Studying for 3 years at this prestigious college, my core desire was to give something to the college and professors. In 2013, I realized the dearth and need of an official Placement Cell in our college. Unlike my role in other established committees, the initiation of the Placement Cell allowed me to think, act, and contribute proactively and uniquely towards our college. Till date, this successful initiative boosts my skill and confidence to plan and execute equivalent ideas and challenges. I am indebted to the Placement Cell for lending me the right opportunity to lead and work in a team, which I had created from scratch. Overall, the Placement Cell not only aided in my professional growth and development, but is and will always aid others too in the same.
I believe that the Placement Cell plays a very vital role in the hustle of every student’s employment, whether he/she is a part of the cell or not. On one hand, the activities and events organized by the cell contribute a lot in shaping one’s career. On the other hand, as a member of the cell, one learns to deal with and manage different kinds of people and responsibilities. Moreover, it teaches the role and value of maintaining healthy relationships with peers and colleagues. And this cell is the only society in the college that makes you move out of your comfort zone by interacting with corporate officials specifically and thinking about your future in general. Hence, the cell not only allows to build enduring relationships, but also expand the professional network.
One of the basic challenges that I witnessed was a sheer lack of awareness about the existence and utility of a placement committee amongst the students. A majority of the students were least aware about how a PC can do wonders in their professional life. Hence, my objective was to lay a firm foundation and create a legacy for the future of PC which I overcame with meticulous planning and execution.
My mantra is – ‘Do what you like and like what you do’. So, one should apply for those job options which one really desires to work for after a thorough review of the job description. Check if the job skills and opportunities are in your favor or not before the final application. At the same time, one should also remain open-minded to explore exciting and interesting jobs, especially, during the internship applications. Since freshers lack any exposure to the corporate world, internships act as a window to the real and entire picture of full-time roles.
Generally, there are two options available after a Ph.D. - Research Consultant in corporate firms or Assistant Professors in colleges. Currently, I am applying in the top Indian B-Schools for the faculty post in the Marketing area. In the long run, I aim to be an ideal Dean of a reputed B School.
One basic notion clear in my mind since my school days was that I am not designed for the corporate world. When I ventured into the research and teaching arena, I just knew that I had identified my professional comfort zone. I guess my nag for constantly exploring and innovating, like the set up of the Placement Cell, makes me an apt fit in the academic industry.
Firstly, I ensured to be thorough with my concepts and courses. I tried to be conscious regarding my career goals, associated studies, and the applied job and company. Secondly, I always tried to be honest with myself before and during any selection and interview process. Thirdly, I had multiple interactions with my then seniors and professors for optimum guidance and knowledge. I overcame my hesitation to seek help and support from the right sources. Lastly, I worked upon to enhance my communication skills and overall personality.
Being a part of the Placement Cell, I had a slight advantage of closely learning about the selection procedures and criteria. I am immensely proud and overwhelmed to observe the current placement cell offering similar wholesome ample opportunities and experiences to all the college students.
I think everyone has a unique way of managing their time efficiently while juggling between different things. For me, being a meticulous planner has always worked best. I curate a time schedule beforehand and try to adhere to the same. For example, during my days as a Coordinator of the Placement Cell, I was also an executive member of other vital societies, besides my current course and prep for upcoming post-grad entrances. But honestly, nothing ever felt a burden as I used to plan and split my time per the most important task at hand. I understand that everyone has a multitude of tasks to manage on their plate at one point of time but the key is not to procrastinate and complete everything on time. Also, it is equally important to be committed to your studies and work and enjoy it completely.
Speaking from experience, I would not advise anyone to set any unrealistic expectations from one’s guide/ recruiter/ organization because unfulfillment of such expectations is the biggest source of job dissatisfaction, hindering work performance and efficacy. Rather, one should scan and see how things work out in the organization and then expect accordingly – ‘first deserve, then desire’. Thus, one should only expect basic job necessities like decent salary, work environment, etc. and not unrealistic expectations atleast in the initial years of the career.
My advice here would be to be a bit greedy and look for all of the above, even if it is a bit of each of them. Also, I would like to add one more aspect to the above list, namely, a good human network. Assigning weights to each one of the four job criteria as per one’s preference may be a more comprehensive and customized technique. For example, some may assign a larger weight to the monetary job benefits whereas, some may add more value to job experience. Either Way. Satisfying a combination of all the four elements offer an optimal alternative. At the same time, one should remain open and flexible to the assigned weights during job applications and at the job for a successful and satisfying professional journey.