Driven by Passion Powered by Dreams

With a vision to support her family, who provided her with everything that she needed, young Tejal Bhansali hopes to soon rock the corporate world with her maiden job. In a tête-à-tête with Corporate Citizen, Tejal poured her heart out talking about her educational journey, the importance of body language and power pose in the corporate world, her dreams and much more

She’s barely 21, but there is a certain kind of clarity and permanence in her stature poised and composed. Which is quite unlikely for someone of her age. In her low yet powerful speech, she said, “When you are surrounded with no one but positive people, you hope that you transform yourself into a better version yourself. And that’s what I have done.”

These days, Tejal’s happiness knows no bounds, as she recently got placed with her dream company Veritas Technology, Pune. In the coming months, she would be serving the company as an Associate Software Engineer. Her tryst to immerse herself into studies to currently bagging a company that would help her grow leaps and bounds has provided her with immense courage and satisfaction. “The path that leads to a good career might seem tough. But if you are well equipped with all the essentials, then nothing can stop. All you need to do is dream big and keep flying high,” she smiled.

Traversing through

Since childhood, Tejal has been a studious kid, who always aimed to succeed in life come what may. Born and raised in Pune, she finished her schooling from St Anne’s School, Pune. She considers herself privileged to have gotten the chance to study in an English School and the credit goes to her mother who insisted on giving her best education in any circumstance. “Enrolling in one of the best schools in the Pune definitely shaped me into a better person. My mother was firm to sign me up into an English medium school, as she knew its importance. She had to convince my family member. But all fell in place and look where it landed me,” proudly said Tejal.

A young Tejal would either immerse into studies or spend her time reading books and otherwise dance her feet off. She took up Kathak at an early that transformed her in many ways. “My childhood was pretty good owing to the fact that I was studious. I never faced any issues academically as my aim was always clear. My hard work paid off when I would top the class and that lead to me being one of the prefects of my school,” she shared.

Tejal has been practicing Kathak for the past 14 years. And since the past two years, she has been spreading the essence of this dance form by teaching it. Tejal has taken inspiration from her father, who an artist and a photographer she loves to sketch, and her paintings speak volumes for her persona.

Tejal with her friends

A helping hand

After completing her further studies from Apte College, Tejal pursed her computer engineering from Cummins College of Engineering for Women. Coming from a humble family, Tejal knew the importance of getting sponsorship for her education. The Lila Poonawala Foundation (LPF) saw a spark in her and granted her the scholarship. “Earning the scholarship meant the world to me. My parents have been my pillar throughout my life, and I hoped and wished for a scholarship that would help us financially. The LPF has been a boon for me. In short, they have provided wings for my dreams,” said Tejal. Further adding, “This foundation has groomed me in every sense. They have instilled faith in me and their workshops have made me industry ready. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Realizing the need of the hour, Tejal felt the urge of giving back to society. Every Sunday, she spends her time with the robin Hood Army, that works to get surplus food from restaurants and communities to the less fortunate.

Body language and power posing

The LPF held regular seminars and workshops which aided in grooming her. one of the work-shops that provided Tejal with great insight was a seminar on body language and power posing. “The workshop taught some of the self-improvement technique that asserts positive authority and confidence. Body language is quite important when you enter the corporate world. It helps to break barriers and aids in communication as well. Working on your power pose shows that you are confident and that you take your work quite seriously,” she informed.

Her go to power stance is one of the ‘Wonder Woman’-hands on the waist, feet apart and chin titled upwards. This power pose instantly uplifts her morale and confidence.

The workshop taught some of the self-improvement technique that asserts positive authority and confidence. Body language is quite important when you enter the corporate world

Tejal with her family

All geared up

With Java and Python being her favourable languages, Tejal knew exactly what to expect from the college placement. With a stronghold on aptitude level working on personal interview became her priority. Before bagging Veritas Technology, Tejal faced a few rejections, however, that did not bog her down. “I knew where I was lacking. A boost in my confidence during the Personal Interviews is all I needed. I implemented all that I had learnt during the workshops. And finally, this company saw my worth and that is how I got placed,” she said.

Talking about the preparations she made for the placement, Tejal said, “I would do thorough research about the company which our college would host. Visiting the company’s website is the best option as it has all the needed information. With that, I worked on my body language and did not forget to use my power pose.”

A simple dream

With a confirmation letter in hand, Tejal within no time will start working and most importantly she will inch closer to her dreams. “My first and fore-most dream is to support my family because they have done more than I ever asked. There would be a sense of satisfaction once I start helping my family out. once I gather enough knowledge and have saved enough money, I intend to move abroad for my further studies,” informed Tejal.

One of her sketch

Tips for the juniors

Basics first: Be the placement season or the ex-ams, make sure to understand what forms the premise of any subject. once that is sorted the rest of the course becomes a piece of cake.

Keep your hobbies intact: Work and continuous studies can be stressful at times. That’s the time when your passion and hobby come into the picture. never give up on them as they would provide you with a much-needed break, just as saying goes all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!

Know yourself: Getting to know yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Understand your goals and aspirations in life. Take time to reckon what are your expectations from the company and how do you want to fit in the organisation.

Power posing: The benefits of power posing is immense. one of them being, it instantly uplifts your confidence. Decide for yourself which of the power positions at work makes you feel the most influential and make sure to use it.