Having faith can help you move mountains
Clinging on to nothing but hope and faith, Roger Hulikavi has overcome odds in his personal life. And although a fresher in the corporate world, his ‘never give up’ attitude is helping him create waves in the professional realm as well. A people’s person, Roger relied on the basic keys to success during his placement which helped him narrow down his options. Roger is currently placed with IDFC First Bank, Pune as a Sales Manager. Corporate Citizen caught up with Roger to know more about how he dealt with his challenges
When he takes the stage to compere a show or hosting a college event or for debating on a current affairs topic, the audience is in awe of his aura and his personality that showcases his knowledge, simplicity and sense of humour. But this wasn’t the reception that Roger always received. He had to work hard towards building this quality. During his early college days, public speaking or even initiating a conversation with anyone looked like a mammoth task owing to his shy and introvert disposition.
Talking about how he overcame the fear of facing the crowd, Roger explained, “I failed miserably when I first took the stage as an anchor while hosting an event during my graduation. I forgot my lines and fumbled a lot. However, a few words of wisdom given by my friend backstage helped me to keep the event alive. What I took back from that experience was, be natural and confident.” Further adding, “I knew I was an introvert and shy and I had to change if I had to move ahead in life and make waves in the corporate world. I worked on myself so much so that later when I hosted an event in the college the applause never stopped.”
Little did he know that getting a hang of public speaking would refine his virtues and make him ready to face the corporate world. “Being in the sales department, I interact with several corporate and industry bigwigs. It is necessary to be confident and strike a conversation that keeps them engaged and makes them realize your worth. Public speaking has facilitated me to develop this trait. In fact, that is what has me made a people’s person,” says Roger, who is working as a Sales Manager with IDFC First Bank, Pune branch.
Being in the sales department, I interact with several corporate and industry bigwigs. It is necessary to be confident and strike a conversation that keeps them engaged and makes them realize your worth
Early days
Born and raised in a small town of Karnataka, Roger spent most of his college life in Belgaum. Roger lost his father at a young age. Although grieving, he was prepared to move on with his life as his mother and his extended family were always by his side. A confidant, Mala, Roger’s mother, single handedly nurtured Roger.
Roger was an average student all through his school and college days. The subject that he most lacked in was Mathematics. Being a school teacher in a government school, Mala made sure he understood the basics of the subject. “My mother always stood like a rock beside me through thick and thin,” said a proud son. Further adding, “During my school days, I wasn’t that good at Maths. My mother would prepare a separate Maths questionnaire for me which I had to solve every day. And when she got back from work, she would correct my answers. It’s not that my grades changed overnight. I invested my dedication and the results bore the sweet fruits of success. It was my mother who made Maths look less scary.”
After completing his graduation in Commerce, Roger went on to pursue Company Secretaryship. However, things did not work in his favor and he decided to change his stream. And this is how he landed at a renowned management college in Pune. “Never forget-if one door shuts, there are several others that open up for you. Dropping out of this course (Company Secretary) unlocked a new door that led me to this amazing college in Pune which changed my life forever.”
Industry ready
The shift from his graduation college to his management college was a completely different ball game. “Challenges were a part and parcel of my college journey. Sure, the schedule was hectic but the college also gave us a blueprint plan of how to manage it. When challenges are handed on a plate every day, it becomes a routine. And overcoming it makes you industry-ready,” he said, further adding, “Graduation was quite laid back as opposed to my post graduation which not only called for a hundred per cent attendance but we also had to be attentive. I am glad this college made me industry ready,” said Roger, who completed his course in Marketing from SBS, Pune.
Roger learnt a great deal about the corporate world from his college. His college life was cumulative of informative lectures, supportive professors and great friends. He would spend most of his time studying the fundamentals of marketing. He pushed himself to excel in academics and extra- curricular activities.
His post-graduation college also gave him a platform to develop his skill of writing. “I regularly contributed to the college e-newsletter which polished my vocabulary and writing ability. It strengthened my imagination and broadened my horizons. I would often write for my management college on Facebook. This has surely helped in many ways,” he said.
When you guard yourself with knowledge, patience, and compassion, you can easily overcome any placement session. Faith and confidence can take you a long way
Roger with his friendsHis placement story
Being self-confident and proactive made him stand out in the crowd when it came to placement. Roger knew what to expect in the placement process as the college had prepared him well. Due to some issues, he wasn’t able to attend the interview with the first company that came to his college. However, he was well prepared for the second company – IDFC First Bank and he easily cracked it. “When you arm yourself with knowledge, patience, and compassion, you can easily overcome any placement session. Faith and confidence can take you a long way,” he said. Apart from following the college norms, there were a few tenets that Roger vouched for when it came to campus placement.
He read the newspaper regularly and religiously which kept him up to date with the happenings in the market and the industry.
Had friendly debates and discussion with college friends every morning which helped in the group discussion during the campus placement.
Sought advice and guidance from his professors at college.
Made it a point to solve several aptitude papers. Groomed his personality for the personal interviews.
A new world
Working with IDFC First Bank has been a rewarding experience for him. Only a few months old in the company, Roger is already handling accounts of the big fish in the industry. A part of the Loan Against Property (LAP) department, his ticket sizes range from Rs.60 lakhs to Rs.10 crores. He manages end-to-end sales lifecycles, sourcing LAP products and implementing strategies, cross-selling LAP and managing internal and external customer relationships. “With a hectic work schedule, I hardly get time for social life. But looking at my progress chart I walk with my head held high. I understand this is the time to focus on my career, I will get enough and more chances to spend on myself later”, he adds.
Tips for success
- Have faith in yourself as it’s one only thing that will help you move mountains.
- Attend your college religiously. It will work in your favour.
- Take part in extra-circular activities as it will help you polish your skills.
- During an interview, strike a conversation that keeps the assessor invested in your talks.
- There will be times when things won’t work in your favor. During those days, don’t ever think of giving up. Stay strong and positive. Situations will change.
- There is no substitute for hard work. Give it your best.
- Always stay up to date when it comes to current affairs.
- Don’t neglect your social life. Learn to strike a balance between both.