What you fear is what you must conquer!

A lot has changed in her life since her college days. While others might fear the shift from college life to the corporate world, she faced it with open arms and, in fact, quite enjoyed this transition. Meet Loma Dalal, currently working with Mileage Logistics as Management Trainee. In conversation with Loma…

She vividly remembers this moment, as this is the incident that completely transformed her life. It was Loma’s second day of her Post Graduation course. And as part of her induction programme, she had to put forth a presentation in front of 500 students. Being an introvert, she was a bit taken aback with the programme. But that was the time when she said to herself, “Let’s face the fear.” She was nervous! And why wouldn’t she be? Facing a crowd of 500 students to give a presentation isn’t a joke. Once she conquered the fear of stage fright, there was a sublime smile on her face. “Although, I was a bit nervous during the presentation, I knew I had to overcome my stage fright. Once I step foot on the stage, I saw the crowd stare at me. But as I went on with the presentation, I could see myself beaming with confidence. The presentation went on really well and, in the end, I realised everything that I wanted was on the other side of the fear,” smiled Loma, who completed her PG in International Business from Pune’s leading MBA college.

Two years have passed by for this incident and Loma is quite intrigued knowing the better version of herself. Talking about the after effects of the incident, she said, “Facing my fear has made me be a confident person. Soon I could easily have a one on one conversation with anyone. From being an introvert to this outgoing person I am today, I have come a long way.”

Throwback time

Born and raised in Mumbai, Loma was an average student in her school. Further, she completed her graduation in Commerce from Mumbai University. She was always good with Accounts subject, as she had a fascination towards numbers. “I did have a smooth run during my school and college days. Following my father’s footsteps, I could see myself getting better at Accounts each day. In fact, I would score the most in that subject and that really boosted my confidence,” she informed.

Her placement tale

Owing to her smooth track record during her PG, Loma was eligible for appearing for placements since day one. She appeared for a total of 10 companies before getting through Mileage Logistics, Mumbai. “I gave a total of seven interviews and all of them taught me something about myself. After each PI, I could see myself getting better. As International Business was my core subject, I was looking for a specific company where I could use my talent. And finally, I found my dream job,” she said.

With accounting being her forte, she excelled in all the other subjects, giving her the upper hand in the Aptitude round. That left her with Group Discussion and Personal Interview to prepare for. Talking about her preparations for placement round, she said, “Practice makes a person perfect. As aptitude was my forte, I was a bit relieved about that round. For GDs, I saw several videos online to prepare myself. Apart from that, I would have a mock-up GD session with my friends where we debated on the current and burning topics. For PIs, I worked on my confidence and the rest fell in place.” Further adding, “In the final round for Mileage Logistics, I had to give a presentation. And luckily, I had some experience there, courtesy of my college. The presentation was on consumer behaviour and it went really good which bagged me my maiden job,” she said.

Sharing a few tips for others, she said, “During PIs, try showcasing your skills and talent in a nonchalant way. Keep practising the subjects that you lack in. Work hard and nothing can stop you.”

The shift

When in college, there is enough security giving enough chances to the students to make mistakes and learn from it without being answerable to anyone. However, once you start working, you are bogged down by responsibilities, which often scares the freshers. But Loma was all game for it. “Having gathered enough technical know how, I was all prepared to face the corporate world. I was pretty confident and was ready to work harder to achieve the given targets. For me, the shift from college life to the corporate world was quite smooth, in fact, I loved this transition,” said a confident Loma.

At Mileage Logistics, she is currently working as a management trainee. Talking about her role, she explained, “I have to understand the company’s profile before approaching them. Once that is done, I pitch them about how our company can help to get them get the customs and trade clearance for their import or export business.”

Dream on

Loma is someone who would prefer working hard rather than waiting for luck to work its charm. She said, “I don’t believe in the luck factor. Rather than waiting to get lucky, I would prefer working hard for it. That is something I have a control on. How can someone have a hold on their luck? The best efforts will reap the best fruits. Success is based on persistence, not luck.”

Hardly a few months old in the company, Loma has already planned her next dream. Talking about her goal, she said, “Next thing on my mind is to bag the ‘Best Salesperson Award’. I have, in fact, planned how to go about it. I have lined up a few meetings with potential companies, I have even targeted the customers. In the coming days, I will pitch them my plan. My aim is to bring each and every company on board.”

Proud moment

Loma learnt a great deal about her job in the first month itself. And while she was waiting for the first month to end, she received her maiden salary. “While I pledged to work hard, I was waiting for my salary to get credited. And finally, that day arrived. Seeing that salary in my account I was quite elated knowing I will get a chance to buy gifts for my loved ones. I gifted a watch to my mother and a saree to my grandmother. I could see a twinkle in their eyes, and pride on their face. This was the proudest moment of my life,” she signed off.

TIPS FOR HER JUNIORS…

• Keep practising: If you solve the question papers regularly, you can easily clear the Aptitude round during the placement. The more you solve, the better you will get.
• Be yourself: Being yourself is the greatest achievement of one’s life. For that, you should understand yourself first. And once you do that, you can easily face your fears.
• Stick to your point: During the Group Discussion round, be firm on your opinion. And if you have all the points supporting your answer, stick to it come what may. Be confident. The companies are gauging if you stand your ground or if you crumble under pressure.
• Be goal-oriented: Plan your dreams and works towards accomplishing each one of it.