Choose hard work over smart work

Following the principle of 3-D’s in his life Discipline, Dedication and Determination, Subham Kumar Padhee has practically overcome most of the hurdles that life has thrown in his way. Subham, who is currently working with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), as a management trainee, hopes to take life the way it comes and live it to the fullest with no regrets. In conversation with Subham...

Facing rejections, failures and not getting what you want, are the things that motivate and pushes you even more to achieve your dreams. Subham Kumar Padhee is what he is today is because of the barriers he has surpassed in his life. “Be it the stubbornness of achieving a rank during the school days or getting placed in the company that once rejected me, I have always learnt the lessons by facing failures. It has transformed me into a better version of myself,” explained Subham. He finished his schooling and graduation from Sambalpur, Odisha, where he was born and raised in a very humble and well-educated family. Subham’s love for telecom communication brought him to Pune where he completed his post-graduation in Telecom and Management from a renowned business college.

When friendships matter the most

‘That feeling’

Subham functions on a simple factor the feeling of trying anything that he wants. He has excelled in most of the things in life by simply asking the questions like ‘how would it feel to be a rank holder’ or ‘how does it feel to work for big company’ or ‘how must it feel to win a medal’. During his school days, Subham was an average student. But suddenly he felt the urge of being one of the top students. “I wanted to experience the feeling of being the best at something. While studying in the eighth standard, I wanted to be the best student in school and become a rank holder. Of course, I studied hard for it and achieved what I wanted,” he elaborated.

He always loved Math and his interest grew in other subjects like Science, Biology and Chemistry because of the teachings of his school’s professors, Awdesh and Bittu Sir. They were the ones who helped him understand the concepts better. “The time I ever joined a tuition class was when I was in the eighth grade. It was mainly because I wanted to become a rank holder. And I slogged like never before. I would never miss even a single of my tuition session. After I got home, I would study for hours. Finally, my hard work bore sweet fruits of success,” he added.

His love for the sport kickboxing is immense. “I am a true fighter,” he said. Growing up Subham had an affection towards WWE as most kids do. Later, when ‘the feeling’ kicked in of excelling in the sports, he tried his hands on it too. “I wanted to embrace the emotions of entering the kickboxing ring and winning medals for my hometown. When one functions on their gut feelings, the results are surely stunning. For instance, I pursued my dream of becoming a good kickboxer. And the outcome? I won several medals and that experience helped me in all the facets of life,” he added.

While completing his graduation in B Tech, Subham appeared for the TCS interview. “I wanted to work for the best company in this industry. I wanted to know how it feels to work for the stalwarts. However, this time I wasn’t successful as I couldn’t clear the interview. Of course, I felt bad but I did not give up on my dreams,” Subham explained.

I wanted to experience the feeling of being the best at something. While studying in the eighth standard, I wanted to be the best student in school and become a rank holder. Of course, I studied hard for it and achieved what I wanted

Hard work always triumphs

Nothing in life comes easy. “There’s no substitute for hard work. If you want anything badly, work for it. I wouldn’t hesitate to admit that I faced several rejections in life. But I never gave up. I fell down seven times, got up the eighth time. Giving up was never an option for me. And remember hard work always triumphs,” he adds.

What he believes is, “In the world, there are many who are better than you. But don’t forget, you need to be better than the rest to climb the ladder of success. To achieve what I wanted, I spent enough time in understanding myself and I worked on it.”

Subham Kumar Padhee with his family

Placed in TCS, Alas!

The scar of not getting through TCS during his graduation always stayed with him. He never let it affect him, but he also never forgot about it. During his placement session in PG, he got another chance it was his second date with TCS. And this time, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

However, before appearing for TCS, he had sat for ten other companies. But luck did not favour him. “After facing rejections from ten companies, I realised the only thing I lacked was in the personal interview round. And for that I was ready to move heaven to earth and give my best,” he said.

Yet again, the day came when he had to face the personal interview for his dream company. “It was different this time I was confident more than ever, well-prepared like never before and my self-belief was roaring. And it all worked out in the end,” smiled Subham.

Currently working at the TCS’s Noida branch as a management trainee, Subham is having the time of life. “Each day I get to learn something new. Within months, I got a chance to work on several projects and I realised my true love lies in being a business analyst. Now my dream is stick to this company and learn as much as possible,” he added.

It must have been just a few months since Subham entered the corporate world but he is settling in really well in the industry. On that note, he passes on a few tips to his juniors...

“I pursued my dream of becoming a good kickboxer. And the outcome? I won several medals and that experience helped me in all the facets of life”

Be passionate: Be it your studies, work or anything in life, learn to fall head over heels with whatever you do. And only then you’ll succeed.

Consistency: Never miss a lecture during your college days. Because once you enter the corporate world none will teach you with the same integrity. Pay attention and learn as much you can when your professor teaches you.

Be confident: Clearing the initial rounds during placements is easy. However, for some, what’s difficult is facing the assessor for the first time during the personal interview. Never lose faith in yourself. Be confident and comfortable during the PIs. It makes a great impression.

Dress dapper and chic: The first impression is the last impression. Never lose a single chance for a good impression during the placements. Dressing aptly for an interview shows that you’re serious about the job, respectful of the interviewer’s time and that you are genuinely interested in the position.

Body language: Simple body languages like having a confident poise, making direct eye contact, breathing efficiently and using proper hand gestures can showcase several of your virtues.

Best foot forward: This theory is a total text-book trick. When you seated during the interview always keep your right foot forward. Trust me it will bring the best out of you!