Interview by Yash Panchal

Mr. Bhateja

Mr. Kushal Bhateja is currently the Program Head at International College of Financial Planning. He is also the Founding Partner of ICFB. His educational qualifications include BA (H) Economics and PGDBM (Finance/Marketing), He is currently teaching and guiding MBA (Financial Analysis) program students where they appear for different levels of CFA examinations along with pursuing their MBA degree. He’s also providing guidance on Financial Planning and Investments to people looking for investment.

Mr. Bhateja is an experienced and senior Investment Professional with over 9 years of experience in the investment industry. He worked as an Assistant Vice President at Prebon Yamane (India) Ltd. He looked after Institutional Equity Sales & Dealing at IL&FS Investsmart Securities Ltd.

His key areas of expertise include Institutional Equity Sales, Equity Dealing, Mutual Fund Sales, Fixed Income Market Analysis, Investment Advisory, Business Development, Relationship Management, Financial Planning, Investment Training, and Teaching. He is proficient in decision-making, problem-solving, together with a bottom-line corporate focus and a results-driven attitude.

Mr. Bhateja’s experience in the education industry

After working in the corporate world for a decade and spending majority of my working years advising Corporates, Institutions and wealthy investors on various facets of capital markets, it made sense to share all my acquired knowledge with students, who can benefit from it the most. The education system has improved manifolds in the last few years and the industry, as a whole, has great potential ahead of it.

 Also, as a part of the education system, I feel there is no better appreciation of work in any other profession or industry than seeing one of your students become successful in academics and his professional career.

Mr. Bhateja’s experience in the education industry

Mr. Bhateja’s philosophy of leadership

No specific leadership style is a ‘one-style-fit-all’ affair. It needs to be built gradually for best results and sometimes you need to adopt a style that the situation demands. For me, a well-balanced democratic/participative leadership style and transformational style works best.

I believe that with an experienced team, where ideas are shared, an open discussion platform becomes a big enabler for bringing about any improvement, especially major ones.  

Challenges faced by Mr. Bhateja as the FA Department head of International College of Financial Planning

The biggest challenge has always been to keep the motivation level of academically weak students at par with the toppers.

Curriculum of International College of Financial Planning

Super-specialized finance courses provide relevant expertise and practical knowledge in Financial Analysis or Financial Planning segments, thereby reducing the training time for corporate hirers. 

Read more about faculty available at ICOFP here

Growth of students through placement opportunities available at International College of Financial Planning

Our placement department is headed by a very experienced professional, Mr. Rishi Taparia, who has been working towards getting all big advisory firms, banks, broking firms, etc. to visit our campuses. We are progressing at a fair pace in this direction.

Read more about placement opportunities available at ​ICOFP here

Mr. Bhateja on his relation with the students and his availability for them

Establishing an amicable bond with students is a must. It makes it easier for students to approach the faculty without any inhibitions. And sometimes incorporating lectures with some humor or wit keeps the atmosphere of the class much lighter and ensures that the interest of students remains intact in the subject. Also, weekly one-on-one discussions ensure constant guidance and support.  

Mr. Bhateja on his relation with the students and his availability for them

Ideal school environment for Mr. Bhateja

Where everyone (including faculty, academics team, college employees) gives their 100% to ensure each student remains motivated and focused to achieve his/her career goal from Day 1 till the end of the semester and outshines himself/herself constantly.

Top qualities that an aspiring candidate must possess

Hard work, dedication, and perseverance, is a must for all aspiring Finance students.

Goals in mind for International College of Financial Planning for the next few years

To bring the college brand at par with ISB and IIMs.

Suggestions to the current youth and aspiring students

Don’t be a jack of all trades. Analyze your strengths and then hone that skill for best results. Carefully choose a career goal and devote yourself completely to it.