Our Future Plan Involves Innovation and Growth, says JSBF Dean

Q3. Can you speak about the JSBF’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students, and any success stories you would like to share?

Ans. JSBF has a dedicated programme that combines entrepreneurial skills and creative abilities with focused training in finance and practical knowledge of technology. B.A. (Hons.) Finance & Entrepreneurship is the first of its kind in India, this programme combines coursework, which instils entrepreneurial spirit in the students with a sound theoretical understanding of, and practical exposure to, finance. The programme will enable students to familiarize themselves with the process of incubating a new venture, make creative contributions to existing enterprises working in the finance & financial services industry, and master the tools of finance needed to make new and existing businesses financially sustainable and scalable. This programme meets the needs and aspirations of young students who want to learn finance while thinking of entrepreneurial ways to contribute to society.

Finance and entrepreneurship have a special appeal and relevance in India due to the increasing use of digital platforms, new ways of financial transactions and increasing awareness of the role of tech entrepreneurs in our society. While India has a strong startup culture, there has been little emphasis on the process and methods of incubating, nurturing, and sustaining startups at an undergraduate level. Some of the major reasons why startups fail in India are, the inability to raise capital, manage revenue growth, financial mismanagement, and a lack of understanding of the legal and regulatory space in which they operate. BAFE programme focus is on addressing the educational gaps and developing confidence in entrepreneurs in a timely and structured manner.

Q4. Jindal School of Banking & Finance has a diverse student body from different parts of India and other countries. How does JSBF ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students?

Ans. The rich and varied heritage of India reflects in the classrooms of JSBF with students coming from different parts of the country. Interaction among students from diverse cultures and languages enriches their everyday experiences. The faculty and student community strive to maintain an active campus culture that is inclusive and tolerant to different identities. JSBF continuously encourages its students to participate in extra-curricular and cultural activities so that they can build and maintain a culture of camaraderie to support each other. A strong mentorship provided by faculty and senior batch students ensures that new students feel welcome and obtain all the necessary help to get started and to get going.

Q5. Can you tell us about the industry partnerships that Jindal School of Banking & Finance has, and how they benefit students?

Ans. JSBF provides excellent opportunities for its students to connect with industry experts. The school strives to facilitate conversations and internships for students at various levels. JSBF is associated with various organizations of repute such as D. E. Shaw group where the mid-senior or senior level managers train our students in their office for an entire week and provide them with an overview of the necessary skills required for a corporate career. The students will be provided with an idea about various processes that constitute a corporate organization which will give them a head start and a competitive edge over their counterparts. The JSBF also provides its students with a platform to invite and interact with industry practitioners through different clubs and societies. The Young Entrepreneurship Series (YES) is one such platform where successful startup owners, senior-level industry practitioners, and policymakers are invited to the campus throughout the year to discuss the ongoing challenges in the business world. JSBF faculty leave no stone unturned in extending support and cooperation to their students as they seek valuable opportunities in industry.  

Q6. What advice would you give to students who are about to embark on their academic journey at the Jindal School of Banking & Finance?

Ans. Our advice to the incoming students is to be open-minded. University education opens a wide range of opportunities for learning both inside and outside the classroom.  Students from different backgrounds interact with each other. Therefore, it is important to welcome diverse experiences which can influence the way a student thinks in her formative stages. It is equally important to maintain a balance between curricular and extra-curricular activities. JSBF has a vibrant culture of student activities that provides a scope for students to hone their leadership skills and other talents. It takes discipline and practice for students to set their priorities and engage in activities that align with their career goals. Having said that, JSBF faculty mentorship and institutional mechanisms support and guide the student throughout this process.

Q7. Lastly, can you share your vision for the future of the Jindal School of Banking & Finance, and how you plan to JSBF to new heights in the coming years?

Ans. Based on consultation with our advisory board members, with captains of Industry and with JGU’s senior management and understanding the needs of the job market, especially post pandemic. Our future plan involves innovation and growth. Four drivers will facilitate the growth of JSBF they are:  (i) Making our curriculum ready for jobs of the future, in the backdrop of advancing technology. (ii)  Enhancing the quality of our teaching and learning through in-person, hybrid and online modes, so that students can learn from the best of faculties globally. (iii) Offering more international opportunities and strengthening our outreach & promotional plans to accelerate enrollments and recruitment. Based on JGU timely pivot towards online and hybrid teaching in march 2021. We have setup the virtual teaching and advanced learning office (JSBF VITAL OFFICE), to bring about improvements in our online and hybrid teaching methods. As JGU continues to progress as an institution of eminence and a globally ranked university. Our own aspirations and dreams as JSBF have grown, we strive to be Asia’s best banking & finance school by 2030.