Amit feels his two years at IIFM was an extraordinary journey, brimming with fun, adventure, and challenges. This experience empowered him to stand strong, collaborate with others, and forge lifelong friendships. IIFM inspired him to pursue a path in the development sector, profoundly shaping his professional life and choices.
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Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. In a career spanning more than 20 years, I have experienced mostly great times, along with a few setbacks. After my time at IIFM, I began my journey with a non-profit organization called “Eklayva” which focused on education and natural resource management. Although my engagement there lasted only a few months, it was an incredible learning opportunity. I had the chance to observe firsthand the impact created by socially driven institutions within disadvantaged communities. I witnessed the application of development concepts such as people’s participation, community ownership, and sustainability in action.
My next position was with the Rural Non-Farm Development Agency (RUDA), a government-owned NGO (GONGO) in Rajasthan, where I worked on livelihoods promotion through business development services. RUDA was a bold initiative created by the Government of Rajasthan and was developed and supported by Vipin Sharma (now the CEO of Access) as well as few IIFM alumni like Vikas, US Rajesh, Gaurav, and others from the mid-1990s to the early 2000 batches. As Project Manager at RUDA, I gained valuable experience in the workings of government and funding agencies, as well as the significance of need-based business development services—such as marketing, credit facilitation, and organizing producer groups—in promoting livelihoods
From RUDA, I transitioned to CARE India, where I worked as a Project Coordinator in the Kutch region of Gujarat after the devastating earthquake in January 2001. My three years with CARE India were an incredible experience, as I was able to fund and support livelihood restoration activities while witnessing people’s resilience in the face of extreme adversity.
After nearly four years of work experience, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in London, England. Following my studies at LSE, I joined Accion India in 2006 and have been based out of Bangalore, ever since.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. Accion is a global non-profit organization dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive economy. It develops and scales responsible digital financial products for low-income segments around the world, including India. Over the past eighteen years, I have held various positions within Accion’s and also with Accion investee companies (being on deputation). With investment companies, I worked as National Head of credit and risk for microfinance & MSME loan products. From Accion, in consulting roles – I have supported the digital transformation journeys of numerous non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs) Small Finance Banks. Through my work at Accion between 2010-2016, I have contributed to the promotion of responsible finance practices across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. I conducted training programs and consumer protection assessments in several countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and others. As a lead trainer at Accion, I have conducted many training and capacity building progams for the FSPs in India, building their managerial and leadership capacity and other technical (financial analysis, cash-flow based lending) and soft skills like TOTs programs.
Currently, as the Director at Accion India, I am engaged in
(i) Facilitating the adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), such as Account Aggregator (AA) systems, among selected low-income population groups
(ii) Managing a digital transformation project for a financial service provider (FSP) in Bangladesh
(iii) Supporting women micro-entrepreneurs in accessing suitable credit products through Enterprise Support Organizations.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. Like most professionals in development sector, I find great satisfaction in witnessing the impact of my work on customers and target segments. As the Head of Credit and Risk, I used to approve loans up to Rs. 25 Lahks for nano and micro-enterprises. It was incredibly rewarding to see both men and women enterpreneurs grow their businesses and increase their profits and household incomes. In my previous role as a Trainer promoting responsible finance practices, I observed financial service providers enhance their social responsibility, become responsible lenders, and achieve industry certifications like Smart Certification across Southeast Asia. Currently, I am focused on promoting DPI initiatives, such as AA, for the low-income population, which has the potential to bring the change on a large scale.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. IIFM (Indian Institute of Forest Management) provided a comprehensive orientation to the development sector, covering the work of non-profits and the associated ecosystem of funding agencies and support institutions through its academic program, summer internships, and field visits. I believe IIFM is one of the few institutions effectively preparing students for career in the development sector.
I enjoyed what I studied and experienced at IIFM, which has influenced the jobs I have held over the past two decades.
The two years at IIFM passed quickly, but reflecting on that time, I remember it being academically rigorous. We attended long classes each day, faced regular quizzes and assignments, and had multiple exams each term. This preparation was invaluable for my Master’s degree at the London School of Economics (LSE).
On a personal level, IIFM was my first experience living away from the comforts and security of home. Like many others, I faced numerous challenges during those two years both in college and during field visits/interships, which prepared me for future challenges in life. I learned to collaborate with others and thrive in difficult situations.
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. My seniors at work places and IIFM alumni have been a tremendous help and inspiration throughout my career. It all began during my summer internship at Jungle Lodges and Resorts, where immediate seniors like Shwetan Sagar and the late Bhargavi Manohar, provided constant support and guidance. Later, while securing positions and working at RUDA and CARE India, super seniors like Gaurav, Rajeev Gupta and Vikas Choudhary were mentors to me.
My sincere advice to current students and recent graduates from IIFM is to leverage the extensive network of IIFM alumni. Reach out to them and seek their advice and suggestions in the areas where you want to pursue your career.
For those aspiring to pursue higher education, my second piece of advice is to maintain a good CGPA. A solid CGPA was essential during the admission process at LSE in my admission year, 2004, and I believe it remains a crucial selection criterion to this day. Additionally, a good CGPA is instrumental in obtaining scholarships from various funding organizations for higher studies.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies post IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. I have always been academically inclined and interested in pursuing higher education to advance my career. After graduating from IIFM, I worked with two organizations for four years. During that time, I began to feel stagnant with limited growth. I observed that several of my friends and batchmates who pursued higher studies at renowned universities in the USA and the UK were able to propel their careers forward. This served as a strong motivation for me to apply to few select universities. I feel very fortunate to have been accepted into the M.Sc. program at LSE, where I received full academic and living/maintenance scholarships. My one-year experience in the M.Sc. program at LSE and living in London was incredibly enriching and enjoyable. The coursework at LSE required only a few hours each week, putting the responsibility on students to make the most of the opportunity. My course focused on understanding how social policies are formulated, the contexts in which they operate, and engage with the key actors and stakeholders involved. I found the coursework to be engaging, and I was proud to complete my degree with distinction. Throughout the year, I made friends from all over the world, and thanks to the evolving nature of social media, I have been able to maintain communication with them after college too.
As a sports and arts enthusiast, London was my dream city. I had the opportunity to watch many cricket matches at Lord’s and The Oval, attend tennis matches at Wimbledon, and enjoy Broadway theater shows. These are cherished memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. I vividly remember the Holi celebrations and the craziness that came with them—coloring each other with mud, sludge, and whatever we could find. I must have changed my T-shirt at least three times during the three to four hours of festivities. It seemed there was an unwritten rule about tearing off the boys’ tops!! After that, we would take dips in the small tank near the main hostel.
The birthday celebrations and parties at Bamboosa were magical. With quick arrangements for food, drinks, music, and dancing, they provided amazing fun that was both simple and heartwarming. Many nights, the parties would turn into singing choruses that lasted until the early hours of the morning. I remember playing cricket & volleyball in the central courtyard with my batchmates almost every day. As the sports meet approached, these games took on a more serious tone. I participated twice in the All-India Forest Sports Meet, as part of IIFM cricket team in Lucknow and Chennai. I still regret losing the knockout match in Lucknow; despite having a strong team, those memories are etched in my mind. Those were carefree days with minimal or no preparations needed—heading out on short journeys to Pachmarhi as a large group or making long trips with just a couple of friends, like the trip to Vaishno Devi. My time at IIFM truly was an amazing two-year experience for me.
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. My experience at IIFM really pushed me to the edge in many ways, and I believe personal growth occurs when we step outside our comfort zones. One significant memory is my first summer internship, where I spent nearly two months in the sweltering heat of Nagpur without any air conditioning or cooler. While the days in the office were manageable, the nights were challenging, as I struggled to sleep in the oppressive heat. Reflecting on that experience, I realize it made me more resilient and better equipped to handle difficult situations. Years later, while working, I found myself traveling to small towns and talukas, staying in basic hotels or even community centers. The lessons learned during my IIFM internship served as a valuable reference point during those times.
During my time at IIFM, I spent countless hours with my classmates, navigating the ups and downs of life together, which forged a strong bond among us. Even after so many years, I feel a deep sense of warmth when interacting with my classmates, seniors, juniors, and any fellow IIFMites I meet. The two years I spent at IIFM were instrumental in developing my interpersonal skills.
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. For current students! My first piece of advice is to really soak in all the experiences—both the ups and downs, and everything in between. Jump in and get involved in the fun activities happening on campus, whether it’s sports, cultural events, parties, or festivals. These moments will stick with you long after graduation! While you’re enjoying all those experiences, don’t forget about your academics. Staying on top of your classes, coursework, and internships is super important. If you’re thinking about pursuing further studies at an amazing foreign university, your academic performance (like your CGPA) will play a big role in that. Plus, good grades can open doors with many campus recruiters, too! During your time at IIFM, take the chance to connect with alumni and engage in your coursework to help fine-tune your professional interests. Internships at IIFM are fantastic opportunities to see what you really enjoy in a real-world setting. After those experiences, you’ll have a better idea of what you want to pursue after graduation.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. For all the recent grads out there, I recommend exploring a variety of opportunities at the start of your career. This will help you figure out which sector you enjoy most—be it finance, health, education, or a specific role like working for an implementation or funding agency. Working at a startup can also give you a wealth of diverse experiences in a short time. Don’t shy away from field-based roles and sales jobs, either! Gaining experience in the field and building sales skills are incredibly valuable early in your career. They can set you up for success down the road and help you craft a strong professional journey. Good luck, and enjoy every moment!
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. On a typical workday, I spend a couple of hours on calls with various stakeholders, such as direct implementation partners, technical experts, research agencies, funders, and internal team members. These interactions involve different projects that I either manage directly or participate in. Each call generates a to-do list or follow-up tasks that require me to consider various aspects of the project, depending on its life stage. Projects can be in different stages: they might be in the proposal phase while in discussions with funders; they could be in the discovery phase, meaning they have been approved and funded, and we are currently defining a clear execution plan; they might be in the implementation stage; or they could be wrapping up, which primarily involves monitoring and evaluation. My daily activities vary according to the phase of the project. To provide context, let’s look at the Account Aggregator (a Digital Public Infrastructure project, AA-DPI). We are currently in the implementation stage, collaborating with about six financial service providers, three technology providers, research agencies, and industry associations like Sahamati. Our goal is to ensure that low-income groups, such as three-wheeled EV drivers, smallholder farmers, and nano-enterprises, benefit from the AA-DPI. Each day, we engage with one or more partners to check on progress, bring in necessary collaborators, and address any challenges or issues that arise.
On a daily basis, I engage in some form of physical exercise, such as walking, running, or practicing yoga, followed by light meditation. I believe this daily routine helps maintain my physical and mental well-being. Last year (2024), my parents relocated to Bangalore, so I make it a point to spend time each day with my parents, wife, and daughter.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are all about having a good time! I usually kick things off with a couple of hours of volleyball at my apartment complex. There’s nothing like the rush of competitive games and catching up with friends afterward. In the evenings, I like to check out new restaurants in the city or hang out with friends and family. Every few months, we make a plan for a weekend trip outside Bangalore, which is always a fun escape. Long breaks are the best! I try to hit up a new country each time, or sometimes a couple if I can manage it. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had the travel bug, and it just keeps getting stronger! I feel super lucky to have traveled to six continents and explored over fifty countries, plus a lot of India. Here are a few pics from my travels—some solo and some with friends and family. Enjoy!
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. Accion is a boutique investment and consulting firm, and unfortunately, there are not many job opportunities or internships available each year. However, I try to help by introducing IIFM, sharing the placement brochure, and informing others about internship opportunities with our investee companies and various partners we work with. I actively participate in local IIFM Bangalore chapter meetings and casual lunches and dinners organized to connect with alumni or faculty visiting the city. It’s always enjoyable to take part in such events and gatherings.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? When was the last time you visited IIFM?
A. My last visit to IIFM was over ten years ago when I went to give a guest lecture. It was a fun experience filled with nostalgia. A lot has changed in terms of infrastructure since my time there, but I found the students to be very welcoming and eager to learn from the alumni.