Financial literacy may not instantly come to mind when one thinks of the essential skills that the students should hone, but what a person learns about finances at a young age shapes the way they manage and handle money in adulthood. And thus, the programs at Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM), Hyderabad, are designed in a manner that emphasis goes on collaboration and practical implications of learning, coupled with collective knowledge attained through the cohort. All the courses at the institute are stimulating, real-world, and challenging, and ideal for aspirants interested in becoming moguls of the financial, business, and management world.

“As a student who relies on pocket money whilst pursuing higher studies, giving an equal amount of time for rejuvenation as much as education holds utmost importance. However, doing all of it within a budget is what we’re learning, both theoretically as well as practically. When out for trips with friends and peers, we prefer choosing student-friendly accommodations, say, zostels or hostels. The mode of transport is usually bus or train, depending on the distance to be covered. When it comes to our events at the college, we map out the potential expenses, available resources, and allocate emergency funds after due consideration of all the factors,” says Shravya from the 28th batch.

Dharani, on the other hand, from the same batch, says, “For annual events, based on the previous year’s expenses, we form a benchmark, which we try not to exceed. Plus, utilizing the existing resources at the campus is the best way to avoid spending anything extra. For personal leisure, amongst friends, we opt for tour packages available for groups from travel agencies so as to save and yet, have a quality trip, without compromising on essentials.”

These strategies, the art of planning, and seamlessly executing it is mostly adapted from the cohort model, which is not only brilliant but also creates a rich learning experience. Besides, in an environment that encourages teamwork and collaboration, learning by seeing and doing from others’ strengths, experiences, interests, and uniqueness becomes interesting as well as inspiring. Moreover, the faculty members and visiting professors help students connect and make the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical implementation easy, relevant, and possible.

Finally, the support of breaking the ice with innovative teaching techniques, classroom discussions, and group activities aid in widening the understanding of financial literacy. Finance, as a subject, overall, is thus prioritized more than anything else at VJIM, and the process begins right amidst the four walls of the classroom by cracking productive, lasting conversations regarding the significance of financial decisions.