Learning Leading Growing

Riya Aggarwal has a multifaceted personality, with a strong foundation built on the virtues of hard work and determination. Currently, she works at Airtel as their Program Manager, where she continues leveraging her diverse skills and talents to make a meaningful impact. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, Riya opens up about her campus placement journey, the importance of being involved in extracurricular activities, a few tips for her juniors on how to prepare for placements and more

In today's competitive world, the shift from the academic sphere to the corporate landscape can be a daunting dream. Riya understood this, but with all her heart, she aimed for the moon and landed among the stars. “Hard work always pays off,” Riya smiled. “Being studious certainly comes in handy when you have a mammoth dream of securing a good placement,” she added. Riya's journey to Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., exemplifies how dedication and a clear vision can lead to achieving one's dreams. Her consistent efforts during her MBA and her belief in her capabilities propelled her towards her goal. Riya's story serves as an inspiring reminder that pursuing one's passion, coupled with hard work and perseverance, can yield significant results, especially in competitive fields like marketing.

Now, I’m focused on expanding my knowledge, especially in technology. Transitioning from traditional industries to a tech-driven environment is challenging, but I’m excited to embrace it. My vision is to keep learning and evolving

Strong foundation

Riya hails from the small yet vibrant town of Bathinda, Punjab, a place that profoundly shaped her personality. “This town developed me into the versatile individual I am today,” said a proud Riya. However, another factor that helped shape her career was her studious yet mischievous nature. “In life, there should be balance; just being studious can be boring. Embracing my mischievous side helped me understand various facets of life,” she smiled.

Riya graduated in Biotechnology from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, where she actively participated in several cultural activities alongside excelling in her studies.

“Learning and performing folk dance instilled a profound sense of pride in me and contributed to shaping my values and virtues,” Riya shared. She emphasised the importance of pursuing more than just academics. “Just studying isn’t enough. I believe it is essential to excel in other aspects of life. In fact, participating in extracurricular activities helped me stay focused on my studies and perform better academically,” she says.

Riya gave a piece of heartfelt advice to her juniors, "I strongly encourage all of you to lead a balanced educational life. It’s not just about grades—your personal growth comes from embracing a variety of experiences".

Her placement diary

After completing her graduation, Riya moved to Pune to pursue an MBA in Marketing. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “It was a whole new world for me, where I met people from all over the country. This exposure helped me understand various avenues of life and broadened my perspective.”

She enrolled in this course with an open mind, aiming to grow. As campus placements approached, she pulled up her socks. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “My only vision was to get into Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., — the dream was big, but not impossible. All it needed was hard work.”

She added, “I focused on skill development by solving aptitude papers online, staying updated with current affairs, and participating in multiple mock GDs and PIs. I networked actively and gathered industry knowledge. After sitting for 2-3 companies, I finally secured a place in my dream company.”

In life, there should be balance; just being studious can be boring. Embracing my mischievous side helped me understand various facets of life

Keep growing

After a successful stint with Coca-Cola, Riya transitioned to Airtel as their Program Manager. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I enjoy the steady flow of success. It was a great learning experience — a blend of sales and team management that prepared me for leadership. My aspiration for a managerial role drove me to explore new opportunities.”

With her sights set on future growth, Riya knows that understanding, embracing, and mastering technology is the key. “Now, I’m focused on expanding my knowledge, especially in technology. Transitioning from traditional industries to a tech-driven environment is challenging, but I’m excited to embrace it. My vision is to keep learning and evolving," she adds.

Her aspirations just don’t end there. “Beyond my career, my personal goal is to travel the world to explore what it has in the offing for me, take on new challenges, and regardless of the circumstances – keep learning and growing,” she signed off.

Tips for how to prepare for campus placement

• Dream company role: It is fine to have a dream company but obsessing over it when you don’t get in is not ideal. You risk losing valuable time. Instead, focus on the type of role you want to pursue. Being flexible allows you to explore opportunities that align better with your long-term career vision.

• No substitute for hard work: Achieving your goals is a mammoth task that requires determination, dedication, and consistency. There are no shortcuts or alternatives to hard work. Success comes only through sustained effort, persistence, and the ability to push through challenges. Hard work builds character, improves skills, and brings you closer to your objectives.

• Master communication and writing skills: Mastering essential skills is paramount—especially communication and writing. Clear communication simplifies your professional life by effective collaboration, while articulate writing enhances your personal and professional image, leaving a lasting impression.

• Be the master of your subject: Choose a subject you are passionate about and aspire to work in, willing to spend your life in it. Before entering the industry, conduct thorough research and acquire comprehensive knowledge. Possessing in-depth expertise in your domain gives you a competitive edge, helping you stand out and succeed in your career.

• Avoid office politics: Knowledge is the key to success, and staying focused on your work will drive you forward. Avoid getting entangled in office politics, as it can slow your progress and impact your personal and professional growth. Instead, channel your energy into learning, performing well, and building positive relationships. Work hard, do good, and be a force for positive change. Your professionalism and dedication will speak louder than any involvement in workplace drama.