An interaction with ATLAS SkillTech University alumnus: Shreya Bhalinge

ATLAS SkillTech University is a private university located in Mumbai. Recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), ATLAS SkillTech University offers a total of five undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the field of Design, Management, and Engineering. BBA, B.Tech, B.Des, MBA, and PGDI. Careers360 brings you an interview with Shreya Bhalinge, who pursued MBA in Entrepreneurship and Business Analytics from ATLAS SkillTech University and now working at Jio GenNext, the startup-facing arm of Reliance Industries Limited. In this interview, Shreya has shared her experience and life at the university. What is life like inside ATLAS SkillTech University? How did she choose her career path? And other things about the institute. To know more about the experiences of an ATLAS SkillTech University Mumbai student read the full interview of Shreya Bhalinge with Careers360.

Careers360: Tell us about your domain and your work profile. At the professional level, did you pursue the same field you were interested in or you switched?

Shreya: I work at Jio GenNext, the startup-facing arm of Reliance Industries Limited. Our focus is on engaging with Early to Growth stage start-ups. I pursued my MBA degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Analytics, which has been instrumental in my professional career. It aligns perfectly with my domain and allows me to apply my knowledge effectively.

Careers360: Can you briefly tell us about your career path so far?

Shreya: My career path has been a journey of trial and error. I have a finance background and worked at Yes Bank Ltd, where I handled operations and customer relationships. My internships mostly revolved around sales and marketing. It was at XLenz Inc. USA, an augmented reality start-up, where I discovered my passion for building things (start-ups). Initially, I faced uncertainty about choosing a specialization and whether to start my own business or join a job. However, things became clearer, and I found roles that aligned with my knowledge and skills. Working at Jio GenNext has been a perfect fit for me. We aim to mentor and guide start-ups, help them network, and scale up their businesses. This role challenges me in every domain of a business, and it allows me to explore various sectors too. I am grateful for all the failures and trials that have brought me to this point.

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Careers360: Is the Industry work different from what you learnt at college?

Shreya: While college education provides a strong theoretical foundation, there are often differences between the concepts learned in academia and the practical realities of working in the industry. Real-life work environments bring unique challenges that require adaptability and problem-solving skills. The industry may also have its own practices not extensively covered in college. Interpersonal skills, teamwork, and effective communication become crucial in the professional sphere. However, the foundation laid in college remains valuable, as critical thinking, problem-solving approach, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Careers360: How do you think your time in college has added value to your life, both professional and personal?

Shreya: My college experience has been invaluable both professionally and personally. The faculty, who are industry professionals, provided us with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. I am grateful for choosing a college that emphasized industry experience and lived up to its claims. Despite being relatively new, the college exceeded my expectations. The corporate campus and esteemed guests like Apple CEO Tim Cook, Former Police Commissioner of Mumbai Mr. D. Sivanandan, Ms. Sneha Basu Roy, and VC & Start-ups Partnerships at Google India to name a few, visiting our college instilled a sense of pride and motivated us to achieve great things in life. It made success feel attainable by simply trying and asking for opportunities, which I believe is a crucial step for anyone starting to pursue their ambitions.

Also, check ATLAS SkillTech University admissions

Careers360: What was your initial thought process when you joined ATLAS?

Shreya: What initially excited me about joining ATLAS SkillTech University was their belief in assessing a student's true talent beyond scorecards. I had to go through interview rounds and group discussions to demonstrate my eligibility, which added to the appeal of the college. While the campus itself was impressive, what truly captivated me was the opportunity to interact with decision-makers and professionals, and learn from their expertise. Despite the college being relatively new, my decision was influenced by exceptional leadership, particularly Dr. Indu Shahani, whom I greatly admired for her charisma and passion for education, based on her previous position as the principal of HR College. I approached my academic journey with a clear understanding of what I had signed up for and embraced the upcoming challenges wholeheartedly. Pursuing my degree was not just about adding another qualification to my CV or LinkedIn profile; it was a personal quest to explore and discover my true potential. It was about proving to myself and others that I was capable and deserving of accomplishing greater things in life.

Careers360: You must have had a memorable time at your college. Do you miss being a part of it?

Shreya: The aspect I miss the most about college is the learning experience. The knowledge imparted by the faculty and guest speakers has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. The lessons learned, no matter how small, have proven to be valuable in various aspects, such as engaging in conversations, performing well in interviews, and excelling in internships and my current job. I cherish the memories of my college years, knowing that the time for application and further refinement of our knowledge has arrived. I miss the camaraderie with my classmates, who supported me whenever I felt short or lacked confidence. Despite being initially shy, I took on leadership roles, led presentations, hosted events, and participated in various activities. Ultimately, I grew from blacking out during one of my first presentations to holding positions of responsibility, earning recognition through the Leadership Impact award. The college provided a nurturing environment that allowed us to explore opportunities, and I am grateful for the unconditional support and guidance we received. As we embark on our own paths, I miss the sense of security and the camaraderie that played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today.

Careers360: Briefly takes us through your life at the campus, the activities you used to do, and your routine life.

Shreya: During my time on campus, my life was filled with various activities and a structured routine. Morning/ Afternoons typically started with attending classes, where we studied and interacted with fellow mates and faculty. I took on leadership roles within the college, such as being a part of the Placement Committee and the Student and Research Development Cell. These positions allowed me to contribute to the college community and enhance my organizational and communication skills. I initiated and executed the tasks accordingly in a way that fits my lecture schedule. Maybe in the morning before lectures or post lectures, we were constantly in touch with our reporting faculty to discuss and sync up on the activities done, which need attention, or brainstorm on newer ones. Additionally, the campus provided various opportunities for personal and professional growth. Guest lectures, workshops, and seminars were regularly organized, and I made sure to attend as many as possible, and host a few as well. These events exposed me to industry experts and their insights, enriching my understanding of the real world. On some evenings, I would spend time with friends engaging in discussions, and sharing ideas. My life on campus was a balance between academics, co-curricular activities, leadership responsibilities, and social interactions. It was a vibrant and enriching period that helped shape my character and personal growth.

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Careers360: Apart from academics, what were the other activities you were involved in and how did it enrich your life?

Shreya: I was Vice President of the Placement Committee for 2 consecutive years, Vice President of Student Research and Development Cell for a year, I was Member of Creativity Team and Students’ Committee. I was an active participant in organizing committees throughout these 2 years for seminars, gatherings, and scrum activities. I honestly cannot put into words how it has gained me my confidence and self-esteem. I feel like I have become an individual who is not scared of trying anymore. Even if I fail, my mindset is, “I learnt how a thing should not have been done!” and I guess however small that may seem but it has a big impact on my mindset. I would simply put it as “Try, try till you succeed” and that is what has enriched my life. I am not perfect, but I want to learn and perfect myself even today.

Careers360: How did you keep updated with the industrial requirements and what was the role of the institute in it?

Shreya: Keeping updated with industrial requirements was a priority for me during my college years, and the institute played a crucial role in facilitating this process. The institute had a strong emphasis on industry relevance. The institute regularly organized industry interactions, guest lectures, and workshops where professionals from various fields shared their insights and experiences. They also encouraged internships and live projects, allowing us to gain hands-on experience and exposure to real work environments. This helped us understand the practical aspects of our chosen field. The curriculum and our assessments were designed to align with industry requirements. Since I was part of two main committees, networking was a key for me. I was constantly in touch with industry experts and alumni for their participation in educating students and they always shared updated news and trends with us and how can we as students be prepared for it when we apply for a job in our respective fields. These interactions allowed us to build connections, seek mentorship, and gain insights. It ensured that we were well prepared to meet the demands of the ever-changing professional landscape. Apart from this, I was and always will be a curious child to learn and explore more. And now that I am working in a place where it becomes part of day to day life that I keep myself updated to be able to interact with the founders and industry mentors, it is becoming my own habit.

Careers360: You are a proud alumnus of this top College. What is the best part of your Institute from a student's perspective?

Shreya: I believe that every educational institute strives to provide its students with the best exposure, learning opportunities, and resources. However, what truly sets apart a student's experience is their own perspective and approach towards self-growth and contribution. The best part of the college experience lies in how students perceive and embraces their own journey. One should seize the opportunity and make the most of it. It is through taking ownership of their education and personal development that students truly empower themselves. I personally started my college journey without a clear direction, but I was determined to step out of my comfort zone and explore different possibilities. Behind the attractive façade of the college, lies the reality of hard work and continuous effort. Every single day requires the utilization of every brain cell. As a proud alumnus, I can confidently say that the grind was worth it. It is through pushing our limits, challenging ourselves, and persevering through the difficulties that we find growth and ultimately see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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Careers360: What is your suggestion/guidance for the MBA - Entrepreneurship aspirants?

Shreya: My suggestion for MBA - Entrepreneurship aspirants are to carefully choose your company and surround yourself with individuals who motivate and inspire you. Foster a supportive environment where you can learn from each other and collaborate, even extending help to your fellow colleagues without them having to ask for it. Strive for mutual growth and improvement. Additionally, actively engage with the opportunities and resources offered by your college. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, exploring subjects beyond your immediate domain. Avoid limiting yourself and instead, seize every chance to broaden your knowledge and skills. Take your MBA studies seriously, recognizing that this phase could potentially mark the culmination of your formal education. Make the most of this time and avoid allowing it to slip away without capitalizing on the learning and networking opportunities presented.
Lastly, prioritize building a strong network by actively connecting with people around you. Be open to establishing meaningful relationships as you never know when someone might prove to be a valuable asset or resource in the future. Cultivating a wide network can open doors to unforeseen opportunities and collaborations.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by ATLAS SkillTech University Mumbai and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.

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