"Choose To Be Optimistic, It Sure Feels Good”
Things don’t always go your way, especially, when you are chasing it. One would lose hope and give up. But that wasn’t the case with Ruchi Bandil. Even after being a college topper, it took Ruchi several attempts to get placed. Yes, it took time, but she kept working hard until she got what she deserved. She had her head held high and stayed strong. And as she says, ‘choose to be optimistic, it sure feels good.’ She did so! Currently placed with Reliance Industries Limited as their HRBP, Ruchi accounts her campus placement saga and much more…
"To get yourself selected for a company is nothing short of a work of art. It takes immense hard work and of course patience”
Since its inception, campus placement holds great importance in a student’s life. It is a doorway to the corporate world which enables them to start their career as soon as their educational journal ends. But to get placed in the right company is a mammoth task. Ruchi Bandil knows the struggle. “Tell me about it,” she sighed while adding, “To get yourself selected for a company is nothing short of a work of art. It takes immense hard work and of course patience. Some might get placed in the first go, but there are a few who fail even if they have topped the college. As they say, everything falls in place if you keep trying. It worked for me. And once I got placed, my happiness knew no bounds.”
Keeping her eye on the ball
At school, Ruchi was typically a good student shy, kept it to herself but when the exams struck, she would always top them. And the recipe for the was simple for her just focus during the lectures. Originally from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, owing to her father’s job, she got to travel a lot. “For a person whose intentions are nothing but to focus during lectures, there are no distractions. It doesn’t take much to be alert when your professor is teaching,” she said. Further adding, “Ever since I was a child, I had the knack of focusing during the school periods. And this habit carried forwards even during my college days. It saved me a lot of work as I would revise only during my exams giving me enough time to do other things after school”, she adds.
A walk to remember
Being a shy kid, one would lose out on a lot of things during their school and college days. Ruchi did like to keep it to herself while she was in school but as she entered college, she knew she had to change a few things. “I needed to face my fears and overcome them. During the fresher party, there was a fashion show and I decided to be a part of it. I was petrified but I knew I had to encash on this opportunity. Once the walk was done, I was a changed person. I not only overcame my fear but I also won a title,” reminisced Ruchi, who completed her higher education in Science.
Talking about overcoming her shyness and its correlation with the corporate world, she added, “The walk boosted my confidence. I started to interact with more people, took part in several fests and I did all that while getting good grades. When I joined my first job, it came in handy as well. I was more outgoing and could converse easily with the clients and peers.” And that is what she advises to all, “College days are meant to explore yourself. Take chances, learn more, discover yourself and taking part in college fest is the best way to do that.”
Her placement saga
After her graduation in BBA from Kumaun University, Nainital, she moved to Pune for her post-graduation. She knew fine-tuning her knowledge will help her get placed in the best company. Ruchi aced the college exams. But when it came to campus placements, things started to take a wrong turn. “I was one of the brightest students of our college. Every company that came in selected my résumé. I would easily get through the aptitude rounds, but I either falter during the GDs or PIs. One after the other, I kept getting rejected. But I wasn’t the one who was going to give up. Even after getting rejected by several companies, my hopes weren’t crushed. I kept aiming for the best,” Ruchi recalls, who completed her post-graduation in PM and HRD.
Although she did not get through several companies, she kept encashing on the experience. She connected the dots and work harder on the points where she lacked. “I started holding mock-up GDs for all my classmates. It gave me a chance to brush up on my skills and I also wanted to help my friends. With that, for aptitude, I also solved several papers and kept myself updated with current happenings for the GD and PI,” she said.
"In life, nothing comes easy. With hard work, patience and determination, you will get enough chance to prove yourself”
Ruchi with her college friends, who always supported herShe did it!
Alas, fortune favours the brave. Around October last year, Reliance Industries Limited visited their college. Ruchi had a gut feeling this time. “As usual, I got through the first round. And little did I know what was I store for me. During the PT, they kept shooting questions, even before I could finish my answer. But I would finish my answer and then go to the next one. Although my posture showed I was calm, my heart my racing faster than ever. In my mind, I knew I blew with the interview. Finally, things went into my favour. All my hard work had paid when I got to know that I was selected. Then it clicked, I later realised that they were testing my patience and now I know I had aced it,” she informed. “Saw? Being optimistic does come in handy,” she smiled.
Currently working at their Vadodara branch, she handles over 400 employees and manages all their HR process right from hiring to their exit interviews. She is growing each day and Ruchi cannot be any happier as she is working with the best company. “The best is yet to come,” she smiled.
As Ruchi settles in well in the corporate world, she passes on a few tips for her juniors on how to prepare for campus placement and much more…
Actively learn during lectures : This could be one of the age-old tips, but it really works. Focus all your attention during lectures. Take notes, ask questions, concentrate and never get distracted. In doing so, the concepts and theories be will crystal clear in your head. And then, all you need to do is revise during exams.
GDs with friends : The best part of having good friends is you all can have a mock up group discussion. This will build your confidence and get you well-versed with all the current happening. It comes in handy during the actual GD and PI.
Fall down seven times, stand up eight : In life, nothing comes easy. With hard work, patience and determination, you will get enough chance to prove yourself. When things don’t work the way you want, don’t lose hope. Everything has its time. Success will follow you!
Be a sport : All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I know education and work are important but to be good at it, one needs to rejuvenate, so that you can come back stronger. Get a hobby. Indulge yourself in it and see the difference.
Dress to skill : First impressions are the last. You’ll only get one chance to leave your mark during the GD and PI. Talent and knowledge sure take the driver’s seat but a good corporate attire will make a great impression.