Biography of Nikhil Barshikar: Founder and CEO of Imarticus Learning- EdTech Startup
Biography of Nikhil Barshikar:
Nikhil Barshikar is a notable figure in the world of
professional education. He is the Founder and CEO of Imarticus Learning, a
leading education company in India. Nikhil’s career spans over 18 years,
primarily in investment banking and capital markets. His journey began in the
bustling city of New York, where he started his career at Lehman Brothers in
their Corporate Finance division. This early experience laid the foundation for
his future endeavors in the financial sector.
Transition to Mumbai
After his stint in New York, Nikhil moved to Mumbai, India,
to establish Lehman Brothers' operations there. This transition marked a
significant step in his career, as he took on the challenge of setting up and
managing large-scale operations in a new market. His role involved overseeing
operations, technology, and project teams, which honed his skills in handling
complex, people-driven organizations.
Rising Through the Ranks
Nikhil’s career continued to soar as he joined Nomura
Securities, where he held various key positions. Starting as a Vice President
at Nomura India, he quickly advanced to the role of Executive Director. During
his time at Nomura, he successfully managed large teams and led major projects,
gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of investment banking and
financial services.
The Birth of Imarticus Learning
In 2012, Nikhil and his colleague Sonya Hooja founded
Imarticus Learning. The inception of this company was driven by Nikhil’s
realization of a significant skill gap in the professional market. He observed
that many professionals lacked the practical skills needed for success in their
careers. To address this, he created Imarticus Learning to provide specialized
training in financial services, analytics, technology, marketing, and
management.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Imarticus Learning was designed to bridge the gap between
industry needs and academic learning. Nikhil’s extensive experience in
investment banking allowed him to understand the precise skills required by
professionals in the industry. He used this knowledge to develop programs that
offer practical, hands-on training, thus equipping students with the skills
needed to excel in the competitive job market.
Biography of Nikhil Barshikar: Founder and CEO of Imarticus Learning- EdTech Startup/Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/Wife/Story of Nikhil B/Imarticus Learn
Education’s Evolving Role
According to Nikhil, today’s education system is
increasingly recognizing the need for practical skills that align with industry
demands. He highlights a recent survey showing that fewer than 25% of fresh
graduates are job-ready. This gap has led to a shift towards experiential
learning and skill-focused programs that better prepare students for real-world
challenges.
The Impact of Digital Technology
Digital technology has played a crucial role in transforming
education. It has democratized access to high-quality courses and allowed
professionals to upskill while balancing their work commitments. Platforms that
use AI-driven personalized learning are making education more tailored and
effective, ensuring that learning outcomes are closely linked to practical
applications.
Challenges in Digital Education
Despite its advantages, digital education comes with
challenges. One major issue is the digital divide, where students from less
privileged backgrounds may lack access to necessary technology and internet
connectivity. Additionally, excessive reliance on digital platforms can limit
face-to-face interactions and the development of interpersonal skills.
Balancing technology with traditional learning methods is essential to address
these concerns.
The Need for Industry-Academia Collaboration
Nikhil emphasizes the importance of aligning education with
industry needs. He suggests that educational curriculums should evolve more
quickly to reflect the changing demands of the job market. Collaborations
between educational institutions and industry—such as internships and guest
lectures—are crucial for making graduates more job-ready and improving their
employability.
Career Advice for Students
In today’s competitive job market, Nikhil advises students
to embrace lifelong learning. He notes that the Future of Jobs report predicts
a significant need for reskilling by 2025. Students should actively seek
opportunities for acquiring new skills and practical experiences. Networking,
building relationships, and seeking mentorship are also important for long-term
career success.
The Future of Education and Career Success
Nikhil’s journey and insights underscore the evolving
landscape of education and professional development. His experiences highlight
the importance of adapting to industry needs and leveraging digital tools for
education. As he continues to lead Imarticus Learning, his focus remains on
bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing
students for the dynamic challenges of the professional world.
Timeline for Nikhil’s journey
Early Career in New York: Started at Lehman Brothers in
Corporate Finance.
Transition to Mumbai: Set up Lehman Brothers’ operations in
India.
Rising at Nomura: Advanced from Vice President to Executive
Director.
2012: Co-founded Imarticus Learning to address industry
skill gaps.
Addressing Skills Gap: Developed hands-on training programs
for career success.
Evolving Education: Advocates for practical skills and
experiential learning.
Impact of Digital Tech: Emphasizes AI-driven personalized
learning.
Challenges in Digital Education: Notes issues like digital
divide and loss of interpersonal skills.
Need for Industry Collaboration: Supports industry-academia
partnerships to enhance job readiness.
Career Advice: Advocates lifelong learning, networking, and
reskilling.
Future of Education: Focuses on bridging academic knowledge
with practical skills.
