Transforming Education: A Conversation with Rajesh Dedhia, Founder and CFO of Vantage Knowledge Academy

An interview with Rajesh Dedhia, Founder and CFO of Vantage Knowledge Academy

In an era where education is rapidly evolving, Rajesh Dedhia, Founder and CFO of Vantage Knowledge Academy, stands at the forefront of innovation.

With a passion for empowering learners and a vision to redefine educational paradigms, Rajesh has dedicated his career to creating impactful learning experiences.

In this interview, he shares insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the transformative initiatives that Vantage Knowledge Academy is implementing to shape the future of education.

What inspired you to establish Vantage Knowledge Academy, and what is the core mission of the institute?

Rajesh Dedhia: After completing my BSE in Chemistry and initially dreaming of pursuing further studies in cellular biology in the US, I was disappointed by the lack of funding options available at that time.

Back in 1990, when the capital market was largely driven by the Big Bull Harshad Mehta, I found myself drawn to the market. In 1991, I co-founded Vantage with a few friends. We were able to make significant profits, and by 1995, Vantage was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Vantage was involved in a range of activities, including stockbroking, merchant banking, investment banking, and as a registrar and transfer agent, up until 2016.

We also had a training division aimed at educating both our staff and clients, which became a profitable arm of the business. In 2016, Vantage was registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).

However, we decided to spin off our education division, which led to the birth of Vantage Knowledge Academy in 2013. Since then, we have focused on the education sector, continuing to provide training and knowledge development opportunities.

Can you elaborate on the specialized professional courses that Vantage Knowledge Academy offers and how they differ from traditional finance education?

Rajesh Dedhia: While Vantage Knowledge Academy also manages two degree colleges recognized by Mumbai University, offering traditional academic programs such as B.Com, BBS, BMS, BFM, BMM, BSc IT, and BSc CS, our primary focus has always been on nontraditional professional qualifications like CMT, CPA, and CWM.

While Mumbai University offers programs like BFM, which are academic in nature, many students who complete these programs often find themselves confused about their future career paths and struggle with unemployment.

This is primarily due to the lack of practical skills required by today’s industries. At Vantage, we have always focused on providing programs that not only make students employable but also equip them with professional skills, particularly in fields like finance, accounting, law, and banking, for those who intend to pursue a career in these sectors.

How do you ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to the ever-evolving finance sector?

Rajesh Dedhia: At Vantage, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant to the ever-evolving finance sector through a multi-faceted approach.

Our programs are updated annually, aligning with the latest industry demands, a flexibility made possible by the new Education Policy of 2020, which empowers autonomous colleges to adapt their syllabus with ease. 

What challenges have you faced in establishing Vantage Knowledge Academy as a recognized name in finance education, and how have you overcome them?

Rajesh Dedhia: Convincing the typical mindset of Indian academicians has been a challenge for us, especially when faced with resistance from those who were unwilling to embrace change.

Many of these traditional academicians have opposed the new Education Policy 2020 and continue to promote outdated qualifications like BCom and BA, with the same old syllabus and teaching methodologies.

Despite these challenges, we successfully introduced two innovative, new-age master’s programs in collaboration with Mumbai University and SIES College of Commerce and Economics in the 2022-23 academic year, post-COVID: the Master’s in Global Wealth Management and the Master’s in Finance and Technical Analysis.

We are also planning to introduce an additional four Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in commerce in collaboration with Mumbai University and other institutions in the upcoming academic year.

How has technology influenced the way Vantage Knowledge Academy delivers its courses, especially in the context of online learning?

Rajesh Dedhia: In 2024, we ventured into online education by launching www.vantagepro.app, recognizing the transformative potential of digital learning.

The future of online education is becoming dynamic and driven by technological advancements, changing learner preferences, and a shift towards lifelong learning. This transition aligns with the growing need for more accessible and flexible educational options.

Education is increasingly moving towards modular, continuous global learning experiences, enabling individuals to upskill and adapt to the evolving job market.

As the traditional education model continues to evolve, it is expected that more opportunities will emerge for individuals to enhance their skills and careers, supporting lifelong learning and professional growth.

Does Vantage Knowledge Academy collaborate with industry leaders or organizations to enhance its course offerings?

Rajesh Dedhia: Yes, Vantage has always focused on providing professional, industry-oriented learning. We have established partnerships with a number of financial planners, wealth managers, and technical analysts in the industry, and have signed MOUs for knowledge exchange.

These collaborations help us continually update our syllabus to meet the evolving needs of the financial sector.

Additionally, our industry partners offer students internship opportunities during their study period, giving them practical experience.

Upon successful completion of the program, many of these partners also hire students as full-time employees, further enhancing the career prospects of our graduates.

What trends do you foresee in the finance education sector, and how is Vantage Knowledge Academy preparing to adapt to these changes?

Rajesh Dedhia: The financial education sector is continuously evolving to meet changing demands, with a significant shift towards e-learning due to increased internet penetration in India.

This has made it more convenient for students in rural areas to access the same financial education and skills that are typically available to those in urban areas.

At Vantage, we recognize the emerging trends in finance, particularly in fintech, and the growing need to incorporate new asset classes into financial education.

We have already established a Fintech division and invested in developing online content that is set to be a game-changer.

Additionally, we see opportunities in areas like legal literacy, behavioral finance, and blockchain/cryptocurrency education. The future of financial education is becoming borderless, and we are preparing to meet these global challenges head-on.

What advice would you give to students who are considering a career in finance and are looking to choose the right educational path?

Rajesh Dedhia: For students considering a career in finance, it’s essential to develop strong analytical skills, gain hands-on experience through internships, and understand the various career paths within the industry.

It’s important to focus on building both technical and soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving, while staying updated on industry trends like FinTech and blockchain. Networking and continuous learning, including certifications like CFA, are crucial for career growth.

Additionally, students should be prepared for a competitive, fast-paced environment and maintain strong ethical standards. A proactive, growth-oriented mindset will be key to navigating and succeeding in the ever-evolving finance sector.

As we conclude our conversation with Rajesh Dedhia, it’s clear that his commitment to fostering knowledge and innovation is unwavering.

Through Vantage Knowledge Academy, he is not only addressing the current educational landscape but also inspiring a new generation of learners.

Rajesh’s insights remind us that the future of education lies in adaptability, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey serves as a beacon for aspiring educators and entrepreneurs alike.

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