The PGDM orientation at ISBR Business School featured a memorable corporate milestone as the newly inducted PGDM 2026–28 cohort connected with institutional excellence through the Alumni Unplugged session.
The session welcomed back Ms. Rashmi Gururaja Rao, Senior Manager – Product Owner at Standard Chartered and an alumna from the PGDM Batch of 2008–10. Returning to her alma mater, Ms. Rao shared her professional trajectory, bridging academic learning with real-world corporate expectations.
“Dream. Dare. Do. – From a Small-Town Dream to a Silicon City Career”
— Ms. Rashmi Gururaja Rao, Senior Manager – Product Owner, Standard Chartered
Key Takeaways from the Session
Drawing from a distinguished 16-year corporate career spanning industry giants such as Oracle, Capgemini, and Standard Chartered, Ms. Rao provided an authentic perspective on navigating career growth.
1. Maximizing the PGDM Journey
Ms. Rao urged students to treat their two-year PGDM program as an active training ground rather than just an academic credential. She emphasized making full use of ISBR’s ecosystem by engaging in:
- Hands-on live projects and corporate internships.
- Student committees and campus leadership roles.
- Experiential learning opportunities and active alumni networking.
2. Core Traits Valued by Recruiters
Highlighting what modern organizations look for in young managers, she outlined key professional competencies:
- Ownership & Adaptability: Taking accountability for deliverables and navigating changing corporate environments.
- Effective Communication & Collaboration: Working seamlessly across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Personal Branding: Building a long-term professional reputation rooted in consistency, reliability, and integrity.
3. The Quiet Power of Networking
Addressing relationship-building, Ms. Rao reminded students that networking should never be transactional. Sustainable professional networks are built on trust, mutual respect, and continuous engagement with peers, faculty, mentors, and alumni over time.
4. Prioritizing Growth Over Titles
For early-career success, Ms. Rao offered practical guidance: prioritize learning opportunities, skill acquisition, and hands-on experience over initial job designations. Long-term career progression is built through patience, resilience, and continuous self-improvement.
Inspiring Future Leaders
The interactive session offered the PGDM 2026–28 batch practical guidance and renewed motivation as they begin their management journey. ISBR Business School extends its appreciation to Ms. Rashmi Gururaja Rao for mentoring the next generation of business leaders and strengthening the vibrant ISBR alumni network.