the processes that take place in reality. I still recall the group activities and HR simulations where we were required to be like managers and make decisions. These sessions made me realize that I should look beyond theory and know how people, strategy, and business combine. This experience has also made me realize that HR is not only a process-oriented function but as a role that requires empathy, logic and balance. I am still using those experiences in my current job. 

Q. How did Vivekanand prepare you for real-world challenges in your career?

I’d say the most enjoyable aspect of learning at Vivekanand was the way all subjects were related to the real world. Case discussions, live projects, and internships helped me observe how the concepts in the classroom can apply to the real world regarding daily organizations. I was taught how to deal with the actual cases of employee engagement, discipline in the workplace and compliance. This strategy provided me with the flexibility and self-confidence that I required to handle challenges when I began working. Honestly, such exposure made transition to the corporate life so easier.

Q. What did the faculty, placements or industry exposure do to help in your journey?

The professors in Vivekanand were not just teachers. They were guides and mentors who supported us through hardship and shared examples, sourced from their professional experiences, which helped to understand each subject matter with ease. Their feedback and support enabled me to develop during the course.

We were also assisted with the placement cell at all levels. They conducted resume-building workshops, mock interviews and provided continuous guidance that enabled us to confront the recruiters with confidence. 

The guest lectures and industry talks provided with a better understanding of what employers want in management graduates, which made it far easier to move on to the corporate world.

Q. What do you consider are the top three reasons to recommend Vivekanand to the future students?

If I were to share what makes Vivekanand special, a couple of things instantly come to my mind. These are the reasons why I would heartily suggest Vivekanand to any individual intending to pursue a PGDM.

Competent Faculty: Professors who are seasoned and experienced in the industry guide all students individually.

Extensive Support:  The constant encouragement from faculty and peers creates an environment where learning becomes collaborative, and everyone feels motivated to grow. 

Placement Guidance: A dedicated placement team that assists students to prepare to become successful professionals. 

Altogether, Vivekanand provides the atmosphere under which students grow into capable, confident professionals, who will be able to face any challenge in future. The two years that I spent in Vivekanand will always hold a special place in my journey as it was these years that made me become the person and the professional I am today.