Interviewer: Good morning, Namita! It's great to have you here. We're all eager to hear about your international experience with UNIQLO, especially given the recent strategic partnership between UNIQLO and Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH).

Namita Jain: Good morning! Thank you for having me. I'm excited to share my journey and hopefully provide some insights for aspiring retail leaders.

Interviewer: You were among a select group of participants chosen globally for UNIQLO's Global Management Program in Japan. How did you feel when you first received the news of your selection, and what were some of your key responsibilities or learning objectives during the program?

Namita Jain: Receiving the news that I had been selected for UNIQLO's Global Management Program was a truly exhilarating moment. My immediate reaction was a blend of shock, immense pride, and excitement. It felt surreal to know I would be representing my institution on an international stage and getting a firsthand look at a global retail giant. The selection itself was highly rigorous, out of nearly 10,000 applicants worldwide, only 53 participants were chosen, representing 23 countries, with just three of us from India. That made the achievement even more special. My initial learning objectives were centered around understanding UNIQLO's core retail operations, from supply chain and inventory management to customer service and visual merchandising. They really emphasize a holistic understanding of the business, and I was keen to absorb as much as possible. The overall key responsibilities and learning objectives for the program were centered around three main areas: strategic problem solving, understanding Uniqlo’s corporate philosophy and cultural and professional immersion.

Interviewer: That sounds comprehensive. Can you describe a typical day during your training? What kind of tasks were you involved in, and what specific skills did you get to develop?

Namita Jain: Japanese corporate culture is incredibly hardworking, and that really set the tone for my experience. A typical day involved visiting UNIQLO’s Global Headquarters, where I had the opportunity to interact not only with global leaders but also with participants from across countries. The sessions went beyond just understanding UNIQLO, they gave me exposure to how global brands build strategies and execute them at scale. The cross-cultural collaboration was challenging at times, but also very enriching. In the process, I honed key skills such as operational efficiency, customer engagement, data-driven analysis, and problem-solving in a fast-paced retail environment.

Interviewer: How did your academic learning at BIMTECH prepare you for this training, and in what ways did the training at UNIQLO complement or extend that learning?

Namita Jain: My coursework at BIMTECH, especially subjects like Retail Operations, Consumer Behavior, and Supply Chain Management, provided a very strong theoretical foundation. I had a good understanding of the concepts. The UNIQLO training was where those theories truly came alive. For example, we discussed inventory models in class, but seeing UNIQLO's sophisticated inventory system in action, and understanding the real-time decisions made based on stock levels and sales, was invaluable. The training didn't just complement; it provided the practical context that solidified my understanding and showed me the nuances of applying classroom knowledge in a global retail setting.

Interviewer: Mr. Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO India during the MoU signing ceremony at BIMTECH mentioned that “this collaboration will offer students a unique opportunity to have business sessions with global market specialists in order to learn more about world industry and business.” Did you have an opportunity to interact with any such specialists during your training in Japan, and what was the key takeaway from those interactions?

Namita Jain:  Absolutely! One of the most enriching aspects was participating in virtual business sessions with specialists from UNIQLO's global teams. We had sessions with professionals from their Japan headquarters and other international markets. The key takeaway for me was understanding the sheer scale and complexity of global retail operations. They discussed market-specific strategies, challenges in different regions, and how UNIQLO maintains its brand consistency globally while adapting to local tastes. It was a true eye-opener to the international dynamics of the apparel industry.

Interviewer: What was the most challenging aspect of your training, and how did you overcome it?

Namita Jain: The most challenging aspect was probably the sheer volume of information and the fast pace of the retail environment. There's so much to learn, and decisions are often made quickly. I overcame this by being proactive, constantly asking questions, taking detailed notes, and seeking feedback from my mentors. I also made an effort to connect with different team members to understand their roles and how they contributed to the overall operation. It taught me the importance of active learning and adaptability.

Interviewer: And on the flip side, what was the most rewarding part of your UNIQLO training experience?

Namita Jain: The most rewarding part was the depth of understanding I gained about the retail industry. In this space, every brand aspires to go global, and my experience showed me how that journey is actually made possible, not just in terms of survival, but in building sustainable growth and profitability. On top of that, working with participants from different countries was truly enriching. It expanded my perspective and significantly boosted my confidence.

Interviewer: Based on your experience, what advice would you give to current MBA aspirants, particularly those considering a specialization in retail management, who are looking to leverage partnerships like the one between BIMTECH and UNIQLO?

Namita Jain: My advice would be threefold. Firstly, be genuinely curious and proactive. These partnerships offer unparalleled access to industry leaders and real-world scenarios, so make the most of every opportunity to learn and ask questions. Secondly, develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Retail is increasingly data-driven, so being able to interpret data and make informed decisions is crucial. And finally, cultivate strong interpersonal and communication skills. Retail is all about people – customers, colleagues, and suppliers – so being able to communicate effectively and build relationships is paramount. Don't just rely on the classroom; actively seek out and embrace these industry exposures. They are truly transformative.

Interviewer: That's fantastic advice, Namita. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It's been incredibly informative.