Positivity and Enthusiasm drive success

Her enthusiasm and positivity are infectious. A brief 10-minute interview with her left us smiling from ear to ear, making us believe that positivity can indeed help you win life's battles. That’s Srushti Khiratkar for you! Don’t let her petite demeanour fool you—she's brimming with energy and has an incredible zest for life, despite the challenges it throws at her. She was happy to share, “I was born and raised in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. I am currently pursuing my engineering final year. And, the best part—a moment of pride for the Khiratkar family is that I recently got placed with Atlas Copco.”

Studious and proactive

Born and raised in a humble Khiratkar family, her values and traits were very clear since the beginning. “My parents taught me that hard work is the only way of life and it pays off,” she said. That is precisely why she has been studious throughout her educational life. “And, I envision to be so forever,” she was quick to respond.

Moreover, she is both studious and proactive, qualities she never imagined would be so beneficial. She reflected, “During my school days, I used to prepare lessons before they were taught in class. This approach helped me understand the topic better, and revising was just the icing on the cake.” It’s no wonder she consistently excelled in exams, making her parents proud.

Chandrapur is filled with lakes and temples, something Srushti cherishes. “Student life can be very strenuous, so it’s important to find ways to balance the pressure. When things didn’t go my way, I spent time by the lakes, watching the still water, or observing the calm at the temples. It helped me relax and refocus on my studies,” she said.

TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR CAMPUS PLACEMENTS:

• Be independent: Being independent from a young age is invaluable. Your family and friends have always been there for you. However, the moment you get a chance to become financially independent, seize it. It cultivates essential skills like self-reliance, critical thinking, and how to navigate life and college with ease.
• Be studious: College is often seen as a time for fun, friendships, and enjoyment. However, students should prioritise their studies because this time will never come back. Work hard and enjoy yourself, but make sure the majority of your focus is on academics.
• Take part in fests and events: College events and functions are the best platforms to showcase your talents, learn, network, grow, and have fun. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss it.
• GD and PI with friends: Your friends are your best critics. To excel in your campus placement rounds, make sure to discuss current topics with friends, debate, and evolve. Conduct mock personal interviews for each other. Note your weaknesses and work on them.
• Be positive: I understand that life won’t always be smooth. You won’t always get what you’re looking for. If you face rejection from one company during campus placements, it doesn’t mean the end of the world. It’s a part of life. Stay positive and keep working towards your goals.

Extracurricular activities are a must

What holistically develops a student is not just academics but also involvement in extracurricular activities. Srushti swears by this approach. She didn’t limit herself to just one hobby; whether it was sports, debate, or the arts, she participated in various activities at different levels.

Talking about the perks of participating in extracurricular activities, she said, “They instilled several values in me. They taught me how to wear my confidence, and networking with seniors helped me learn the art of communication and how to present myself. Therefore, I urge all my juniors to get out on the field and take part in college fests and events.”

Game changer

During her first year of graduation, she learned about the Lila Poonawala Foundation (LPF) — an organisation that supports and nurtures girls’ dreams. She embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly. “I had recently lost my father, my mother is a homemaker, and my uncle was supporting us. I wanted to be independent and secure a bright future. I’m proud to say that LPF helped shape who I am today,” she smiled.

She added, “The sessions at LPF were exceptional. They taught us everything from building confidence and mastering subjects like database management system (DBMS) to self- defence, family planning, and mental health care. This holistic development prepared me to excel in the campus placement rounds.” The Foundation played a significant role in shaping the Srushti we see today, and she owes a lot to them. Looking ahead, once she starts earning, she envisions supporting other needy girls in achieving their goals.

"Extracurricular activities instilled several values in me. They taught me how to wear my confidence, and networking with seniors helped me learn the art of communication and how to present myself"

- Srushti Khiratkar

The placement saga

Now that LPF and her college had prepared her well for campus placements, she was all geared up to face the challenge. “I was more excited than nervous for the interviews,” she smiled. However, she still prepared diligently. “I practiced group discussions and personal interviews with friends and revised the essentials,” she added.

The stage was set. The first company to visit her college was Atlas Copco. “All the rounds went well, especially the personal interview. During the LPF sessions, we were told that securing the interview was half the job done. I just needed to be confident. To add to that, I was super positive and enthusiastic. And I sealed the job,” she beamed. It was a dream come true for her, knowing she could now support her family.

Now, she can't wait to make her mark on the corporate world with her zeal. Talking about her future goals, she said, “I want to excel in my career, buy a house for my family, and most importantly, support other girls who are striving to achieve something big. And, I also wish to contribute to nature conservation and continue spreading the positivity.”