Aparna Jaikumar, who successgot placed with Deloitte, believes that life is full of surprises, many of them unpleasant. But she is of the view that you can find the strength to overcome them with help from friends and family, from whom you also derive your value systems
For Aparna Jaikumar, placement was a minor hurdle that had already become a thing of the past. Her sights were now set on the future, with so many different types of people to meet that she could not wait to get out there and experience it all. Aparna was born in Kerala and brought up in Pune, the city she calls home. A postgraduate (PM and HRD) from one of the well-known colleges in the city, she’s all set to enter the corporate world with Deloitte. She was the head girl in school, and a cultural events and sports enthusiast. She is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer who performed her Arangetram in the 8th grade.
She did her schooling from Vidya Bhavan High School and Junior College, Pune, followed by a B.Sc in Computer Science and a double graduation from Nowrosjee Wadia College. Only daughter of P. Jaikumar and Rema Jaikumar, she was a favourite of all her teachers. For Aparna, Elston Sir and Mridul Kanthinath Sir were more of a friend than teacher who made studies fun due to their emphasis on pure learning rather than rules. Now, entering the workforce, she would like nothing more from her employers than the opportunity to learn further.
The placement process has been a roller coaster ride. She got placed in the first company she applied for. Although the result was good, the thought of getting rejected had worried her. The entire process of aptitude tests was “disturbing”, but she set aside the negative thoughts and came out shining through. “After placement, it’s like a huge burden has fallen off your shoulders. Everything seems a little lightweight after that. Yes, the environment during placements is intense and competitive but at the end of it, it’s like you can look back and say to yourself the first milestone has been achieved and there’s a long way to go,” said Aparna while adding, “Aptitude was my greatest fear, more so because of Quants.”
Aparna with parentsShe attributes her success to her family which includes her grandparents, and of course, her friends. “They’ve dealt with all my tantrums and mood swings during the two years and I am glad they’re all a major part of my life”.
Values make a big difference. They are the building blocks of a successful life. For Aparna, school and college is where she cultivated hers. “I think the values that you learn at home first, and school and college next, like respect for yourself and others, love, care and friendship, competing with yourself rather than the world and keeping in constant touch with technology and other changes taking place around you, will take me a long way in this journey.” She is yet to figure out the happiest day of her life. “Every day spent with your loved ones is worth cherishing. Still, I’m looking forward to the happiest day of my life. Life is all about surprises, there will be hindrances but there is also hope and strength to overcome them which come from friends and family.
“My biggest inspiration has been my family. They taught me the art of patience. They taught me that in a crowd full of competition it’s okay to take a pause and reflect on your actions… They taught me to be accountable for my actions and not to blame anyone else for whatever good or bad that is happening”
Aparna with friends
Practise aptitude, learn the art of public speaking. Say no when you disagree. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion irrespective of how it will be received. Never lie during the interview which is like committing suicide, and never forget to have fun and enjoy.
My biggest inspiration has been my family. They taught me the art of patience. They taught me that in a crowd full of competition it’s okay to take a pause and reflect on your actions. Go ahead only if you feel what you’re doing is right. Do not do it because people are doing it, or because it’s the trend. They taught me to be accountable for my actions and not to blame anyone else for whatever good or bad that is happening.
Yes, during my school and college days, getting a decent job was always in the back of my mind, and the two years have only moulded and made me a much stronger personality.
By Joe Williams
