An Interview with Vinay Kumar Tolumbia, BTech Alumnus of MRIIRS Faridabad

Careers360 brings an interview with Shrenikk, alumnus of Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, who shares details about his career progression as a Track-II Diplomat, memorable experiences, and the course pursued at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad. Go through the interview to learn more about campus life and the experiences of the alumni.

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

Vinay: I am Vinay Kumar Tolambia, Mechanical Engineering (2011–2015) alumnus, entrepreneur, mentor and trainer with experience in industry, student leadership and alumni engagement. My professional profile is at www.vinaykumartolambia.com and LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vinay-kumar-tolambia-31977059/.
I chose Manav Rachna after a careful, practical assessment: my higher‑secondary results made me eligible for strong programs here; the institute’s reputation and visible alumni testimonials inspired confidence; direct conversations with the admission cell, senior leadership and faculty reassured me about academic rigour and student support; and the campus location and ease of commute from my home in Faridabad made it a sensible, convenient choice. The admission team and management showed genuine faith in students and communicated a clear commitment to holistic development — not just a degree — which sealed my decision.

Careers360: How would you describe your overall experience at the institution?

Vinay: My overall experience was fantastic and deeply formative. The institute deliberately focused on holistic development—technical learning plus Functional English, group discussions, body language, aptitude and critical thinking. I received strong support from the Mechanical Engineering department and the Department of Student Welfare. My Mentors provided guidance that shaped my academic, leadership and personal growth, enabling me to represent and endorse the institution widely.

Also See: MRIIRS Admissions

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

Vinay: The curriculum was current, well-structured and industry-aligned. Core courses were relevant and the institute offered industry‑integrated and super‑specialized modules that bridged theory and practice. The incubation centre fostered entrepreneurial thinking and provided a platform for prototyping ideas, which complemented classroom learning and prepared students for diverse career paths and higher studies.

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

Vinay: There were good opportunities, and I proactively sought more, helping juniors and peers secure projects and internships. That said, certain core streams (Mechanical, Automobile, Civil, Aeronautical) had scope for deeper domain‑specific industry engagement. The foundation was solid; expanding targeted industry tie‑ups and specialized placement drives would further enhance hands‑on exposure for those streams.

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

Vinay: Extracurriculars were transformational — I can honestly write a thesis on their impact. I represented the institute at national events, co‑founded 11 official clubs under the Department of Student Welfare, and ran the Swami Vivekanand Study Circle, an intellectual community backed by the university and large non‑profit organisations. These platforms sharpened my communication, leadership, event management and critical‑thinking skills, taught me how to build and sustain teams, mentor juniors, and balance academics with co‑curricular commitments — all of which have been invaluable in my professional and mentoring roles.

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

Vinay: The campus is well designed, lush and comprehensively resourced. Modern labs, workshops, classrooms, a strong incubation centre and dedicated welfare services create an environment that supports learning and personal growth. Unique facilities — including a dedicated shooting range used by national athletes — and well‑maintained green spaces make student life vibrant. Administrative support, active clubs and a culture that encourages participation ensure students get exposure across academics, sports, culture and entrepreneurship.

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

Vinay: The Career Development Cell (CDC) did an excellent job in training, grooming and coordinating with recruiters; their processes made students placement‑ready through mock interviews, soft‑skills sessions and recruiter outreach. CDC’s efforts were strong and have continued to evolve to better meet industry needs.

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

Vinay: A degree from Manav Rachna provided a solid academic foundation and institutional credibility that opened doors early in my career. Although I later changed my career path, the technical grounding, exposure to soft‑skills training and the institute’s reputation have been instrumental in building trust with employers, collaborators and mentees.

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

Vinay: The most valuable skills are group discussion and communication, understanding body language, interpersonal influence, presentation skills and critical thinking. These soft skills, together with technical fundamentals, have been crucial in leadership, client engagement, mentoring and public speaking roles.

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

Vinay: I did not face any major academic hurdles during my journey. Since I was particularly inclined towards armed forces-related aspirations, I personally explored additional avenues such as mentorship, external training, networking, and practical exposure to further strengthen my preparation in that direction.

I was fortunate to receive valuable guidance from mentors whose support and encouragement helped me gain greater clarity and confidence. Looking back, these experiences complemented my academic journey well and contributed positively to my overall professional and personal development.

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

Vinay: I stay connected through WhatsApp groups, alumni events and the Alumni Relations office. I served as the youngest member of the Alumni Executive Council and remain actively involved in alumni initiatives. Regular interactions with peers and faculty, participation in institutional events, pro‑bono sessions and mentoring keep the relationship alive. The strengthened Alumni Relations team today makes it even easier to collaborate on placements, guest lectures and institutional projects.

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

Vinay: Very much so. I have delivered multiple pro‑bono lectures, training sessions and motivational talks and remain keen to mentor students and participate in alumni programmes. I am certified in mentoring and consider it both a duty and a joy to guide the younger generation on career choices, skill development and personal growth. I continue to make time for one‑on‑one mentoring, panel sessions and practical workshops whenever invited.

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

Vinay: Work hard and work smart. Keep your mental, physical, spiritual and social health in balance. Be an avid reader, attend classes with intent, and stay updated on technological trends in your field. Build transferable skills, network deliberately, seek internships and real projects, and cultivate adaptability so you can pivot when industries evolve. Focus on consistent daily improvement — small, steady gains compound into significant career advantage.

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?

Vinay: Start by talking to faculty, mentors and alumni to identify gaps and high‑impact skills. Adopt a mindset of continuous improvement and integrate learning into daily routines. Pursue certifications, internships and projects that add measurable value. Use industry reports, alumni feedback and faculty guidance to prioritise specialisations that align with market demand and your strengths. Regularly reassess goals and invest time in short, focused upskilling that yields practical outcomes.

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

Vinay: I would definitely and strongly recommend Manav Rachna to students seeking holistic growth. The institute channels youth energy into passion and purpose, provides strong mentorship, builds both technical and life skills, and supports entrepreneurship and personal development. For anyone who wants to grow comprehensively and be industry‑ready, Manav Rachna is an excellent choice.

Disclaimer: This article is published as a marketing initiative between MRIIRS Faridabad and Careers360.