Dr. Vikas Madhukar is a specialist in finance and strategy and holds a Doctorate in International Finance from Kurukshetra University. He is presently working as Pro Vice-Chancellor at Amity University Gurugram, Dean-Faculty of Management Studies, Director-Amity Business School, and also heading the Amity Innovation Incubation, which is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under MeITY TIDE 2.0, and leading entrepreneurship and startup initiatives at the University. He has mentored several students in translating their ideas into business models and provided start-up support through incubation centers. He has a rich and varied experience of more than 22 years in teaching, training, research, consulting, and administration. He has produced 10 PhDs, contributed more than 65 research papers to different National and International Journals and conferences, authored articles in the Times of India, and published five books on strategy and other management areas. He has been a Resource Person and trainer for various public and private sector organizations like Ericsson, Kean India, the Food Corporation of India, QL2 Software, etc.

He is the Managing Editor of Amity Management Analyst, the prestigious bi-annual ‘Refereed’ Journal of Amity Business School, and also heads the Center for Financial Analytics. He has implemented several reforms in the area of student enrollment and contributed immensely to the implementation of various academic and administrative initiatives in key strategic areas of the University. A guide and a mentor, he led with a ‘collaborative approach’ and possessed excellent multi-tasking skills.

Amity University, Gurgaon

How do you ensure students have holistic exposure not just academics?

We ensure that the students have holistic exposure beyond academics, which is essential for their overall development and success in the future. Many strategic activities are incorporated, such as Extracurricular Activities, Industry Collaborations, Career Counseling and Guidance, Mentorship Programs, Study Abroad Opportunities, Leadership Development, Service Learning Initiatives, Soft Skills Training, Personal Development Workshops, feedback and assessment, etc.

By incorporating these activities, we create an environment where students receive holistic exposure, allowing them to develop into well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the professional world.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and how students get practical experience from studying the subject?

In a progressive business school, fostering a practical approach to subjects is fundamental to cultivating well-rounded and industry-ready graduates. By incorporating both theoretical knowledge and experiential learning, students are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in real-world business scenarios. To achieve this, the curriculum is designed to encompass various practical elements, ensuring that students gain invaluable exposure throughout their academic journey. The integration of case studies, simulations, internships, guest lectures, competitions, industry visits, and research projects empowers students to become proactive, adaptable, and industry-ready individuals. By blending academia with practicality, the business school paves the way for a new generation of professionals who can confidently navigate the complexities of the business world.

The business school that champions a practical approach to subjects ensures that its students graduate with a comprehensive skill set, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain necessary skills?

The business school offers a range of best practices to students, empowering them with the necessary skills for success in the business world. These include integrating practical elements like case studies, simulations, and real-world projects into the curriculum. Additionally, students benefit from industry internships, guest lectures, and networking events, which provide exposure to professionals and industry trends. Business competitions, entrepreneurship centers, and alumni mentoring foster innovation and leadership skills.

The department also emphasizes soft skills training, research opportunities, and community service. By implementing these best practices, the business school equips students with a well-rounded skill set, preparing them to excel in their careers and positively impact the global business landscape.

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world?

At our business school, we recognize the challenges posed by a highly competitive outside world. To help our students cope with this competition, we provide comprehensive support and resources. Our curriculum focuses on practical learning, case studies, and simulations to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

We offer internships, industry collaborations, and guest lectures to bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. Moreover, we prioritize soft skills training, leadership development, and career counseling to enhance students' employability. Our faculty actively engages with students, providing mentorship and guidance. Through these measures, we prepare our students to thrive in a competitive environment and excel as confident and capable business professionals.

What do you see as the department’s/college’s greatest strengths and how it helps students to excel?

Amity Business School's greatest strengths lie in its competent faculty, a teacher-student friendly atmosphere, and the opportunities it provides for students to organize events at national and international levels. The experienced faculty ensures students receive quality education and guidance. The friendly atmosphere fosters an open learning environment where students can freely engage in discussions and seek assistance. By organizing events, students develop administrative competence, communication skills, and confidence to work independently. These strengths empower students to excel academically, professionally, and personally, preparing them to tackle challenges in the business world with confidence and self-reliance.

Can you share some success stories of your students/Alumni?

While each of my students who have acquired a degree from the Business School, UG, and/or PG, is well placed, I would specifically like to mention some of them who have excelled in various fields of HR, Finance, Marketing, and Sales/Analytics.

Ms. Nivedita Tanya was a student of MBA (Banking and Finance) of Batch 2012-2014 and is working as an Assistant Vice president at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Her achievements reflect her strong work ethic and dedication to her career. Her organizational skills and hardworking nature have undoubtedly played a significant role in her success. Being a team player with an analytical mindset, she likely excels at collaborating with colleagues to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.

Ms. Jyoti Rana: She was a student in the MBA (HR) batch of 2012–2014 and has since built an impressive career in the field of recruitment. Currently working as a recruiter with Amazon for the past 18 months, she plays a crucial role in recruiting talent for Managers to senior executive positions across diverse functions like Finance, Supply Chain, and Real Estate. Her experience before Amazon includes a significant tenure of 4.8 years with Flipkart, where she was involved in end-to-end recruitment for Supply Chain positions. This demonstrates her specialization and expertise in talent acquisition in a specific domain.

Mr. Sachin Sehra: He pursued an MBA (International Business and Finance) from batch 2011-2013. He is working as an Internal Auditor at Bank of America. He has a total of nine years of experience. His career began with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC), where he gained extensive experience in Internal Audit, Financial Control, and Compliance. Subsequently, he also worked with KPMG in similar domains, further enhancing his expertise.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

My valuable advice to students for a prosperous career ahead is to embrace discipline, dedication, hard work, and self-confidence. These qualities are the foundation of success in any field. Stay committed to your goals and work tirelessly to achieve them. Have faith in your abilities, as self-belief is essential for overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries.

The students should continuously strive to learn and grow, as knowledge is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Stay open to new experiences and be adaptable to change, as the world is constantly evolving. They seek mentorship from experienced professionals to gain insights and guidance. Be proactive and take the initiatives to showcase your skills and talents. Remember, success is a journey, not an endpoint. Stay patient and persistent in your efforts, and celebrate every milestone achieved. With discipline, dedication, hard work, self-confidence, and a thirst for continuous learning, you can reach new heights and create a truly prosperous and fulfilling career ahead.