LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-singh-5a9bb69
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. As all journeys go, mine has also gone through its share of highs and lows but is mostly satisfying and at all times enjoyable. Truth be told if I have been told while working at Usha Martin Industries (my 1st Job before coming to IIFM) that I shall be at the position / social ladder I am today I would have been euphoric!
IIFM experience has been very helpful in traversing the various kinds of roles and responsibilities I have been involved so far, especially the team bonding, the experience gathered from various field visits , internships and the two OT’s (now called SI & Project work). After graduating from IIFM I have worked at SKS Microfinance Ltd (Now BFIL), Deworm The World, Namra Microfinance, Muthoot Fincorp, Utkarsh Small Finance Bank and now at Pahal Financial Services.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I have worked/visited/handled various geographies which has been the most satisfying part of my work life – Bihar / Uttar Pradesh / Undivided Andhra Pradesh / Maharashtra / Chhattisgarh / Madhya Pradesh / Delhi / Haryana / Uttarakhand / Jharkhand / Odisha & Gujarat. It gives me immense pleasure in looking back that we were in the forefront of microfinance evolution and revolution and seen the ups / severe downs/ and fantastic rise from the ashes wherein the sector had become one of the most talked about and influential in the financial area. At SKS, I was involved in set up of business at Uttar Pradesh (in Lucknow), then moved to Bihar and set up a new business there. At Namra Microfinance, I was fortunate in scaling their business five times. At Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, I saw the emergence of a new kind of bank which eventually magnified the growth of microfinance sector.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The feeling of being a part of a wonderful journey of the sector from a nascent stage to the current state where it has become a four lakh crore plus sector. I have been part of something very special from the beginning when the sector was miniscule and we used to explain everyone about our work to the current stage when we make news on front pages in a positive way.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Absolutely, my time at IIFM instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and the ability to adapt to diverse situations. These skills have been invaluable in approaching my professional roles with confidence and competence. The two OTs gave the opportunity of hands-on practical experience in a professional setting along with networking opportunities.
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?
A. I would say the biggest influencers always turn out to be the people we keep on seeing, meeting, hanging out in our life. I still remember my first meeting with Mr. Vikram Akula who is super dynamic and a very different kind of person; some of the advises he gave at the start of my journey had a great impact on me. I still adhere to them. Then there are all the colleagues and seniors I have met not only from IIFM but from other colleges too, who have always been on my side and continue guiding me; I am forever grateful to all of them.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Some of the things not to be written but surely understood! Friday and Saturday nights Of course. The GBM, sometimes! The gossiping, the decision of who shall be preparing PPTs! One of the best was the Field Trip to Rajasthan which was absolutely amazing.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. I would say the importance of field trip/s, internships, and the professors who mostly would teach us as guardians and not as stern taskmasters. Our campus at that time was so far out of the city that it became imperative to enjoy and assimilate with all persons at the campus. This created a great team bonding.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. My best buddies at IIFM were Alok Kashyap, Avijit Kishore, Mukul Kumar, Pushkar Parashar, and Mandar Samvatsar who were an integral part of my journey. We have a ‘backbenchers’ group and have remained closely connected even today. Have always been quite fond of Anup Singh, Anil, Shyam Patro & Parth Sarthi Mishra (With Parth it is more family than friends actually).
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. It would be best to make up our minds on our areas of interest/work before joining IIFM. I was not sure and Microfinance came along and I went with it so got lucky!
Also read as much as one can, meet as many relevant people as is possible.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. A typical day at work involves a mix of meetings, strategic planning, team management, budget oversight and reviews. During breaks, I like to catch up on industry news and trends to stay informed.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. Lots of these. I enjoy reading.
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? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. I would be delighted to contribute to IIFM and the alumni in any way possible, whether through mentoring, sharing industry insights, or participating in placement activities.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. The biggest change from our time is the increase in number of students and the change in curriculum basis the two different courses which is being offered now. What has been refreshing is the alumni connect which has changed dramatically.
Wishing the alumni committee to continue doing the good work.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. All and everyone left from our Batch.