A placement tale defined by persistence

From being an introvert to now thriving in the corporate world, Phalguni Reddy has come a long way. She is currently working with TechSophy, Hyderabad, as their Business Analyst. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, Phalguni opens up about her campus placement journey, the importance of getting out of your comfort zone, a few tips for her juniors on how to prepare for placements, and more

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Phalguni had everything set in her life - a solid educational background, strong academic achievements, and a well-paying job at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). She was on a comfortable path, but something struck her—it was all too easy. She realised it was time to broaden her horizons. "I was too set in my ways; I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, understand how the world functions, and make a better living. The subsequent shifts were indeed the turning point in my life," explained Phalguni about taking chances in life.

Early life and education

Growing up, Phalguni was reserved and focused primarily on her academics, which led to her achieving excellent grades. She shared, "Most of my time was spent studying, and as I was an introvert, I had a close group of friends. After studying, I would spend time with them. My focus was clear - to get good marks." She pursued a B.Tech in Biotechnology during her graduation.

The first turning point in Phalguni's life came during campus placement in course of graduation. She explained, "One of my favoured companies, TCS, had come to our college, so my inclination was clear. I received offers from both a biotech company and TCS. Despite my background in biotechnology, I chose to venture into IT with TCS, driven by my desire for quicker career growth and new challenges."

Realisations and Revelations

The first major leap in Phalguni's career came when she shifted her major to IT, which opened up new horizons for her future. Reflecting on her time at TCS, she shared, "My stint with TCS was a good experience. With no prior experience in coding, the whole thing came as a breath of fresh air—scary but exciting. Although it took time to settle in, I enjoyed every step of it."

Another turning point occurred when Phalguni realised the potential for even greater success by diving into management. She smiled as she recalled, "This realisation was the best thing that ever happened to me." Motivated by this insight, Phalguni decided to take the next big leap—pursuing an MBA in Information Systems, at a prestigious college in Pune.

The shift of lifetime

Phalguni had spent most of her life in the comfort zone of being surrounded by family, but moving to Pune marked a major turning point. "The shift to Pune was life-changing. My parents dropped me at the college, and I took it forward from there. It was a daunting task, but I was ready for it. There were so many challenges—I didn’t know anyone, I could speak only English, and it felt like an alien land. But as time passed, it became my home, transforming me into the person I had always dreamed of becoming."

Over time, Phalguni began to mingle with other students, and this helped her evolve into an extroverted individual. "This shift was surely needed to taste life in a better way," she shared, reflecting on the growth and confidence she gained through this transformative experience.

Her placement story

When Phalguni came to Pune to pursue her MBA in Information Systems, her aim was to study well and get the best placement. As the campus placement rounds started, she was ready for all the challenges. “Courtesy of my prior job experience, and good preparation done by our college, the rounds looked less daunting. I solved plenty of aptitude tests and took part in several mock rounds of Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI),” she said. “My hard work paid off when I cleared the Schlumberger recruitment process, securing an internship that eventually led to a full-time role as a business analyst,” she added.

Phalguni is currently working with TechSophy, Hyderabad, as their Business Analyst. Married to Preetham Reddy, a few years ago, she is well settled in her life; and when she reflects on her journey, Phalguni feels that she has learned a great deal. Drawing inspiration from her experiences, she shared valuable advice with her juniors: "Take a leap of faith. Get out of your comfort zone. Work hard, and make good choices. Learn from your mistakes and live your life in the best way."

Reflecting on her journey, Phalguni shares five key tips for her juniors on how to prepare for campus placements:

• Step out of your comfort zone: Life begins only once you step out of your comfort zone. Sure, it may seem like a mammoth task to take the leap of faith, but once you do, there is no stopping you. Chase your dreams.

• Work hard, be yourself: There is no substitute for hard work. Be smart in your approach by tailoring your efforts to the situation. Solve plenty of aptitude tests to build your analytical skills and confidence. For GD/PI (Group Discussion/Personal Interview) rounds, practice rigorously through mock interviews and group discussions to enhance your communication and presentation skills. This combination of hard work, preparation and authenticity, will help you succeed.

• Develop communication skills: Building the trait of good communication skills is of utmost importance. These skills help establish the right corporate relationships, resolve conflicts, build your knowledge base, and improve your career — the perks are endless.

• Research your target companies: Once you identify your dream vertical, it is crucial to thoroughly research all the organisations within it. Understand their ethics, culture, and expectations, and tailor your preparation to align with their standards and values.

• Network genuinely: When you meet someone, don't approach them with a motive. Instead, meet with an open mind and heart, build genuine relationships, and when needed, you can utilise these networks for guidance.