A True Hustler

"For Avinash Singh, the only compass he follows, is his ambition. He is constantly hustling, always staying up-to-date with industry standards, and ensuring he remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. He has strong communication skills, a trait that makes him stand out from the crowd in his role. Currently serving as the customer success manager (Regional Head) at Apna Jobs, a leading jobs platform, Avinash brings energy, clarity and strategy, to everything he does. Avinash shares his journey. Read on..."

Born in Bokaro, Jharkhand, India’s steel capital, Avinash grew up surrounded by grit and resilience. If the city’s roaring furnaces shaped steel, they also forged something deeper in him - an unshakable determination. "A strong foundation is everything," he reflected. "It’s what lets you build something that lasts, something that reaches heights you once thought impossible," says a proud Avinash.

Education is the key

Skipping a few years in his life, we now turn to his career—a journey that, interestingly, circles back to his educational roots. Numbers don’t lie, as Avinash’s track record speaks volumes. A consistent overachiever, he doesn’t just meet revenue targets, he rewrites them all while forging client relationships that stand the test of time. He boasts razor-sharp negotiation skills, a growth-focused mindset, and a commitment to client success.

His response is as direct as his approach when asked about the secret behind his achievements. "Hard work is non-negotiable. But let’s be real—education unlocked the door,” he said.

A BBA from B.P. Poddar Institute of Management and Technology laid the foundation. An MBA in finance built the framework. Together, they transformed his potential into prowess.

"Every lesson was a stepping stone," he reflects. "Education isn’t just about degrees, it’s the ultimate competitive edge."

Making the right choice

During his BBA, his consistent efforts earned him the distinction of a gold medalist. "I was soon placed with TCS — an incredible feeling, no doubt. But, I believed that continuing my education was the right path, which is why I moved to Pune to pursue an MBA in finance."

Beyond the classroom

It’s rightly said, "All work and no play makes a person dull". While classrooms teach us much, "Let me tell you, the real training ground was the basketball court," said Avinash. A national-level basketball player and passionate footballer, he credits sports for lessons no textbook could offer, "In school, I lived for competitions. My MBA college reignited the fire of going beyond classrooms - organising tournaments, even coordinating CAT exams on tight budgets, helping me shape my educational journey and now refining me as a corporate as well.

The real deal

When Avinash moved to Pune to pursue his MBA, it gave him a distinct edge. “This college changed me as a person. What initially felt like a boring and strict schedule soon became my mantra. We lived by the holy grail mantra, the 3Ds – discipline, dedication and determination,” he shared.

So, did the MBA give him an upper hand? “Absolutely,” Avinash nodded. “MBA sharpened my thinking, honed my analytical skills, and instilled something irreplaceable, giving me the 3Ds edge.” He credits the institute’s rigorous culture, especially his college’s famously structured environment, for reshaping his approach to professionalism.

“I am never late for interviews, meetings or any corporate gathering, I am always on time. Clients still appreciate my punctuality because when you respect others’ time, they begin to respect yours. And, all the credit goes to my college,” he explained with conviction.

His placement saga

He pulled up his socks the moment the placement season started. So, how did you prepare for the campus placement? “From day one in college, I took GD and PI rounds seriously.

I started understanding how companies function, what they sell, and their product line. One key lesson I learned early—if you master the company’s product, nobody can beat you in the interview,” he said.

Luckily, Avinash got placed in the first company he applied to. “The main reason I aimed for HDFC was their policy of placing candidates close to their hometowns. And, since HDFC has branches everywhere, that was a big plus for me.

I had this idea that working in a bank would allow me to support my father, and maybe even leverage his contacts to grow in the corporate world,” he added. After traversing in the industry for a bit, he is now settled with Apna Jobs.

A strong foundation is everything. It’s what lets you build something that lasts, something that reaches heights you once thought impossible

— Avinash Singh

Building careers and a family

Today, Avinash is shaping his future at Apna Jobs, a leading jobs platform, where he is the CSM Regional Head. "Every placement we make, feels like solving a puzzle—matching dreams with opportunities," he said.

At home, his wife Nidhi stands as his anchor and cheerleader. "She's the reason I leap fearlessly," he admits. Their greatest joy? Recently, they welcomed their little one, Advik, who's already become the centre of their universe.

When asked about the road ahead, his eyes lit up: "Ambition has always been my compass, and this needle hasn't stopped moving yet," he signs off.

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR CAMPUS PLACEMENT:

• Master company insights and product knowledge: Before interview with any company, conduct thorough research. Study their latest products, market position and competitors—internalise these details. Treat every opportunity with the same level of preparation. Master this, and you’ll be unstoppable.
• Become a domain expert: It’s natural to explore multiple interests early in college, but by the end of your first year, identify your passion. Dedicate yourself to mastering that domain—build deep technical knowledge, understand its nuances and refine your expertise. This focus not only helps you ace campus placements, but also establishes long-term credibility in your field. Specialisation opens doors.
• 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.
• Follow the 3Ds rule: Build your life on the three pillars of success — determination, discipline and dedication. These virtues will propel you forward in academics, career and personal growth. Stay determined in your goals, disciplined in your habits, and dedicated to continuous improvement. Master these, and no obstacle can hold you back.
• Network religiously: Cultivate authentic relationships with peers, juniors, seniors, professors and industry experts. These connections become invaluable over time, opening doors to opportunities, collaborations and mentorship. Invest in them genuinely, and you’ll see how they shape your career in ways you never imagined.