Mitthi Jyoti Sharma’s entry into doctoral research represents a conscious departure from the traditional corporate ladder. As a Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) scholar (batch 2020) at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mitthi views scholarship as a transformative career choice rather than a default academic path.
Drawing on insights from her interview, this piece explores her journey from an academically minded student to a researcher tackling complex issues in Human Resource Management (HRM).
Early academic grounding: Choosing inquiry over industry
Mitthi describes herself as an academic by nature. While studying for her BCom and later an MCom specialised in International Business, she realised that her interests lay in questioning and inquiry rather than corporate operations.
“I did not want to pursue a conventional career in other professions,” Mitthi explains. Instead, she focused on building a robust research profile by strengthening her subject knowledge and developing a compelling research proposal. For prospective students, she recommends focusing on publications and a clear research interest to stand out during the application phase.
Navigating the SPJIMR selection process
The FPM selection process at SPJIMR tests more than just rote memory; it evaluates a candidate’s research orientation. The process involves:
Written examinations
These test quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and research aptitude.
Subject area test
Mitthi recalls a unique challenge where she had to analyse a research paper on the context of “What is good theory?”. This specific test helps the faculty gauge a candidate’s ability to understand the “why” behind an author’s work and whether they possess the analytical lens required for doctoral-level study.
Research focus: HRM and Career Management
Mitthi’s research sits within the Human Resource Management (HRM) domain, with a particular focus on career management and social networks. Her thesis is about understanding how people connect and build networks that support their career development in formal and informal economy. Her others interests include hiring processes and have also published a case, titled, “GenAI for Hiring: Solution or Challenge?” at Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies. In addition to this, she enjoys conversations on topics such as inclusive practices and leadership behaviour in workplaces whereby she has written articles published in other outlets (“Beyond Just Checkboxes: Diversity for Real Impact” at The Economic Times HRWorld; and, “Wolf in the Corner Office: Identifying & Neutralizing High-Performing Toxic Leaders” at Management Practice Insights).
In addition to this, Mitthi has received GSERM Scholarship for attending summer school programme at University of St Gallen, Switzerland in 2023. Early on, she has presented her research work at the International conference on Network Science at IIM-A in 2022 and one of her doctoral studies at the British Academy of Management at Nottingham Trent University in 2024.
The Ph.D. Ecosystem: Mental health and peer support
Mitthi is candid about the challenges of doctoral life, describing it as a ‘lonesome journey’ full of personal struggles. Her term paper on the mental health of Ph.D. students revealed that scholars often face higher risks of depression than other academic groups.
However, she credits the SPJIMR ecosystem for providing the necessary support to navigate these hurdles:
FPM Scholars
Her batchmates and other FPM Scholars have been her closest support system during her journey.
Supervisor relationships
Mitthi emphasises that building a transparent relationship and maintaining clear communication with supervisors is essential for doing strong research.
Institutional accessibility
Unlike many institutions where students struggle to see their mentors, SPJIMR professors prioritise students, often making themselves available for small sessions throughout the coursework and thesis stages to provide direction.
Beyond teaching: The significance of the ‘Portfolio Career’
While many view a Ph.D. solely as a route to teaching, Mitthi identifies the emergence of the ‘portfolio career’. Completing the FPM at SPJIMR opens doors to:
- Corporate and research-based consulting.
- Founding research-led startups.
- Thought leadership in social sciences.
Mitthi notes that while social science research is less structured than the natural sciences, it is deeply meaningful because it offers unique insights into society and human behaviour.
Advice for aspiring researchers
For those considering the scholar’s path, Mitthi offers three pillars of advice:
Build a strong profile
Focus on your research proposal and publications early on.
Practise self-determination
There are no shortcuts. A Ph.D. is a marathon of struggles that requires internal conviction.
Prioritise meaning
Only pursue research if the subject is meaningful to you; otherwise, you risk “career hopping” without fulfilment.
Mitthi Jyoti Sharma’s story reinforces that a Ph.D. is not just a qualification—it is a transformative journey of resilience and purpose.
To learn more about the Fellow Programme in Management at SPJIMR, visit the programme page.
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