An Interview with Ankit Wadhwa, Alumnus of B.Tech ECE at Manav Rachna University, Class of 2010

Manav Rachna University, Faridabad is a state-private university established in 2004. The university is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). It is also accredited with an A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). MRU Faidabad courses offered include BTech, BBA LLB (Hons), LLM, MTech, BBA, BCA, MBA, and more.

In an exclusive interaction with Careers360, MRU Faridabad alumnus Ankit Wadhwa shares why he chose the university and reflects on how his time at Manav Rachna University helped shape his academic journey and career. Read on to learn more about his experience at Manav Rachna University.

Careers360: Please introduce yourself and share reasons why you chose this college as your preferred institution for higher education.

Ankit Wadhwa: I am Ankit Wadhwa, a 2010 graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Manav Rachna University. Back then, the institution was a young, vibrant, and energetic space that offered students an exceptional sense of freedom and autonomy. Being part of one of the early batches gave us the opportunity to experiment, explore practical learning beyond classrooms, and truly shape our own educational journeys.

Looking back, joining Manav Rachna remains one of the best decisions of my life. The flexibility, exposure, and opportunities I received there played a defining role in shaping not only my professional career, but also my personal growth.

Careers360: How would you describe your overall experience at the institution?
Ankit adhwa: My time at Manav Rachna remains one of the most memorable and defining phases of my life. The institution gave me not only exceptional mentors and supportive faculty members, but also an environment that constantly encouraged curiosity, initiative, and growth.

What truly stood out for me was the freedom we were given. to explore ideas, participate beyond academics, and shape our own paths with confidence. That sense of independence helped me develop a self-driven mindset very early on. When I look back today, I can clearly see how my journey I later undertook, was deeply influenced by the experiences and learnings I gained during my years at Manav Rachna.

Careers360: How well did the curriculum prepare you for your career or higher studies?

Ankit Wadhwa: I strongly believe that the curriculum at Manav Rachna played a crucial role in building my technical fundamentals and core understanding. No matter where one eventually goes professionally, having a strong foundation always becomes the anchor for long-term growth.

At the time, I never really imagined that I would eventually build my career within the telecom industry. However, as my professional journey evolved, I realized how relevant and valuable the concepts, technical basics, and practical understanding gained during my degree truly were. In many ways, those years prepared me for opportunities I had not even anticipated back then.

Also Read: MRU Faridabad Admissions

Careers360: Were there sufficient opportunities for internships, projects, or industry exposure during your time here?

Ankit Wadhwa: When I joined Manav Rachna, the institution itself was still in its formative years, and our batch happened to be among the first few batches of the college. The systems, processes, and structures were continuously evolving, but that phase also created immense opportunities for students like us to explore, contribute, and grow alongside the institution itself.

I still remember witnessing some of the institution’s first placements and first graduating batches, which made the entire experience feel incredibly unique and pioneering. There was a certain excitement in being part of something that was steadily building its identity, and I believe that journey shaped our generation of students in a very special way.

Careers360: How did extracurricular activities, clubs, or cultural events contribute to your personal development?

Ankit Wadhwa: Extracurricular activities and event management played an incredibly important role in shaping my leadership and management abilities. In many ways, I often call myself an ‘accidental project manager,’ because a lot of those skills developed naturally through the experiences we had during college.

From organizing college festivals and managing technical events to leading various committees, every responsibility taught me something about coordination, decision-making, teamwork, and execution under pressure. Those experiences gradually built my program management capabilities long before I formally stepped into professional leadership roles.

I also take great pride in the fact that our batch introduced some of the institution’s earliest technical clubs and organized one of the first technical festivals, ‘Technovriti’. Beyond technical exposure, these initiatives became platforms where we learned how to build teams, lead people, manage large-scale activities, and create something meaningful from the ground up.

Careers360: What were the key strengths of the campus environment (infrastructure, resources, student life)?

Ankit Wadhwa: For me, the strongest aspect of Manav Rachna was always its people — especially the faculty and the overall culture of the institution. The faculty members were never limited to the role of teachers alone; they became mentors, guides, and, over time, even lifelong friends who genuinely supported us not just academically, but personally as well.

I also deeply appreciated the campus infrastructure and the environment we were surrounded by. There was a sense of openness, encouragement, and belonging that made students feel empowered to grow, experiment, and evolve. Looking back, it was this culture of support and continuous growth that truly made the experience so meaningful and memorable for me.

Careers360: Did the placement cell or career services meet your expectations? Why or why not?

Ankit Wadhwa: Yes, the placement opportunities at Manav Rachna definitely met my expectations. By the time I graduated, I had already secured two job offers, one from Hewitt Associates, which later became Aon, and another from HCL Technologies.

However, somewhere along the way, I realized that I wanted to build something of my own. Instead of stepping into a conventional corporate path immediately after graduation, I chose to pursue entrepreneurship and spent nearly seven years building my own venture. Looking back, that decision was both challenging and transformative, and I believe the confidence to take such a leap was shaped significantly by the exposure and independence I experienced during my years at Manav Rachna.

Careers360: How has your degree contributed to your professional growth and career trajectory?

Ankit Wadhwa: Today, I am working with one of India’s largest telecom organizations, and I truly feel that the technical fundamentals built during my degree became the backbone of my professional journey. The curriculum gave me a strong foundation and an essential understanding of core technical concepts that have continued to guide me throughout my career.

As I progressed professionally, I realized that technologies, roles, and industries may evolve with time, but strong fundamentals always remain invaluable. Even today, the knowledge and technical grounding I gained at Manav Rachna continue to support my growth and strengthen my understanding of the telecom industry.

Careers360: What skills gained at the institution do you find most valuable in your current role?

Ankit Wadhwa: Apart from technical knowledge, Manav Rachna played a significant role in shaping my management and leadership abilities through practical exposure and extracurricular responsibilities. One of the most valuable aspects of student life there was that we were constantly encouraged to step beyond academics and take ownership of different initiatives.

At any given point, we were balancing multiple roles simultaneously, as students, event coordinators, technical committee leads, organizers, and team members. While it felt challenging at the time, those experiences taught us how to manage people, handle responsibilities, work under pressure, and collaborate effectively.

Looking back, I believe it was this blend of technical learning and hands-on experiences that truly shaped my professional capabilities and contributed immensely to my overall career growth.

Careers360: What challenges did you face during your academic journey, and how did you overcome them?

Ankit Wadhwa: Honestly, I never faced any major challenges during my academic journey because I genuinely enjoyed every phase of my college life. In fact, those years remain some of the most memorable and cherished periods of my life.

The environment, the friendships, the experiences, and the freedom to explore made the journey incredibly fulfilling. Rather than feeling like a phase filled with pressure, college felt like a time of constant learning, growth, and unforgettable memories that continue to stay with me even today.

Careers360: How do you stay connected with fellow alumni and the institution?

Ankit Wadhwa: I continue to stay connected with fellow alumni through personal networks, alumni groups, and professional interactions. In fact, quite recently, I had a wonderfully nostalgic experience when I unexpectedly met one of my college friends and fellow alumna, during a meeting at Airtel. What started as a routine professional interaction instantly turned into a memorable reunion filled with old memories and conversations from our college days.

Beyond alumni connections, I have also remained closely connected with faculty members, whom I continue to regard as lifelong mentors and guiding figures. Their support, encouragement, and influence have stayed with me far beyond the classroom, and those relationships remain deeply valuable even today.

Careers360: Would you be interested in mentoring current students or participating in alumni activities?

Ankit Wadhwa: Yes, I would genuinely love to contribute as a mentor and actively participate in alumni initiatives and institutional activities. I believe staying connected with the institution is a meaningful way of giving back to a place that played such an important role in shaping my journey.

Careers360: As a professional, how would you advise a student to plan a career, keeping in mind changes and upheavals in the industry?

Ankit Wadhwa: My advice to students would be to embrace Artificial Intelligence as an integral part of modern learning and professional life. AI should never be seen as a threat; instead, it should be viewed as a powerful tool that can help individuals learn faster, work smarter, and grow more efficiently in their careers.

At the same time, I strongly believe that continuous learning is absolutely essential. Upskilling, pursuing certifications, and consistently evolving with industry trends should become a lifelong habit rather than a one-time effort. The professional world changes rapidly, and those who remain curious and adaptable will always stay ahead.

I would also encourage students to discover their personal interests and passions early, and eventually find ways to monetize them meaningfully. In my opinion, the greatest sense of professional fulfillment comes when your work aligns with what you genuinely enjoy doing. When passion and profession begin to complement each other, growth becomes far more rewarding and sustainable.”

Careers360: Learning never ends for any professional. In this context, how do you think one should prepare for career advancement with value additions? How can students identify these areas?

Ankit Wadhwa: I believe the world is evolving at an incredibly rapid pace, which makes continuous upskilling absolutely essential for long-term career growth. Students and professionals alike should consistently invest time in learning new technologies, especially AI-related skills, while also exploring capabilities that align with their personal interests and strengths.

For me, one principle has always remained constant, learning should never stop. Industries, technologies, and professional landscapes will continue to change, and the ability to adapt through lifelong learning is what ultimately helps individuals remain relevant, confident, and future-ready throughout their careers.

Careers360: How likely are you to recommend this institution to those planning to pursue higher studies?

Ankit Wadhwa: I already recommend Manav Rachna to people quite often. In my opinion, the institution is still somewhat underrated despite offering opportunities, exposure, and experiences that are comparable to many prestigious institutions.

Over the course of my career, I also had the opportunity to study at other reputed institutions, and that perspective made me appreciate even more the kind of learning environment, mentorship, and practical exposure Manav Rachna had provided me early on. The value I derived from my time there was genuinely significant and, in many ways, at par with some of the most respected academic environments.

One area I particularly feel can create an even greater impact is the strengthening of structured alumni networks, similar to those seen across leading management institutes. Strong alumni ecosystems not only build lifelong connections but also open doors for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth for future generations of students.

Overall, I truly believe the institution holds immense potential and has continued to evolve positively with time. It is inspiring to see the growth it has achieved over the years, and I am confident that its journey ahead will be even more remarkable.

Disclaimer: The article is published as part of the marketing collaboration between Manav Rachna University and Careers360.