Glowing through what she goes through!
While many pursue a linear path to achieve their educational and career goals, Apoorva Pachori stands out for embracing a non-linear approach at times when things don’t favour her. “Even after giving your best, you might not always get what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s important to have a Plan B,” she says with a smile. This mindset has led her to her current role as a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) at Aon. Through all the educational and campus placement challenges, she has certainly continued to grow and thrive. Let’s dive into her story
Apoorva Pachori was born and raised in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. Growing up with a typical middle-class mindset, the values she embraced shaped her path to success, particularly in her educational journey. When asked who deserves the credit, she quickly responded, “Of course, my parents played a great role in nurturing me, pushing me to achieve nothing but the best. And with that, my friends supported me through thick and thin.”
The beginning
Growing up, Apoorva was studious and smart, which was evident in her grades. "I was a good student, so choosing engineering to achieve something significant felt like the obvious choice," she shared. After graduating with a Bachelor's in Engineering from Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Bhopal, she secured a government job in client servicing, which she welcomed wholeheartedly. Reflecting on her experiences, she said, "It was definitely an eye-opener. Not everything was smooth sailing, but I learned how to handle challenging situations, people, and circumstances that could spiral out of control. It was indeed a valuable stepping stone." She advised students, “Take your first job very seriously; it serves as a guiding light. Be attentive and absorb everything around you. Always be punctual, give your best, and don’t forget to enjoy your journey.”
Life happens
Although her first job was going well, Apoorva felt she was destined for something greater. “Civil Services always brought out the best in me, so I decided that taking a gap to prepare for it made sense,” she explained. She embarked on the monumental task of clearing the Civil Services entrance exams. “I left no stone unturned—whether day or night, I focused on solving papers and watched numerous videos to enhance my preparation,” she said. “My father’s wholehearted support strengthened my resolve.”
Despite three and a half years of intense effort, she didn’t clear the exams. “I wouldn’t call it a struggle,” she smiled. “It was a life changing experience. I realised I could face any challenge with a smile. The lessons I learned were invaluable, instilling a never-ending confidence in me. Ironically, it helped me retain my positive mindset, and the knowledge I gained will guide me for a lifetime”, she says.
Now that the storm had passed, Apoorva was calm and ready for the next challenge. She decided to pursue an MBA, which she describes as a game changer. “Life happens; I learned from my failures, which I’m proud of, and chose to do an MBA in Marketing Management. Moving to Pune for this was a great decision. Throughout this journey, my family, friends, and my then-fiancé, now husband Rohit, stood by me like a rock”, she says.
The placement story
When she entered her PG college, Apoorva aimed to gain as much knowledge as possible to secure a good placement. “The journey, looking back, was rewarding. Thanks to my Civil Services preparation, I was already halfway there. I just needed to seal the deal. I continued solving papers, watching numerous educational videos, networking with my peers and seniors, and communicating with my professors,” she noted.
Apoorva interviewed with over three companies before landing a position with Bajaj Allianz. She later moved to Care Health Insurance as a Manager – Institutional Business, where she had the opportunity to travel across the country and experience the corporate world. “This experience was invaluable; I encourage everyone to embrace it with an open mind,” she said.
To sum up her journey, Apoorva shared a heartfelt note: “It is only when we embrace change that our lives improve. The journey may not be easy and there will be difficulties, and if you push through the outcome can be truly extraordinary. So, take that first step and go conquer the world, my friends.”
"It is only when we embrace change that our lives improve. The journey may not be easy and there will be difficulties, and if you push through the outcome can be truly extraordinary"
— Apoorva Pachori
Currently, Apoorva is with Aon. And, in 2020, she married the love of her life Rohit, and now they together are scripting their story—oh so beautifully! Well-settled, she is now enjoying her life to the fullest, immersing herself in the corporate world and evolving into the ‘corporate queen’ she aspired to be. She continues to climb the corporate ladder and enjoys life as it comes.
How to prepare for campus placement:
Be unstoppable: A positive mindset is fuelled by the confidence that ‘you are the best’ – this shouldn’t be confused with overconfidence. When this belief is clear in your mind and paired with relentless hard work, nothing can stop you.
Communicate like a pro – speak up. Whether in your educational, professional, or personal life, effective communication is the key to success. During the PI (Personal Interview) round of campus placements, it's crucial to communicate clearly and concisely—focus on showcasing your unique strengths and selling your USP. Only then will you stand out to the selectors. So, speak up!
Understand the basics: Most students end up memorising the concepts, which won't take them far. Instead, students should understand the basics of all the concepts. If you do so, you will never forget it, and that will become your foundation.
Trust the process: There are things in life beyond your control, but your actions are always within your grasp. Instead of fixating on the outcomes, focus on consistently giving your best. You may face failure along the way—learn from it, stay resilient, and continue working even harder. Above all, trust the process.
Build a sparkling resume: A fresher may not have extensive work experience, but they do have internships, projects, and leadership roles from their college life. They should highlight these experiences and craft a compelling resume that reflects their unique qualities and potential.