Sabiha Sood, an extrovert Chandigarh girl walks into the corporate world beginning her innings with Deloitte USI, very determined and positive
As a youngster, Sabiha loved dancing and reading novels. After an MBA from one of the renowned colleges in Pune, she now enters the corporate world with Deloitte USI (Deloitte US India) as an analyst though, as a child, Sabiha wanted to be a teacher and groom youngsters and mould them.
Placement is the end-game for all youngsters and for Sabiha too it was no different. It was with Deloitte that she always wanted to start the new innings of her life. She faced many hurdles on the way, but with a positive approach, she made it happen. She had her teachers and mentors to give her the boost, but at the end, it was she who had to deliver, as she says, “Never accept the definition of your life from others. It is your life, define it yourself.”
Sabiha Sood did her schooling and graduation from Chandigarh. Her father, Sunil Sood, worked as the AGM with Polycab at Jammu. Sabiha was an extrovert, energised by people around her, and that made her a friendly person. “I love interacting with people and am really good at making friends. I am a talkative person and a positive personality,” she says about herself. Along with all these qualities she was good in sports, a cager (basketball player) and a sprinter in school and also during her college. She led the basketball team at various tournaments as well. “One of the best memories of school was when I won the highest votes and became the discipline captain of the school, competing against a boy,” she recalls. Being an all-rounder made her a confident student.
“Childhood days are the best memories in every person’s life. The school trips, activities in the school, friends, stage performances, and the happiness of getting a sports period were the best times,” she says.
There was no disparity in the family as she was treated equally with her younger brother Parth, who is now pursuing his XII standard. She was her dad’s girl and her mother taught her to stay grounded and bravely face any situation in life. “She (mother) taught me that life was not always welcoming, we have to adjust ourselves according to the demands of the situation,” says Sabiha. Her mother was also her teacher on many counts just like in any other Punjabi family. Among the others who have been guides and well-wishers are Kaustubha Shembekar and Kumudni Manocha, she reveals.
During her college there was a sense of pressure as what to do after college. “I had mixed thoughts as to whether go for Chartered Accountancy, which was my mother’s dream, or follow my dream of doing an MBA” she recalls. Her belief in defining her own life helped in making this crucial decision.
Sabiha had her teachers and mentors to give her the boost, but at the end it was she who had to deliver, as she says, ‘Never accept the definition of your life from others. It is your life, define it yourself.’
Sabiha with friends & batchmates
She gives credit to her college for getting her out of the placement blues. “Placement is the only focus with which a student joins an MBA course. I went with the same motive and I am really thankful to my college (Sri Balaji Society) to have made things possible for me.” There were certain elements of doubt which crept in as the days were closing in for placement. “When I used to hear about campus placements, I used to say to myself, can I face an interview? Will I be able to get a job? But my teachers made it possible, with their words of encouragement always motivating me. The curriculum of the College, the grilling presentations and the entire two-year course helped me achieve the success of getting into this dream company, Deloitte USI.”
“I was nervous throughout the process. I still remember as I walked along with my friend at 7 in the morning and said to him, ‘The person getting placed today will be very lucky as he will be selected from out of 455 students.’” And later in the evening it was her time to celebrate as her name was announced. “It is something I can never forget,” she says, proud to be a part of such a reputed organisation. “This is the right time to pull up my socks as I enter a new phase of life, which is actually going to bring me out of my comfort zone,” she says.
“Life is all about living it the way we get it. Don’t carry the baggage of your past which complicates, as there are always ups and downs. Make others happy selflessly, which is the key to a happy life.”
Sabiha's brother & parents“My happiest moment till date has been my placement day. I called my mother and she was in tears of joy. It was her hard work and motivation which paid off. I am happy that she is proud of me.”
Living in the moment rather than worrying about the future is Sabiha Sood’s motto. “Life is all about living it the way we get it. Don’t carry the baggage of your past which complicates, as there are always ups and downs. Make others happy selflessly, which is the key to a happy life.”
By Joe Williams
