ATLAS ISME Alumni Conclave 2026 | Session 1: From Classroom to Boardroom – Marketing Leaders Return to Inspire the Next Generation
ATLAS ISME at ATLAS SkillTech University recently hosted its much-anticipated Alumni Conclave 2026, bringing together students and distinguished alumni for an evening of insight, honesty and inspiration. Themed “From Classroom to Boardroom: Building a Career in Marketing,” the session spotlighted real-world journeys that began in ATLAS classrooms and evolved into impactful careers in branding, growth and entrepreneurship.
The conclave featured four dynamic alumni – Aania Bhatia, Co-founder, Mondescape Media; Manvi Jain, Head of Business & Growth, That Marketing Lady; Anshika Khawad, Founder, MISKO; and Nikita Mehra, Chief Non-Stopper, Non-Stop Social – who returned to campus not just as professionals, but as mentors eager to share practical lessons from the field.
Marketing Is More Than Metrics
One of the strongest themes that emerged was the evolving definition of growth. Moving beyond vanity metrics, the alumni emphasized the importance of meaningful brand building.
“Growth today is not just about conversions,” shared Manvi Jain. “It is the combination of conversion, brand affinity and recall. If your brand doesn’t stay in people’s minds, numbers alone won’t sustain you.”
The discussion reinforced that consistent positioning across platforms and clear founder visibility play a crucial role in long-term brand equity.
Marketing Growth is the combination of conversion, brand affinity and recall.
– Manvi Jain
The Power of Personal Branding
For students aspiring to enter competitive industries, personal branding emerged as a critical differentiator.
“Your personal brand is the perception you create for yourself,” said Anshika Khawad. “Sometimes that perception can open doors you didn’t even knock on.”
In fact, Anshika recounted how her portfolio page was once mistaken for a company page — leading potential clients to approach her for projects. The story served as a powerful reminder that visibility and clarity of positioning matter.
Personal branding can open doors you didn’t even knock on
– Anshika Khawad
Building Sustainable Brands
Trust and relationships were recurring themes throughout the session. Aania Bhatia highlighted the importance of long-term thinking in marketing.
“Sustainable brand growth comes from trust, clarity and strong client relationships,” she explained. “Awareness is important, but building a close-knit community is what truly drives sales.”
She also shared how she secured her first ten projects through on-ground networking – proving that initiative and resourcefulness often outweigh big budgets.
Awareness is important, but building a close-knit community is what truly drives sales.
– Aania Bhatia
Culture, Content and Courage
From hiring practices to social media strategy, the alumni emphasized values as much as skills.
“I believe in keeping employees as long as you can,” said Nikita Mehra. “When I hire, I look for marketing skills and creativity — but equally, I look at the kind of person you are.”
On content strategy, she added, “Whether you’re a B2B or B2C brand, your content has to be informative, entertaining, relatable and relevant.”
The conversation also touched upon marketing trends, the importance of adaptability, and the need to define clear scopes of work while building an agency. Students were encouraged to start before they feel ready — even with zero marketing budgets — by leveraging their networks and creating smart, resourceful content.
When I hire, I look for marketing skills and creativity – but equally, I look at the kind of person you are.
– Nikita Mehra
Working With AI, Not Against It
Another key takeaway was the role of AI in modern marketing. Rather than viewing it as a threat, the alumni encouraged students to embrace it.
“Learn how to use AI,” advised Aania. “If you work with it, you can move faster and focus more on creative thinking.”
The message was clear: adaptability and continuous learning are essential for marketers navigating an ever-evolving digital landscape.
The Alumni Conclave 2026 was more than a networking event — it was a full-circle moment. It reflected ATLAS ISME’s commitment to bridging academic learning with industry realities, empowering students with mentorship, perspective and actionable insights. As students left the session inspired and energised, one truth stood out: Marketing belongs to those who stay creative, consistent, courageous and committed to building brands with purpose.
