An Interview with Umesh Chandra Padala, Cargo Matters Chairman, SRM University AP Alumnus

SRM University AP, Amaravati, was established in the year 2017. SRMAP has been accredited by the National Assessment Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. SRMAP courses at the UG level include BTech, BSc, and PG level include MTech, MSc and PhD in various disciplines.

Umesh Chandra Padala, Chairman of Cargo Matters, SRM University AP Alumnus, who completed his B.A. History in 2022 shares his campus journey experience with Careers360. Umesh Chandra Padala talks about faculty members, campus life, events, peer learning, alumni interactions, and industry-relevant skills and many other topics.

Careers360: Could you tell us a little about yourself and the reasons behind choosing SRM AP for your management education?

Umesh Chandra Padala: SRM's strong reputation drew me in, and as someone passionate about History, I wanted an institution that could match my academic ambitions. SRM AP offered exactly that balance of credibility and academic depth. It felt like the right place to grow both intellectually and personally.

Careers360: Apart from academic knowledge, did the curriculum help you build industry-relevant skills?

Umesh Chandra Padala: The curriculum gave me a solid foundation, but what truly shaped me was my active involvement in student unions and youth organisations. Serving as a national office bearer in Delhi and being in charge of operations across four states taught me leadership, coordination and real-world accountability. Those experiences were as valuable as any classroom lesson.

Careers360: On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate the level of guidance and approachability of the faculty during your campus life?

Umesh Chandra Padala: 5/5 - I would rate the faculty a full five without hesitation. They were always approachable, genuinely invested in students, and brought a depth of knowledge that made learning feel engaging rather than pressured.

Careers360: How would you reflect on campus life at SRM AP, and which experience stood out as the most meaningful?

Umesh Chandra Padala: Campus life at SRM AP was honestly refreshing. The class timings were well structured, the environment was comfortable, and there was a noticeable absence of unnecessary stress. Coming from institutions in Bangalore and Kerala, SRM AP stood out for how balanced and student-friendly the overall experience felt.

Careers360: How did learning alongside peers, mentoring by faculty, and exposure to industry experts impact your growth throughout the programme?

Umesh Chandra Padala: Studying History at SRM AP gave me a unique lens to understand policy, governance and long-term thinking. Over time, that foundation naturally led me toward government relations, sustainability, and eventually navigating government tenders and securing funding. The analytical thinking History builds and the networks I developed during my time there connected those dots in ways I did not fully anticipate then but deeply value now.

Careers360: How impactful were case studies, projects, and internships in shaping your understanding of real-world applications?

Umesh Chandra Padala: While I did not pursue a traditional internship, the COVID period became an unexpected opportunity for me. Online learning gave me the time and space to deepen my education while simultaneously building professional relationships and gaining hands-on work experience. That period shaped my practical understanding more than I expected.

Careers360: While enrolled, did you take part in any events or activities that involved alumni?

Umesh Chandra Padala: I did not get the opportunity to participate in alumni-focused events during my time, but I recognise the value such interactions carry and would have welcomed that exposure had it been available.

Careers360: Do you have any ongoing mentoring engagements, and would you be interested in supporting SRM AP students going forward?

Umesh Chandra Padala: I am genuinely keen to give back to the SRM AP community. Through my company and our partner network, which includes collaborations with Amazon and leading names in the sustainability space, we are well-positioned to offer students real internship opportunities, on-ground exposure and potential placements across our offices pan-India. It would be meaningful to see SRM AP students grow within the ecosystems we have built, and I am open to making that happen in a structured way.

Careers360: What was one thing you really liked about the SRM AP campus life? Are there any improvements you want to suggest for the programme or campus?

Umesh Chandra Padala: SRM AP has a campus experience that I would genuinely recommend. Having studied in Bangalore and Kerala before joining, I can say with confidence that SRM AP offered something distinctly better in terms of flexibility, faculty quality and overall student comfort. If anything, expanding industry connect programmes further would only add to an already strong foundation.

Careers360: What suggestions would you share with students aiming to build a career along a similar path?

Umesh Chandra Padala: Start building your professional relationships while you are still studying because those connections compound over time. Do not wait to finish your degree before thinking about your career. Plant those seeds early, nurture them through your student years, and you will be in a position to scale meaningfully once you graduate. The groundwork you lay today determines the opportunities you unlock tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a marketing collaboration between Careers360 and SRM University AP, Amaravati.