PRACTICE MAKES IT POSSIBLE
Knowing your weakness is half the battle won, the rest of the battle starts when you begin to overcome it. Abhishek Patil very well knows that practise makes impossible possible, which is one of the traits to survive in the corporate world. Currently working as the Product Manager with Vedanta Limited, Delhi, he spoke candidly with Corporate Citizen about his journey so far, how he overcame the language barrier, a few tips to ace the campus placement for his juniors and much more
Born and raised in a small town of Shyampur, Madhya Pradesh, Abhishek’s dreams were never restricted to the walls of that district. “Studies are important and that was justified since the very beginning. However, for me, finding things to do by getting out of the comfort zone always topped my list. To run my own business was a dream but it needs plenty of groundwork and I was ready to do that,” he smiled.
Abhishek completed his schooling from his hometown. After completing his mechanical engineering from Indore University, he moved to Pune, where he pursued his MBA in marketing. “All through my educational journey, I was studious. Undertaking several projects and internships during my college days not only increased my knowledge, understanding and experience but it also made my life worthwhile,” said Abhishek.
Getting ready
Getting involved in several activities outside school and colleges can help the student inculcate plenty of values, virtues and traits which will come in handy in their career growth. Abhishek agreed, “The real world begins once you get out of your comfort zone. It might look difficult at first but soon it becomes easy. To make that journey hurdle free, one needs to gain as much experience as they can by focusing both on studies and extra-curricular activities.”
"I feel that to have a smooth flow of knowledge during college days and while climbing the corporate ladder of success, one should be fluent in all the languages"
Abhishek Patil with his friendsThe beginning
During his engineering days, Abhishek decided to feed his inner fire of entrepreneurship. He took up an initiative which gave him an experience of a lifetime. He along with his friends devised and promoted an app that connected students and teachers of various engineering colleges. “To gain practical knowledge alongside your studies makes learning meaningful. Being a part of this app was the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. Learnings were galore which made me ready for the corporate world,” he explained.
Unfortunately, the app couldn’t sustain but Abhishek focuses on the positives. “I am happy that I at least gave it a shot,” he smiled. Talking about his learning he said, “It made me realise that putting together a team with the same vision for the product as you, will take your initiative a long way. Although, we started this business at a young age, we learnt to handle things professionally. And the most important aspect that I learnt was how to market the product. We visited more than 100 schools and colleges to promote this app. That’s when I realised that I needed in-depth knowledge on the same,” he informed. Which is why he moved to Pune to learn everything that incorporates in the marketing world.
Game on!
Having studied in a vernacular medium, Abhishek found that his language caused a bit of a hindrance during his MBA days. “I feel that to have a smooth flow of knowledge during college days and while climbing the corporate ladder of success, one should be fluent in all the languages. I wanted to improve my English-speaking skills and I was all game for it. Practise makes one perfect,” he said, “Almost for a year and a half, I made it a point to converse in English with everyone. I fumbled but I never gave up.”
The first things on his priority list to ace the campus placement was ticked off. He became fluent in English as well. And all through this journey of ups and downs, his friend, Kushboo, stuck with him and provided him with the much-needed strength. “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” he smiled.
The next thing to check off from the list was to work on his confidence and his overall grooming. Often, he and his friends picked up a topic for discussion on the spur of the moment, without premeditation or preparation. “Having extempore debates with my friends on the current happenings, assured me that I was ready for the group discussion round. With that, I even recorded several videos of me practising a speech or my views on any topics or a para or two describing myself. Later, I analysed the video and worked on my shortcomings. During the personal interview with Vedanta Limited, I showed the video to the interviewees, who were extremely impressed with my hard work. I cannot stress enough on how leading a disciplined life has worked in my favour,” he said.
"The company was impressed with my resume and the video that I showed them. I guess, that's what landed me with Vedanta"
Abhishek Patil with his familyNever give up
Even after all this practice, Abhishek couldn’t get through the first two companies that he sat for. “Failure makes you stronger. After analysing my experience, I concluded that I should enhance my resume writing skills. I thoroughly researched about the company that was visiting us. I made notes of what they are looking for while hiring. And I prepared my resume as per that. And yes, that worked for me, I bagged the next two companies that I appeared for,” said a proud Abhishek.
When he sat for Vedanta Limited, things completed worked in his favour. And the tables had turned. “The company was impressed with my resume and the video that I showed them. And I guess, that's what landed me with Vedanta,” he smiled.
It’s been a year and a half since he is working with Vedanta Limited and he is having the time of his life. He is learning new things each day. Abhishek still yearns to start his business but he knows that he needs to gather enough knowhow before doing so. He plans on walking on the same of working hard, practising till he gets what he wants and never wants to stop learning.
As Abhishek Patil settles in well in the corporate world, he passes on a few tips for his juniors on how to prepare for campus placement and much more…
Keep an open eye : Current affair is a topic which is very dynamic and keeps constantly changing. Owing to its nature, a lot of the industries undergo several changes as well. Keep yourself updated to what is happening around you.
Know thy company : Once you shortlist your favoured companies, go through their websites and understand their vision and mission. Understand their expectations and prepare your CV as per that.
Overcome your weakness : We are all humans, and everyone has their shortcomings. Firstly, learn to embrace your weakness. Thing is you can turn your inhibitions into your strengths if you seek guidance and work hard. Learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them.
Groom yourself : It is rightly said that the first impressions last forever. Work on grooming yourself. Wear tidy and formal clothes. This also includes polishing your social skills like communication and the virtue of patiently listening to what the other person is saying.
Focus on extra-curricular activities : Agreed, studies are important. But to move on in life, one needs to find the right balance. Indulging yourself in extra-curricular activities will broaden your horizons. Your social skills will get a boost and you will be able to expand your network. This all comes in handy in your further studies and corporate career.