STAR CAMPUS PLACEMENT : Surmounting fears is half the battle won

Hailing from the small village of Kalameshwar in Gonhi taluka of Nagpur district, Sumit Milmile has hit the bullseye in the corporate world. Sumit came to Pune for studying, did his B.Tech (EnTC) and is today placed at Evalueserve in the role of Business Analyst. Sumit shares his experience of campus placement with Corporate Citizen

What was your experience with the entire process of campus placement?

The first hurdle to pass on my placement was the aptitude test. But as Maths is my favourite subject, I did not have much of a problem in that area. The only section that was a little problematic was the verbal section, for which I had to prepare a lot. So with hard work, I cleared the aptitude test. After the short-listing of candidates after the aptitude test, students had to undergo personal interviews, most of which would be technical. I was well prepared with my summer project and all the questions they could ask me. In the first round, I was asked a few technical questions. As I came from an engineering background, it was not at all difficult for me to answer those questions. Students who gave interview after me and before me were shortlisted, and went for the second round. I was not called. My confidence was getting low because I had given a very nice interview. Then, after three students were shortlisted, my name was called and I was sent for the second round of interviews. It was the HR round wherein they mainly checked our communication skills and confidence. The second round too went well. But as other students were still waiting, I had to wait until all students gave their interviews. Twenty five students gave the first interview and eight were shortlisted for the next round. When they were about to announce the results, I was extremely nervous. They announced four names and my name was not among them. Then, at the end, they called my name. It was like a dream come true. I could not control my emotions and tears started to roll down my eyes.

Surmounting fears about the placement–were there any?

I was a little fearful about communicating in English, which I had to overcome. I practised public speaking. I took the help of my friends and started to communicate with them in English. I would expecially like to thank Pooja who helped me enormously in this. That is how I overcame my fear.

Tell us about your new journey.

I have got a wonderful opportunity to showcase my knowledge and skills, therefore, it’s now time for me to actually gear up and make my way to a successful career.

"It was really a challenging phase at the time, when my friends were getting placed and I could not crack the interviews well, especially the aptitude tests. There was one hurdle or the other. This not only lowered my confidence, but also created a lot of pressure. But somehow, I came through and fought for what was best for me"

What really tested your mettle?

It was really a challenging phase at the time, when my friends were getting placed and I could not crack the interviews well, especially the aptitude tests. There was one or the other hurdle on the way. This not only lowered my confidence, but also created a lot of pressure. But somehow, I came through and fought for what was best for me.

Whom do you credit your success?

I would credit my success to my mom, dad, and my sisters, who have been supporting me all through. They have always been there to help me out in any problem. Friends, especially Safwaan, too have supported. Despite the fact that we were all backbenchers, they helped me gain knowledge and made me smile at all times.

How was your early academic life?

I did my schooling from K D High School at Pusad. Throughout my schooling, I was very competitive and hardworking. I had given lots of talent search examinations and had stood first many times. I also was interested in cricket, so I have been part of my college cricket team. I did my XI from P N college of Arts and Science and my XII from Lokhit Junior College. During these two years I totally devoted my time to studies and came out with flying colours. I came to Pune and did my graduation from the GH Raisoni College of Engineering and Management in Electronics & Telecommunications. It was very tough for me since that was the first time to study away from home. In spite of that, I completed my graduation successfully. I had friends who were supportive.

Tell us about your family..

My father Prabhakar Milmile is a retired Maths professor and my mother Maya is a housewife. I have two sisters, the older one working with the Tech Mahindra and younger one with the Bajaj Allianz.

What are the six tricks that you would like to share with your juniors?

  • Set your goals and take steps accordingly.
  • Keep your knowledge updated.
  • Keep competing because there is no such thing called 'failure'. There's always a way to come out of any situation.
  • Believe in yourself.
  • Keep reading, it will increase your awareness.
  • Last but not the least, keep enjoying.... Enjoy each and every moment of your life. Keep smiling, always.

By Joe Williams