Ques: Would you please introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Sparsh Goyal. I completed my schooling in West Delhi, where I pursued Humanities in my 11th and 12th grades. I then went on to earn my degree in Economics (Honors) from Shivaji College, Delhi University. During my time there, I took on leadership roles as the Vice President of Dictum, the Debating Society, and as the President of Epitome, the Economics Society.
My academic journey led me to secure admission to Delhi School of Economics (DSE) purely on merit, where I deepened my expertise in economics. I also had the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Development Economics (CDE), where I honed my research skills, especially in the field of development economics. This experience was invaluable in shaping my analytical thinking and research capabilities.
Upon completing my studies, I joined AMEX, gaining exposure to the corporate sector, where I further developed my problem-solving and strategic skills. In addition, I successfully qualified for the UGC NET exam, which highlights my dedication to academia and teaching.
Ques: How did you manage to do so many things and simultaneously manage your academics?
In my first year, I faced a significant challenge in balancing academics and extracurricular activities, and my academic performance was at its lowest. However, I realized early on that being an Economics student isn't just about mastering the theoretical aspects. The practical side, which includes interacting with others and understanding real-world applications, is equally important. This realization prompted me to actively join societies and take on leadership roles, like becoming the Vice President of Dictum and President of Epitome.
These experiences taught me how to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and efficiently manage my time, all of which played a key role in balancing my academics.
Through this journey, I learned that it’s about integrating both worlds. Once I found that balance, my academic performance improved significantly, and I was able to thrive in both areas.
Ques: Being the vice president and the president in your final year adds a burden with major responsibilities, what was your strategy ?
In my first year, like many, I found most top positions lucrative and rewarding. However, as I progressed, I realized the dynamics change, and the environment can become competitive, sometimes leading to toxic relationships. As a leader, I had to ensure that everyone felt valued and equal, which was crucial to building a healthy team environment.
I would like to mold the phrase "with great power comes great responsibility" as quoted in Spider-Man movie as “ With great responsibility comes great power”. It resonated with me throughout my time as Vice President of Dictum and President of Epitome. My approach was to foster open communication and trust within the team.
This trust allowed us to delegate responsibilities effectively. While leadership certainly brings pressure, especially during high-stress times like the festive season when events pile up, the strength of our teamwork helped us navigate those intense 15–20 day periods. Instead of one person shouldering the burden, we relied on each other to meet our collective goals.
Ultimately, my strategy was about recognizing the power of communication, maintaining equality, and trusting my team. It was this approach that helped me manage the responsibilities and pressures of my final year, ensuring both personal growth and team success.
Ques: How was your experience?
My experience at DSE was both challenging and transformative. While many see it as a prestigious institution, the reality is far from glamorous. It’s often said that getting into DSE is easier than getting out with a degree, and I can attest to that. The sheer volume of readings, frequent surprise tests, and the overall academic rigor made it a demanding experience, at times even painful. In fact, it reminds me of the 1979 film Moscow Doesn’t Believe in Tears, where the struggle to succeed is real and relentless.
The curriculum was intense, and I found myself surrounded by peers from various academic backgrounds, including engineers and students from across Delhi University. This diverse environment gave me a taste of the full DU experience, which was both enriching and, at times, humbling.
One thing I realized during my time there is that many people don’t explore in their undergrad journey or its opportunities fully. It can become somewhat of a cliché to say that you should make the most of your college journey, but if you genuinely engage with your surroundings and seek growth, it makes you feel equal to the challenges you face. Here, DSE pushes you, but if you take every opportunity and leverage it, you come out not just with academic knowledge but with valuable life skills.
Networking was another key takeaway from my time there. DSE is not just about excelling academically; it’s about building relationships and making connections. The experience leaves you richer—not just with skills, but with the depth and perspective to navigate life going forward.
Ques : How has your experience been as a data analyst so far? How does your day looks like there and what are the technologies/tools you use?
My experience as a data analyst has been quite enriching and varied, The work largely depends on the specific role you have chosen.
In the modeling team, the primary responsibilities include building and validating models. This involves using Python and SQL for data manipulation and analysis, as well as leveraging Microsoft Office for reporting and presentation purposes. The focus here is on checking for errors and ensuring the accuracy of the models we create.
In contrast, in roles that require a more qualitative approach, my tasks include segmenting data, writing observations, and forming hypotheses to test their validity. This aspect allows for a deeper exploration of economic concepts and provides opportunities to investigate various fields related to qualitative analysis.
Ultimately, I believe that the key is to fully engage with whatever role you find yourself in. Each experience contributes to your growth and understanding of the field, and it’s essential to make the most of it.
Ques : What is UGC NET, and is it important?
The UGC NET is an examination conducted in India to determine the eligibility of candidates for the position of Assistant Professor and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
The JRF is particularly significant for those aspiring to pursue a PhD, as it provides financial assistance and recognition for research. While there are many reputable institutions for master's degrees in India, obtaining the JRF is often essential for those looking to undertake doctoral studies, especially if you aim to pursue your PhD at prestigious institutions abroad, such as in the US or Europe.
Ques: How did you know that you wanted to do economics and then corporate. What are the things which you keep in mind while taking life decisions and making choices?
Let’s go a little back in my journey, It began with a genuine interest in political science, particularly in areas like wars and history. But soon I realized that if I wanted to engage in problem-solving on a deeper level, pursuing economics was the right path for me. Economics provides the analytical tools necessary to understand and address complex issues.
When making life decisions and choices, I always ask myself, "Where will this lead me?" This reflective approach allows me to connect the dots backward, understanding how my past experiences and current decisions shape my future. I believe in adopting a long-term perspective when considering my options.
Exploration has been a vital part of my journey. Engaging with different subjects, participating in various activities, and networking with diverse individuals have all enriched my understanding of economics and its practical applications. By being open to new experiences, I have been able to discover what truly resonates with me and where my strengths lie.
Currently, I’m focused on gaining valuable experience in the professional world. My time at DSE has enhanced my understanding of research and policymaking, areas that I find particularly appealing in economics. I plan to spend a year or two in the corporate sector to further develop my skills and insights.
By setting short-term plans, I find that I gain clarity about my goals and can adjust my path as needed. This structured approach helps me navigate my career while remaining open to new opportunities, ensuring that I continue to explore and grow.
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