Success favours those who show up

A perfect example of the girl-next-door with a CEO’s mindset, Samruddhi Bhende has all the qualities to thrive in the corporate world. When we asked her a secret, she simply said, "Just show up, the rest will follow." Still in her final year, Samruddhi has already secured a pre-placement offer from Barclays as their Technology Developer Graduate. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, Samruddhi opens up about her campus placement journey, her leap of faith saga, a few tips for her juniors on preparing for placements, and more

A maravati, a place near Pune where the temperature soars unusually high, is home to people who are even warmer with one another. They celebrate each other’s victories and live as one large extended family. “That’s where I’m from,” said a proud Samruddhi. “When I was awaiting my XII board results, my parents and I were anxious. But then, our neighbours stepped in as silent pillars of support, easing our worries and assuring me I would pass with flying colours. Their well wishes and my hard work bore sweet fruits of success as I scored 91.8 per cent,” she said with a smile.

Back then, making a silent promise to herself, she added, “From here on, I will carve my own path.”

Back to the beginning

Her ambition to rise high wasn’t born overnight. It was the lessons from her small town roots, the tight knit family, her parents’ sacrifices, and her relentless hunger to achieve more that shaped her. So, let’s rewind to the beginning.

Samruddhi was born into a nuclear family with loving parents who gave her the best education they could. But, she wasn’t always the focused student she is today. Until Std. IX she was quite mischievous, a stark contrast to her composed appearance.

“But, I always managed to score well,” she recalled. “Things changed when I entered Std. X. I started focusing more on my studies. When I was naughty, I was completely naughty, but when it was time to excel, I studied with all I had. Now, all I want to say is, be what you want to be, but do it with all your heart and soul.”

Leap of faith

Samruddhi scored over 90% in both her X and XII board exams. Now, it was time to spread her wings. "When I told my parents I wanted to study in Pune, they didn’t hesitate," she recalled. "They said that they are financially secure and I should focus on taking that leap"

With hope in her pocket and dreams in her eyes, she moved to Pune. Was it daunting? Absolutely. But, Samruddhi was ready. "I’d pulled up my socks," she laughed.

Then came her breakthrough. "In my first year, I discovered the Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF), a scholarship based on interview merit. I grabbed the chance, aced the interview, and won full funding for my degree."

"Dream boldly, and the universe helps you get there," she said, eyes bright. "LPF didn’t just help me get a scholarship, they taught me how to ace interviews and grow into my best self. Their support was everything," she added.

Internship that turned into a PrePlacement Offer (PPO)

As companies arrived for internship selection, Samruddhi put her best foot forward. "My goal in coming to Pune was to secure a company and gain knowledge. I knew that if I landed a stellar internship, a job would follow. But, the road was rocky, I faced countless rejections before finally securing an internship." That’s when she reflected on her journey. "I failed because I didn’t research companies properly," she admitted. So, she adapted. "I improved my CV, practised mock interviews, did thorough research and solved problems daily." And, as luck would have it, she secured a Technology Summer Internship at Barclays, Pune.

During the internship, she immersed herself in Java and Spring Boot languages, technologies unfamiliar to her electronics background. "I learned more in two months than in two years," she said. But, her real victory was networking without ulterior motives. "My cohort became lifelong friends and we supported each other," she smiled.

"Before your interview, you must know the company inside out. Understand its vision and mission, and study its products in depth. This demonstrates your thorough preparation and genuine interest in the company"

— Samruddhi Bhende

Bittersweet triumph

Her hard work during the internship was recognised, and she soon received a pre-placement offer. "I called my mother first, and her happiness knew no bounds. Nor did mine. I was thrilled that I could support my family and help with my younger brother’s education," said Samruddhi.

But, just five days later, her mother, her pillar of strength, passed away in a tragic accident. She is still grappling with the immense loss, but knows she has big shoes to fill. Speaking about her future, she said, "I’m still coping, but I understand my responsibilities. Within a month, I’ll start working, and I want to keep making my parents proud, to keep learning and growing."

She masks her pain with infectious charm, letting her work speak for her. Because, for Samruddhi, showing up is just the beginning.

SAMRUDDHI SHARES TIPS TO PREPARE FOR CAMPUS PLACEMENTS:

Research, research and more research:

Before your interview, you must know the company inside out. Understand its vision and mission, and study its products in depth. This demonstrates your thorough preparation and genuine interest in the company.

Start early:

You’ve probably heard the saying, "The early bird gets the worm." Don’t wait for classes, sessions or deadlines to begin, get a head start. Beginning early gives you an advantage, helps you grasp concepts more deeply, and allows you time to adjust and refine your understanding. It maximises the potential outcome, making you more successful.

Network authentically:

Engage with people without an agenda, connect with peers, classmates, professors, seniors and industry professionals. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just seeking favours. These connections can support you in countless ways, from career growth and academic success to personal development. True networking is about building meaningful bonds that last beyond immediate needs.

Just show up:

You're young, this is your time to explore and try everything. Don't overthink it, just show up—the opportunities and lessons will follow. You never know what you might discover about yourself along the way. If you stumble, learn and adjust your course. Remember, showing up and trying is always better than not trying at all.

Give your best at your internship:

Internships play a crucial role in a student's personal and professional growth. They provide real-world experience, help with career exploration, enhance skills, and open doors to future opportunities. That’s why it’s essential to give your best effort during your internship. And, you never know, it might even lead to a pre-placement offer.