Dr. Neeraj Singh serves as Assistant Professor in the Marketing and Strategy area at the Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak. He earned his PhD in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, and his MPhil from the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. His research interests span Rural Platforms and Social Innovations. His scholarly contributions have been published in reputed international journals listed in ABDC/AJG-ABS/WoS such as the Journal of Rural Studies, Electronic Markets, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, International Journal of Consumer Studies, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, and Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neerajiimlko/
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. After completing my MPhil, I was selected for the Fellow Programme in Management at IIM Lucknow, a doctoral program. The lessons I learned at IIFM Bhopal greatly helped me understand research problems, and my time there particularly shaped my interest in rural markets. The courses and fieldwork during my MPhil were instrumental in my doctoral studies at IIM Lucknow. Within a week of completing my PhD, I received a faculty job offer from IIM Rohtak.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. The first key milestone in my academic journey was gaining admission to the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at IIM Lucknow. Given that the MPhil program was research-oriented and included both national and international field study modules, it introduced me to the domain and heightened my awareness of developments in rural markets, shaping my interest in the field. After being admitted to the PhD program at IIM Lucknow, I was able to conduct field-based research with greater confidence. This led to several publications in A category management journals, which in turn helped me secure my current position.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. At my current organization, my primary responsibilities include conducting research, teaching MBA and doctoral students, and engaging in academic administration. These three roles are central to my work as a faculty member.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. I find it most satisfying to conduct research in my domain of interest, design new courses, and teach MBA and doctoral students. I particularly enjoy engaging with curious minds and discussing case studies, especially while teaching courses on B2B Marketing, Rural Marketing, Strategic Management, and Social Marketing.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Indeed, I was a pure science student when I joined IIFM Bhopal. My interest in management and social science research emerged from the time I spent there. IIFM Bhopal was pivotal in laying the foundation for my academic career in management education and motivated me to pursue doctoral education in the first place.
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. Prof. Yogesh Dubey, Prof. CP Kala, Prof. Arvind Bijalwan, and other professors who taught us had a profound impact on me. My time with Prof. Dubey at the Keystone Foundation during the domestic field study tour provided me with invaluable insights and perspectives. Additionally, during my MPhil dissertation, I spent long hours discussing my research with Prof. CP Kala, a renowned expert in the herbal sector and NTFPs. His advice on pursuing research, managing oneself, and developing an academic outlook was instrumental in shaping my career. I will always be grateful to my mentors who guided and influenced my formative years at IIFM Bhopal.
My advice to students at IIFM is to fully engage with the institute’s esteemed professors. Take the initiative to seek appointments with them and use these opportunities to shape your outlook on life. IIFM provides a unique learning environment with insights and experiences that are unparalleled elsewhere in the country. By managing yourself effectively, participating actively in class, and drawing on the guidance of the distinguished faculty, you will lay a strong foundation for your future. IIFM is a place of great promise for aspiring green managers and researchers.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. During my time at IIFM, I fondly remember rushing to classrooms, submitting assignments before deadlines, heading to the mess, and enjoying serene campus walks in the evenings. I particularly miss the walks with my friends Dr. Rahul Wadghane (FPM) and Shreya (MRM), where we would discuss our subjects, share thoughts about our lives, and talk about our future aspirations.
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. Faculty, fieldwork, coursework, and friendships were all crucial in shaping me both personally, and professionally.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share.
A. During our Keystone Foundation study tour in Kothagiri, Prof. Yogesh Dubey took us on an enlightening journey through the forest-dwelling Toda tribes in the Nilgiris and introduced us to the innovative business model of the Last Forest enterprise. His insights during these visits gave me a tremendous boost of hope and confidence about pursuing an academic career. The Bhutan visit with Prof. CP Kala was equally memorable. His deep passion for studying medicinal and aromatic plants and his quest to identify Pinus bhutanica were truly inspiring. Through his example, I learned that succeeding in academia requires not just interest, but also a profound enthusiasm and dedication to one’s field. On the fun side, I recall the excitement of having to prep our study tour presentation in a hurry, which had everyone scrambling to finalize their parts during the Keystone visit. I also miss the tranquil walks around campus, where I would observe the vibrant wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty that made our campus so unique.
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. First and foremost, take the time to understand what IIFM is truly about. Don’t be disheartened by comparisons to other institutions; IIFM is a unique place with a strong focus on sustainability and Natural Resource Management that no other institute in the country can match. Begin by connecting with your seniors and faculty members to shape your interests and career path. Remember, a career is a long journey, and with dedication and the right guidance, you’ll find your way. The environment at IIFM is designed to nurture and transform you into a seasoned professional. Believe in the system, put in your best effort, and you’ll thrive in this exceptional setting.
Q. Also what would be your advice for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. If someone decides to change sectors out of personal interest, that’s perfectly fine. However, it’s important to recognize that the field of Natural Resource Management
(NRM) and sustainability management is brimming with opportunities and challenges. There are numerous issues to tackle, and perseverance is key. The sector offers tremendous growth potential, as evidenced by the successful alumni from the institute who have made significant strides in this field. Remember to stay committed, continually improve yourself, and leverage the alumni network. With these steps, the opportunities will follow.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. My day typically starts at 6:30 AM with a morning walk. After getting ready, I head to the office. My day usually includes 1-2 classes for the PGP/PhD program or Executive Education, along with some official meetings and research work. I usually return home around 6:00 PM, where I take some time to rest and play with my son. In the evening, I generally devote time to reading new research articles or working on research projects before going to bed.
During holidays or breaks, I prefer to spend time with my family and go on vacations, especially to mountainous areas. I enjoy the tranquility of hilly environments. Even while traveling, I carry my laptop and, after a day of exploring, take some time to reflect on my research work.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are typically dedicated to work and preparing for sessions scheduled for the upcoming week. I also focus on submission deadlines and pending revisions of research papers. Consequently, weekends are usually busy as I work through these tasks.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. My favorite books are I Too Had a Dream by Verghese Kurien and Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid by C.K. Prahalad.
Movies: Manthan, Interstellar.
TV Series: Game of Thrones, and House of Dragons
Authors: I like the work of Bettina Bock on Social Innovation, and Annabelle Gawer on Platform Ecosystems.
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?
A. Being an academic, I would love to interact with PGP/MPhil/PhD and FPM students of IIFM. I can offer guidance about management education, career, and academic research. I am open to research collaboration on areas of common interests.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. Not much has changed in the past few years. Some senior professors have retired. The campus is still very serene, and I love going back every single time.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Mr Ashok Biswal (MRM) Nature Conservancy.