Gurjap Kaur, who completed her post-graduation from a leading management college is today placed with one of the leading corporate houses in the country. She talks to Corporate Citizen on her first break
Today Gurjap Kaur, who completed her post-graduation from a leading management college, specialising in the human resources (HR) stream, is successfully placed in the HR department of the Vedanta Group. The sailing wasn’t smooth... She did face a lot of hiccups on her way but still managed to reach the top. Let’s hear it from her...
“Right after coming back after our internship, the only topic talked about was about placements. I was slightly nervous and anxious about the placement process since the very beginning. Before getting through to the Vedanta Group, I had reached the final process of two other companies, but sadly couldn’t make it. This had made me more anxious, but I stayed positive. I was somehow sure that the day is not far and I will be placed with a good company soon,” recalls Gurjap.
A few days before Vedanta could visit the campus, most aspirants were excited, yet nervous. “With good academic record throughout, I was able to clear the initial screening procedure of the company. A day before the process, I remained calm and just revised a few notes. It all went smoothly. I didn’t really panic or study hard to crack the process,” she says.
“The interview process had two rounds, a group discussion and a personal interview. I cleared the GD and was one amongst the 13 other aspirants appearing for interview. During the personal interview round, various questions were asked pertaining to my résumé, some situation-based, some about my internship project. There were a few technical questions related to law as well. The whole process went smoothly. When the results were announced, I got through the company, along with two of my classmates. Package was never a criteria for me. I was only looking for a good profile and a good company. Here I would consider myself fortunate enough to have got all the three things in hand,” reminisces Gurjap.
“My experience on the campus has been wonderful, and the memories will be cherished throughout my life. Right from the induction days to the placement process, there has been immense learning in each phase—be it the surprise tests, hectic schedule, no weekly offs or the attendance criteria—all these are the preparatory steps for the tough corporate world ahead. While I did find it difficult to cope with this pressure in the beginning and it took me a few days to adjust to this schedule, but eventually I managed well and now I thoroughly enjoy it,” recalls Gurjap.
With immense support from her family and friends, she could complete her journey with ease, Gurjap says. “I completely owe it to my family and friends have stood by me throughout my journey. I am also thankful to my faculty members who have always guided me and helped me get here,” she says.
“We had various workshops and seminars, group assignments, which eventually enhanced my skills as an individual, groomed me, from a corporate perspective,” notes Gurjap.
Apart from studies, Gurjap actively participated in the college cultural festival. The extracurricular activities at college help her in building her self-confidence as a student, and she is indeed proud to have got here. “I am glad to be a part of such institution which provides various plat-forms to its students to showcase their talent,” she says.
When the results were announced, I got through the company, along with two of my classmates. Package was never a criteria for me. I was only looking for a good profile and a good company. Here I would consider myself fortunate enough to have got all the three things in hand
“The other thing that was of utmost importance to me, during this journey, was my internship period. I did my internship with ITC Infotech Ltd in Bengaluru. This was the time when I experienced life in the corporate world for the first time. It is here that I got to know more about the corporate culture in an organisation. The project helped me get various insights into the HR world, which otherwise we only had learned as theories in our study. My mentors guided me in my project. I must say that this two-month project has definitely helped me in the campus placement process. Even during my interview process, there were a lot of questions asked about my internship project, and my interviewers did like my project,” reminisces Gurjap
“I come from Narsinghgarh, a small town in Madhya Pradesh. I did my schooling from St. Joseph’s Convent and higher secondary school education from ABM school, Bhopal in the Science (Biology) stream. Later on, I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Career College. While pursuing my graduation, I decided to get admission in a good B-school and do my Master’s,” says Gurjap. Gurjap’s father, Vikram Singh Grewal, is an agriculturist and a landowner and her mother, Satpal Kaur Grewal is a homemaker. Her younger sister, Harjap, is currently preparing for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
“I completely owe my success to my parents, who always had the faith in me. My father always says, “Work with honesty and passion, success will be yours”. I wish to fulfil all their dreams, and this is the thing that motivates me to perform better every time. Also, being the elder daughter, I was aware of the responsibilities and expectations that my family members had from me,” says a happy Gurjap.
Gurjap is fond of reading and singing. She is also a keen observer of things and people around her. She believes being away from home has taught her how to live on her own and be independent, without being dependent. “I have been away from home for over six years now and it has truly helped me become what I am today. I have stepped out of my comfort zone, started living in the real world and doing all the things myself. This has made me independent, mature and has helped me grow,” she adds.
By Mahalakshmi Hariharan
