Harnessing the power within
Subtle, strong, and confident Sankepalli Swathi is just six months into the corporate world, but she is plotting a plan to conquer it with her confidence. She is currently working with Aveva as their Software Graduate. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, Sankepalli opens up about her campus placement journey, the importance of confidence, a few tips for her juniors on preparing for placements, and more
Born and raised in the historic city of Warangal, Telangana, Sankepalli developed her confidence through the rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit of her hometown. “It’s in the air,” she smiled. Hinting that her hometown provided her with a platform that helped her grow leaps and bounds in every sense. “My hometown was full of motivation, giving me access to good educational institutions. To be honest, my hometown inspired me to become more confident, visionary and ambitious,” added Sankepalli.
Turning Point
A turning point in life often arrives unexpectedly, especially when you're deeply engrossed in working hard. However, it's essential to remain aware enough to seize such opportunities wholeheartedly. “For me, the pivotal moment was during my 12th grade of intermediate education. Surrounded by competitive peers and motivational professors, I was compelled to enhance myself. Initially, I felt nervous, but I gradually adapted and grew both academically and in interpersonal skills. This experience taught me to face competition and interact with individuals who have varying learning paces,” said Sankepalli.
A strong foundation
Dreams are limitless, transcending all backgrounds. Despite her modest financial circumstances, Sankepalli refused to let her ambitions be constrained. “I knew with reliance, patience and some external help, I can overcome any hurdle,” she said.
When you are determined and resolute, the universe aligns with your intentions. Sankepalli relocated to Hyderabad to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering. This transition was invigorating, demonstrating that good things come to those who are ambitious. “During the first year of college, our instructors introduced us to the Lila Poonawala Foundation (LPF). It was for students with financial needs, and they offered support based on interview performance. My goal was set, all I needed was to get a seat in this foundation.”
Sankepalli's unwavering determination culminated in comprehensive personal development. “The educators at the LPF provided guidance across various facets, including life skills, campus placements and academic subjects. LPF's holistic approach encompassed technical and personal growth sessions, offering insights into programming, mind mapping, and personality development. This support facilitated my academic and personal growth,” she said. While reflecting on her journey, Sankepalli remarked, “In essence, I discovered numerous aspects about myself. The self-awareness was enlightening, empowering me to assist others as well.”
Placement diary
It is rightly said “The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation”. Sankepalli has given her best to build a strong foundation, and now it is time for her to soar high. Although, Sankepalli has received ample training from LPF and her college, she did not stop there. “Self-study is something that will seal the deal," Sankepalli expressed. Speaking about the importance of self-study, she said, "Self-study instills confidence, enhances your skills, opens new avenues, and allows you to take control of your knowledge. I invested enough time in revising, learning new concepts, and watching educational videos.”
"Confidence is crucial during interviews as it influences how you're perceived by potential employers. A confident demeanour suggests competence, reliability, and readiness to tackle job responsibilities"
— Sankepalli Swathi
Even after so much hard work, Sankepalli faced rejection in her first two companies. “Experiencing rejection in job interviews can be disheartening, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Reflecting on your experiences and understanding the importance of confidence can significantly enhance your future interview performance. Although I knew confidence was essential, I wasn’t able to reflect that in the first two interviews,” she said. This time, Sankepalli ensured that the virtue of confidence was ingrained in her. “Confidence is crucial during interviews as it influences how you're perceived by potential employers. A confident demeanour suggests competence, reliability, and readiness to tackle job responsibilities,” she added. As her confidence clicked, Sankepalli got through the placement with Aveva as their Software graduate.
Staying steady
It’s been six months since Sankepalli started working at Aveva, and she’s already learned so much. But now, she feels it’s time to level up. “I’ve got big plans ahead. I want to keep learning new skills, grow my knowledge, and make my way up in the corporate world,” she said with a confident smile before signing off.
Tips to prepare for campus placements:
Strong foundation: Building a strong foundation in any discipline is essential for achieving long-term success. Mastering the basics not only enhances your skills but also enables you to tackle more complex challenges with confidence. Regularly revisiting and reinforcing these fundamental concepts ensures that your knowledge remains sharp and applicable.
Self-study is crucial: While your college provides essential knowledge and there are tuitions available, your self-study plays an important role. Use the internet to its full potential, research all your doubts, solve papers, watch videos and work on your weaknesses to strengthen your skills.
Research, research, and research: If a company approaches you, it's essential to research and understand the organisation, as this knowledge will help you answer questions during interactions. Understanding the company's culture makes it easier to respond to interview questions, demonstrating that you are hardworking and genuinely interested in their company.
Developing your personality: By now, you have acquired substantial knowledge; what matters now is how you present it. Be confident and dress appropriately—choose attire that makes you comfortable and wear it with confidence. When attending the personal interview (PI) round, sit elegantly and demonstrate your intent.
Learn from your failure: Embracing failure is a vital component of personal growth and success. When we stumble, we gain invaluable insights that triumphs alone cannot provide. By meticulously analysing our missteps, we uncover the lessons they conceal. Implementing thoughtful adjustments based on these revelations propels us forward, making future obstacles surmountable.