“Failure is always a start of something beautiful”

From working as a stockbroker at 19 to starting a small venture at 21 to currently working with his dream company IDFC First, Abhin Mehta has encashed on his failures and carved a path for his own. Recently he brought his first car and ticked off one thing from his to-do-list. “I still have a long to go and a lot accomplish,” he smiled. In conversation with Abhin

Research affirms that practical knowledge boosts the self-esteem of a student. With that, the education that the kid gathers augments his/her transition into the corporate world. And the right amalgamation of educational and practical exposure thrusts one while climbing the tree of success and growth. Agreed Abhin, “If you don’t throw yourself in the swimming pool, you can never learn this art. But before entering the swimming pool, one must understand the theory behind it. Which implies theoretical knowledge enhances the practical experience.”

Sweet realisations

Barely in his 20s and before pursuing his MBA in Finance, Abhin set up a small venture business to test his ability. This Udaipur lad has a keen eye and a kind heart. Talking about the motive behind started the business, he informed, “My ailing grandmother was advised to have coconut water every day. But in Udaipur, like the rest of the cities, coconut water is not readily available. An idea can change your life and the intent to start a delivery service that provides coconut water at one’s doorstep changed my mind.”

For months, Abhin toiled hard to understand the ethics behind running this business. No doubt his thought behind starting this business was noble. But truth be told, a person should come prepared with at least the basic knowledge of the business functions. Abhin couldn’t agree more! “The initial few days the delivery service ran well. But later I realised just having the passion isn’t enough. I somewhere lacked in marketing and a few other areas. And this is exactly why, educational knowledge is also a must,” he stressed.

Although Green Connect, his first business venture did not function as it was planned, it sure gave him the experience of a lifetime. “I knew the failure was a start of something beautiful,” smiled Abhin. Further explaining, “The idea behind any business is always good. The real test begins when you need to network, learn the finances in deep, understand the market and your clients, build a great team and various other things. When all these entities fall in place, the business becomes successful. This venture was a stepping stone for me. To get a strong grip on the theory of business strategy, I decided to pursue my higher education.”

Learn every art

Just as educational and practical exposure go hand in hand, the thing that also provides a must needed thrust to everyone’s life is engaging in extra-curricular activities. Although Abhin was an average student growing up, he gave utmost importance to other activities that enhanced his knowledge. Talking about its pros, he said, “Getting involved in any art broadens our horizons. Apart from learning that skills, we get to meet new people, improve our social skills and it also gives us a chance to find better career opportunities. More than anything, it revitalises us.”

During his school and college days, Abhin played a lot of sports and also took part in several cultural activities. And amidst this hoopla, he found his love for stock market further making realise that finance is his go-to industry. “I knew I was good with accounts, so during my late teens when I got a chance to work as a stockbroker for a local firm, I welcomed this opportunity with open arms. Though it was a small firm, I got to learn a lot. I started enjoying it and I realised the perks of doing something that you love. This thought changed my life. It was this passion of mine that further pushed me to start my own business,” he reminisced.

"Getting involved in any art broadens our horizons. Apart from learning that skills, we get to meet new people, improve our social skills and it also gives us a chance to find better career opportunities. More than anything, it revitalises us"

Abhin Mehta

Prepping for placements

Once Abhin had narrowed down the stream in which he had to invest his time in, he left no stone unturned to prep for the campus placement. In 2017, he moved to Pune to pursue his MBA in finance. Talking about his preparations for the campus placement, he said, “I was quite clear when it came to the aptitude round. Then came the GD and PI rounds. During my early college days, I had overcome my fear of stage. This later came in very handy.”

The latest technology has brought the world at our feet. And Abhin decided to make the most of it. “These days, we get instant updates of the current happenings in the world. Current Affairs is also an important aspect of the campus placement round. Every morning, I would just glace through the apps to stay updated,” he informed. Now that he knew love for finance was inseparable, he shortlisted two companies that he wished to work for. One of them was Capital First, which later was known as IDFC First and Bajaj Finance. “These were the only two companies I wanted to ever work for,” said a firm Abhin.

When IDFC First visited his campus, his happiness knew no bounds. “I had done thorough research about this company. I even had a word with a few of my seniors which cleared my thought process. During the PI, I was quite clear how I was going to express myself. Things worked in my favour and I bagged my dream company,” informed an elated Abhin.

It’s been a good run so far. Abhin is working with the IDFC First’s Udaipur branch where he handles the risk management for the company. And within no time, he got the opportunity to explore several things that the company had to offer. “Happy with my performance, I was soon promoted to the post of a Deputy Manager. Recently I even purchased my first car. I cannot ask for more,”

Now that Abhin is settling in well in the corporate world, he passes on a few tips for his juniors to ace the campus placement

Make notes : Once you are done with your daily college routine, take some time out to scroll through the current business scenario. You have the whole world on your mobile so make utmost use of it. Keep a keen eye on the slightest movement of the industry.

Watch and learn : This is the first trait of an entrepreneur – that is identifying your customers. College is the time where you make true friendship. And they are ones who will help you no matter what. Never forget, your batchmates are your first customer.

Dress to kill : It goes without say that the first impression is the last impression. Put up your primed attire and don’t forget to wear your confidence over it.

Connect and network : Don’t shy away from having a word with your seniors. They are ones who have just stepped in the corporate world and their first-hand experience can enlighten your perspective.

Be optimistic : Life is not always hunky-dory. When things don’t work in your favour, don’t lose hope. Embrace your failure, learn from it and bounce back stronger.