I've spoken to Nikunj three times now and his tips on drafting an SOP for a fellowship I've long aspired for helped me progress through the selection process! He subsequently helped me with multiple mock interviews as well which were very helpful. Nikunj is kind, considerate, and has a way of easing you through your anxieties. I'm very, very glad I was able to get his time and assistance and wish more people get to benefit from it!
anushka
Pinned
I had the privilege of getting support from Nikunj, and I can't express my gratitude enough. When I was feeling stuck and lost, Nikunj's structured approach was like a guiding light. He methodically helped me navigate the path towards my next steps. What sets Nikunj apart is his incredible empathy and kindness. He not only understood my challenges but also made me feel heard and valued. His support was unwavering, and he has a unique ability to ignite warmth. Nikunj is a remarkable person, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking guidance and inspiration.
Misk Khurana
Pinned
I am immensely grateful for the mentorship provided by Nikunj, as it gave me invaluable insights into my career options. The guidance and support I received from Nikunj opened my eyes to new possibilities and helped me gain a deeper understanding of the professional paths available to me. Throughout my mentorship with Nikunj, I was exposed to a wealth of knowledge and expertise that significantly enhanced my perspective. By engaging in thoughtful discussions and receiving personalized advice, I gained clarity and confidence in making informed decisions about my future. Nikunj’s mentorship not only broadened my horizons but also sparked a sense of excitement and passion for pursuing certain career paths I had previously overlooked. The invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Nikunj have helped me carve a clearer path towards achieving my goals. I highly recommend Nikunj as a mentor to anyone seeking guidance and fresh insights into their career. His expertise and dedication have the potential to transform your outlook, open doors to new opportunities, and empower you to make informed choices. I am truly grateful for the positive impact Nikunj has had on my professional journey.
Abhishek HP
Pinned
The call with Nikunj was more like calling an old friend with whom you can open about your career issues and insecurities we at times struggle within ourselves. Thank you for being patient, listening to each and every detail of my life and goals and giving me a clarity and way forward to look upto. Would love to stay in touch and thanks for boosting my self- confidence.
Tahreen
Pinned
Finding a mentor is not easy. Most people tend to brag about their achievements when you go to them for advice, and even if they do help you, it isn't always worded the way you need it to be. Nikunj belongs to that rare category of humans who are kind and empathetic first. He knows the art of listening and guides you along gently. At the end of the day, you have to walk the path alone, but people like Nikunj show you a friendly light along the way. Thank you so much for doing this, Nikunj!
Tanushree Sen
Pinned
Nikunji is so kind, patient, and enthusiastic. I felt empowered, refreshed, and confident after talking with him! He has a strong passion for education and is willing to support people from marginalized communities. Definitely recommend him to anyone who's interested in the scholarship application and career advancement!
Not only did Nikunj help clear the queries and anticipations that I had come with, but also went beyond that for general advice on grad school applications that I hadn't personally thought of at this point.
I would recommend a session with Nikunj to anyone even just remotely considering applying for grad school- unlike a lot of alumni who generally go overboard to sell the importance of a foreign degree, he helped me weigh the pros and cons of applying at this point.
Super thankful to him for doing this at a nominal cost considering most of us are sill students and early career professionals .
Anagha
25th Mar, 2023
5/5
I wanted to express my appreciation for the fantastic mock interview session I had with Nikunj Sir. Despite being an introvert and feeling nervous about one-to-one online sessions, I found the session to be helpful and informative. Nikunj Sir asked insightful questions that allowed me to think critically about my experience and how it relates to the fellowship program I applied for. I am grateful for the time he took to provide me with specific areas for improvement. Additionally, his communication style was friendly and approachable, which made the session less intimidating. Overall, I gained valuable insights to improve my interview skills, and I highly recommend Nikunj Sir's services to anyone preparing for an upcoming interview.
Thank you, Nikunj Agarwal.
ANJALI RAJ
24th Mar, 2023
About me
My lived experiences of growing up in a community surrounded by inequity coupled with my work with disadvantaged communities in India have shaped my perspective on justice and power. This has further fuelled my passion for making this world better, equal, and safe. As a development policy practitioner and a social justice leader, I've worked in areas that are critical to human development such as education, gender, livelihood, human rights, social justice, and advocacy.
I began my journey in the development sector as a Teach for India fellow, where I taught 97 students in a government school classroom in an urban slum in New Delhi. Afterward, at the University of Chicago Trust, I worked with the Department of Education on systemic education transformation, with Niti Aayog (Government of India’s Internal Planning Unit and Think Tank) on enabling women entrepreneurship & with SEWA Bharat on labor rights, livelihood opportunities & digital solutions for informal sector women workers. Recently I led the G20 Empower initiative under India’s G20 presidency, driving collaboration between businesses and governments to promote gender justice and accelerate women's leadership in the public and private sector.
At the University of Oxford as a Chevening scholar, I deepened my understanding of policies and how they influence and shape countries through my interactions with the diverse cohort. I aim to continue working at the intersection of people, policy, and politics.
Through Topmate, I hope to help folks looking for career guidance, studying abroad opportunities, interview preparation, public policy strategy, and other kinds of mentorship and coaching.
The only reason to keep a nominal charge is to let me have a chance to speak with people who genuinely want to connect. The amount will help me pay interns whom I am working with on an exciting new project. However, affordability is always on a spectrum and if you are unable to afford this amount, then just drop me a DM. I do not want money to be a barrier for us to connect with each other.
Nikunj Agarwal is a professional, empathetic mentor known for providing clarity, actionable advice, and encouragement. Highly recommended for career and interview guidance.