Mayank Chaturvedi (PFM 2005-07), HDFC Bank

Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?

Mainstream corporate banking is not a role that one actively plans for after passing from IIFM, however in my case – I started my career as a business manager in the capital and commodity markets segment of the HDFC Bank. After spending a few years in that role in Mumbai, I switched over to corporate banking. This helped me change my base from financial capital to the national capital of India. 

Though one would be right to observe that the industry in which I started off and currently am and the role I have – is very non IIFM kind. However, it is also correct that the overall experience that one gets at IIFM is good enough to handle any sector

Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?

It has been a rich learning journey….. not sooner than I started on the new job after IIFM – we were staring at the global financial crisis of 2007-08… Lehman Brothers collapsed followed by others. Lack of investor confidence in the solvency of financial institutions and declines in credit availability led to plummeting stock and commodity prices across the world, including Indian markets. Imagine the plight of a rookie trying to negotiate desperate calls of its exchange members’ relationships for the honour of the margin calls.

A career in the financial sector will always keep you on your toes… the stress of known and unknown… Be it US market meltdown in 2007-08, Demonetization in 2016 and COVID in 2020… Events like these have far-reaching impacts in the financial ecosystem, and it is the discipline; it is adherence to processes that help you in such situations. A wholesale banking career requires lots of hard work, discipline, and patience…and my experience is not different either.

There have been lots of awards and recognition during this journey; however, the best is yet to come.

Q. What is the most satisfying part of your current role?

As a corporate banker, I deal with a lot of different businesses. Assessing the requirements of other business customers and addressing those effectively – results in the development of that business, sector, and eventually the nation.

Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?

Yes. IIFM lays the foundation and helps you in building the skill-sets that give you a start for your professional career.

Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles?

My advice to graduates of this great institution is simple – do not be afraid of choosing your career path. There are enough success stories in IIFM previous batches to revalidate that there is no sector out of bound of an IIFMight… One may not reach the objective directly, but after some hard work and persistence, you are bound to get what you deserve. 

Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?

Time spent in the campus was a memorable experience…volleyball games, hangouts, late nights in the hostel, working in various committees, chit chats in the courtyard of IIFM mess, view of the city in monsoon from different vantage positions of the campus – there are many favorite memories.

Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, alumni.. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?

I would say, friends and alumni.

Q.The best buddies/seniors/faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?

Too many to capture here.

Q. As an alumnus, what’s your advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM to get the best out of the two years there?

Use the time to study well, make friendships, explore campus, and establish a connection with alumni.

Q.  What is your typical day at the office?

It starts at 9:30 am or sometimes earlier and goes on till late in the evening. The work involves lots of telephonic discussions, one of two meetings, concurrent review of various targets, working on proposal new and renewal, monitoring, documentation, handling escalation, addressing customer requirements, compliance checks etc.

Q. You would like to share about your typical weekends.. Hobbies.. Family..

Try to relax during the weekend, catch up with friends and families, some exercise, and sometimes you end up working even on a weekend

Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors, ..

Long time no read, and actually in accumulation mode (Books).

Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?

Knowledge/ Experience Sharing, Content, or any other initiatives.

Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? What do you think is a positive change and what is not?

Happy to note that now subjects like financial modeling are a core part of the curriculum now. In a recent trip to the campus, I had a chance to revisit the hostel area and feel the maintenance and quality of the infrastructure can be improved.

Q.  Any suggestions on who from our alumni you want to get profiled/interviewed here?

Santosh Singh (PFM 2004-06)