A true entrepreneur in the making

Sunay Saraf's life embodies an adage close to his heart "A true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer". Although he still has a long way to go before fully entering the entrepreneurial world, thanks to his family, he gained the right technical know-how through their family business at the right age. For now, he is a true corporate professional. Currently, he is working at Infosys in Indore, as a Consultant. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, Sunay opens up about his campus placement journey and how he took on responsibilities. He also shares a few tips for his juniors on preparing for placements and more

Sunay Saraf was born and raised in Banswara, Rajasthan—a city of 100 islands. Growing up in a joint family that managed two businesses had a profound impact on his mindset. "The pristine environment, the serene landscape of Banswara, and the love of my family, combined with an innate business acumen, shaped who I am today," said a proud Sunay.

Early life and background

Sunay hails from a small town, but his parents ensured he received the best education. "My schooling journey took me across multiple cities. I began my education in Banswara, but from Std. VI to X, I studied at a boarding school in Indore. This transition was a defining phase in my life. Initially, I struggled academically, even facing supplementary exams in Std. VII. However, boarding school instilled discipline and responsibility in me. By Std. VIII, I had transformed into a diligent student, consistently ranking among the top five in my class," he recalls.

After completing his Std. X, Sunay returned to his hometown, facing a crucial decision—choosing between science and commerce. "It was a tough choice at first, but then I realised that my family owned two businesses, making commerce the obvious path," he says. Making such decisions early in life, while carefully weighing his options, helped Sunay develop agility and adaptability.

Stepping into the family business

At just 16, during his summer break, Sunay got the golden opportunity to learn and assist in the family business. "Our family owns two businesses - one in electronics and another in automobile dealerships, a Yamaha motorcycle dealership. Simply visiting the shops deepened my understanding of entrepreneurship," he recalls.

This experience helped him develop a keen interest in automobiles. Soon, he started reading industry magazines, and staying updated with automotive trends became a habit. "More importantly, I learned valuable business lessons from my father. His leadership style emphasised treating employees well, as happy employees create satisfied customers, leading to sustainable growth," said Sunay.

Handling responsibilities

A great tragedy struck the Saraf family while Sunay was completing his B.Com at S.M. Patel Institute of Commerce, Ahmedabad. "My father’s elder brother and my grandfather passed away within three months. This deeply affected my father, and his health deteriorated. I had initially enrolled for CA exam, but I put those plans on hold to support my family," he said.

For over a year, Sunay managed the business with his cousin while continuing his education. This experience gave him a deeper understanding of his responsibilities, making his family proud.

Build your confidence: There is an amazing saying "There is no limit to what you can achieve". But, to reach your full potential, you must invest in yourself, believe in yourself, and build your confidence. Confidence in expressing your thoughts will take you a long way.

Communicate like a pro and speak up:

Whether in your educational, professional, or personal life, effective communication is the key to success. During the PI round of campus placements, it is 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.

Engage in extracurricular activities:

All work and no play makes a person dull. Students must engage in extracurricular activities to unleash their full potential. Participating in events, clubs, or competitions helps develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These experiences enrich them and prepare them for the real world.

Continuously upgrade your skills: We live in a VUCA world where things change every day. To thrive, one must be agile, stay updated on the latest trends, absorb new knowledge, and evolve by continuously developing new skills.

Plan your finances: This tip should be taken to heart, whether you are a student or a fresher. Students should start managing their finances early, as it teaches valuable lessons and secures their future.

Overcoming challenges

For his post-graduation in PGDM-Finance, he moved to Pune—a decision that transformed him both personally and professionally. This shift boosted his confidence and broadened his knowledge. "The chance to interact with students from all over the country was life-changing. I learned a lot and made new friends who are now like family," he recalls.

"Failure teaches you more than success. I understood that staying updated on current affairs and industry trends is crucial for GDs, and refining HR responses is key to clearing interviews "

— Sunay Saraf

However, the campus placement season wasn’t easy. Initially, he struggled with the Group Discussion (GD) rounds, and once he cleared those, the Personal Interview (PI) rounds posed another challenge. "GD and PI demand extreme confidence and thorough preparation. In the beginning, I failed to make an impact in GDs, but then I realised that you have to create your own opportunities. That’s when I started standing out. For PIs, I worked on my confidence and gained a deeper understanding of company expectations," he shared.

Though rejections were disappointing, they became valuable learning experiences. "Failure teaches you more than success. I understood that staying updated on current affairs and industry trends is crucial for GDs, and refining HR responses is key to clearing interviews."

After sitting through nearly six or seven interviews, success finally came his way with GIC Housing Finance. Later, he transitioned to Infosys, Indore, as a Consultant.

Despite his corporate journey, his entrepreneurial mindset remains strong. He envisions growing, gaining extensive knowledge, and eventually stepping into his family business to take it to the next level.