Jagdish has over 20 years of experience conceptualizing and designing research projects, project management, and advanced statistical analysis. He has rich experience writing high-impact thought leadership backed by detailed research and analytics. He has led client-specific multidisciplinary market research teams focusing on the analysis of real-time market data and identifying trends in the consumer products and retail space.
His career is based completely on the theme of Research, starting with Social Research – Market Research – and now Thought Leadership in Retail and Consumer Products space. He also credits IIFM in helping him understand sound research methods and approaches.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jagdish-upadhyaya-52584221/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coolesoteric
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. Since my placement from IIFM, I have been associated primarily with research related roles across various jobs. I really like conducting in-depth research to unravel actionable insights. I have been fortunate to achieve such roles thus far in my career.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. Based on my experience, I believe that hard work will definitely get noticed and appreciated. On three separate occasions in my professional journey, prospective employers were able to appreciate my work and publications and chose to approach me with an offer that I could not refuse. I believe career growth closely follows strong and good quality work.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. In my current organization, I am viewed as a subject matter expert on research. My efforts are focused on story telling based on insights in the field of Retail and Consumer Products. I also involved in Client and Business Development for the firm.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. It is very satisfying to see my research work getting published on WSJ, FT, CNBC, and other esteemed international platforms. It is also satisfying to see clients getting interested in my insights and research.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. The basics of research, marketing, and quantitative techniques that I learned at IIFM have helped create a strong foundation for my career. I have learned to be more curious and observant of minor variations in consumer behavior and perceptions.
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 was attracted to the Development Sector during my early undergrad days. I was eager to make a difference in the lives of people who are less privileged. IIFM was one of the few institutes that offered a course that could equip me for a career in this field. I was fortunate to learn under professors like CVRS Vijaya Kumar, Dr Chinmaya S Rathore, Dr Manmohan Yadav, Dr Omprakash Madguni, Prof Parul Rishi, Prof Rekha Singhal and many others.
My advice to freshers and IIFM graduates would be to stay disciplined about learning at IIFM. What you learn at IIFM will be useful throughout your career. I would advise freshers and graduates to be curious about their area of work with an intent to learn. Also, when an opportunity comes along be brave to seize it and make the most.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. The campus is one of the most beautiful and best places to learn. It was great fun to attend the classes. The 11:30 AM tea break was good fun. Time spent at managing the mess and a friendly match with its staff (super-athletic volleyball players) has stayed with me. Parties at Bamboosa were fabulous!!
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. The courses at IIFM are very well planned and relevant. Faculty members are very helpful, patient, and willing to guide. I was fortunate to learn under great professors who went out of way to help us. The library I felt was like a temple where you can read, meditate, and rise higher. On many occasions, I have spent the whole day reading at the library. It is important to stay connected with your batchmates and friends. More than twenty years after graduating from IIFM, I am still very strongly connected with a few good friends. Having a strong alumni network and staying connected with alumni is a necessity and can only help enhance and improve our careers.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. Attending classes of Dr. Chinmaya S Rathore was like going to a temple to pray. I remember the open book exam option given to our batch by Dr Manmohan Yadav Sir. We all thought that the exam would be fairly easy, but we realized that a book in the exam is the wrong option!!
I also had a great time climbing the water tank/gate with my friends 🙂
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. While at IIFM, students should focus on maximizing their learning. They should appreciate that such a learning environment is very difficult to create. Students should ensure to clarify their doubts and seek clarity from the professors. The professors at IIFM are very kind and patient.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. I end up working long hours as I like to completely drown in research, dig deep and identify insights that create an ‘Aha’ for me and my clients. When I am on a break, I try to disconnect completely from work. However, a part of my mind is always thinking about work.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family, and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are completely devoted to the family. There’s always so much to do. I spend time with my kids, either playing or watching a good movie. I like to travel and am often blamed for planning crazy road trips. I like to relax with good music.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, and authors?
A. Author: Daniel Kahneman, Malcolm Gladwell, and Mark Manson
Movies: Life Is Beautiful, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Unbroken
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. If the institute/students feel that students can learn from my 20+ years in research, I am happy to take up a few guest lectures at IIFM.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. When I was studying at IIFM, the courses were very strongly focused on Social Development and the Development Sector. Placements also happened only in the development sector. Now I think the courses are a great mix of those and also what is taught at top management institutes like the IIMs. Now placements are also happening across corporates. The batch size now has increased by 10x.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?