“Don’t Settle For Anything Less”

At times, managing work, education and personal life can become tedious and mundane. But there’s always a way out, feels Niyati Nikam – working hard, being patient and communicating efficiently with your peer and family are just to name a few. Currently working with Infosys as Associate Lead, Business Partner-Human Resources, Niyati shares more on the same lines, how not to settle for anything less and much more. In conversation with Niyati

When you think every breath, every thought, every move is battle, don’t lose hope. At times like these, communicate your feelings. Remember there is a solution to every problem. You are allowed to feel that way but at the same time don’t give in. Fight harder and you come out as a winner

Niyati Nikam

One’s dream should never be restricted to the small boundaries of their town. Rather, it should propel them to achieve their dreams. Niyati couldn’t agree more, “What you encash out of every situation determines your personality. Although I belonged to the small town of Ratnagiri, my town and my parents always pushed me to attain the best. And so far, I am proud of my journey.” Born into a modest family, Niyati’s parents, Nitin and Nalini made sure that their daughter learnt the life lessons through her own experience rather than spoon-feeding her the virtues. “Learn from every mistake and experience, and turn it into your strength. I feel quite privileged that my parents let me learn the life lessons on my own. It has made me nothing but a strong person and I owe this to them,” said a proud Niyati.

Balance is the key

Growing up, Niyati learnt to balance between schooling and any talent that she was pursing. She knew getting an education was essential but what also mattered was achieving the equilibrium in life. “I knew I lacked in Math, hence I spent more and enough time in comprehending it. At the same time, I had an understanding that extra-circular activities were also a must. Courtesy of my parents, I got the liberty of experiencing what my every hobby had to offer. Be it my dancing lessons or a sports class, I gained a lot of perspectives and enjoyed the experience of learning something new. This trait has helped me a lot so much so that I am even following it today,” she said. Further adding, “Continuously working and gaining knowledge can become mundane, further affecting your productivity. One must find a hobby and never stop learning something new apart from the daily work. It enhances your soul making you ready to face anything in life.”

When it came to her career, she was simply focused on learning something more that was offered. A combination of human resources and information technology looked very fascinating. “Once you know what you want, there’s nothing that can stop you. Find your niche and give your best to achieve it. Work hard, pick up subjects that you lack in and make sure you ace them,” she said with a firm voice. Further adding, “I knew what my passion was. An amalgamation of HR and IT always intrigued me which is why I chose my education stream accordingly. Having a clear mind will take you a long way.”

The great shift

After completing her basic education from Ratnagiri, Niyati moved to Pune to increase her knowledge, understanding and experience. But it came at a cost. The shift to the big town exposed her to several new things and somewhere the new-age cultural change got to her. “I came to Pune almost seven years ago. The shift was much needed as I wanted to broaden my horizons. However, the cultural shift affected me a lot and I couldn’t focus on my aim. But my Rock of Gibraltar, my father, was always there for me who made me realise to work even harder and ignore the things that weren’t important,” informed Niyati.

"When I couldn’t through my dream company, there was a point when I was ready to settle for whatever was coming my way. But then, I remembered never settle for anything less. I waited, I knew heaven had a plan for me"

Niyati Nikam with her friends

Coping up with adversity

When things don’t work in your favour, it’s easy to crumble. But one should know that there’s always a way out. Moving to Pune was a dream come true for Niyati but there were a few times where things weren’t working out for her. The cultural shift and the prolonged placement season had a huge impact on her. But the strong girl she was, Niyati made sure to come out it even stronger. “The credit goes to my father who was always there for me no matter what,” said a proud daughter. Further adding, “When you think every breath, every thought, every move is a battle, don’t lose hope. At times like these, communicate your feelings. Remember there is a solution to every problem. You are allowed to feel that way but at the same time don’t give in. Fight harder and you will come out as a winner.”

Never settle for anything less

The placement season was the most testing time for her. Even after applying for more 15 companies, Niyati did not get selected. That was the time when she remembered her father’s teachings. “When I couldn’t through my dream company, there was a point when I was ready to settle for whatever was coming my way. But then, I remembered never settle for anything less. I waited, I knew heaven had a plan for me,” she said. Better late than never, her hard work paid off as she got placed with Infosys as Associate Lead, Business Partner - Human Resources.

Talking about her preparations for the placement, she said, “I knew Math wasn’t my forte which happened to be pivotal when it came to the aptitude test. Hence, I gave it more preference while preparing for the placement. I knew I had a knack of giving the best during the PI and GD as I had been working on it. If you prepare for any event with all your heart, nothing can stop you.”

After venturing into the corporate world, Niyati is now settling in well as she is getting the hang of the work ethics. On that note, she passes on a few tips to her juniors for the campus placement and much more…

• Aim for the best : In life, you will get many options but always remember your dream and keep working towards it. Never settle for anything other than what you deserve. Don’t forget you always deserve the best.
• Dedication : Focus on your shortcomings and make sure to convert it into your strength. If you lack in any subject, try and understand its basics and concepts rather than mugging it up.
• Communicate : Whatever issues you have – in life, in any subject, personal or professional, try to reason it out. And when you can’t do that, discuss your problems with family or someone who you trust. Chances are, the issues might be just playing in your head but in reality, they could be solved by just communicating with someone.
• Don’t be complacent : True world lies beyond your comfort zone. Learn to walk out of your comfort zone. Trust me, it will do wonders.
• Have faith and be patient : Your dreams might take time to hatch but till then don’t lose hope. There always is a way out, there is always a plan be patient! Don’t crumble under pressure.