Work on your weaknesses to win the game

If you keep on contemplating the decisions you make, you will lose out on time and valuable experience. Riding high on the same notion is Swagatam Roy, who swears by his setbacks and stands strong to make the most out of the situation. It took him two jobs to get to his dream organisation. But the wait was worth it, he said. Currently working with Deloitte India, as their Oracle SCM Functional Consultant, Swagatam talks to Corporate Citizen about the learnings from his educational journey, he shares a few tips on how to prepare for the campus placement and more

Born in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, Swagatam was raised in Tollygunge, Kolkata, owing to his father’s transferable government job. His father taught him one of the most precious traits as a child that Swagatam holds quite dear to his heart. “My family has always been my support system. With that, I believed in having a strong base in any concept. I was able to do that courtesy of my father. He taught me the trick of mental math which made me quick and sharp. Overall, I was able to score good grades,” reminisced Swagatam. As a student, he took part in several school activities and tried his hands on every available sport. And now when he connects the dots, he appreciates the importance of taking part in extracurricular activities during school and college.

Going with the flow

After completing his initial studies in Kolkata, he moved to Durg to pursue Mechanical Engineering. In the second year, Swagatam was struck with a revelation that changed the course of his education. “I realised that this stream wasn’t my cup of tea. Being in the corporate world was something that I always envisioned. So, soon after I graduated, I decided to take up an MBA degree which provided me with a clear vision of my career,” he said. Soon he landed in Pune to complete his post-graduation in Operations, Supply and Chain Management from Pune’s well-known college.

Gearing for the corporate life

His post-graduation college gave him an experience of a lifetime. He believes his communication skill is his biggest asset. However, over time he realised that this strength should be accompanied by the right kind of information and knowledge. And on that note, he began his preparation for campus placement. Talking about the same he said, “My eyes were set on my dream company. And I prepared the plot of getting placed as per that. However, even after giving my best, I couldn’t bag my desired organisation. I was dejected. And it’s okay to be disappointed. But what matters is what you learn from the experience. I realised if I can’t control something then why worry. So, I reevaluate my journey and prepared equally well for the next.”

He invested his time in upskilling, understanding the subject matter knowledge and keeping up with the latest industry trends. He said, “Never shy away from seeking and giving help from and to your batchmates or alumni. It can be referrals for internships or jobs, guidance before interviews or help in finding a job. Your network becomes your net worth. You grow when your network grows and vice versa.” Stressing on the importance of making good friends, he said, “Be each other’s pillar of strength. During the placement season, companies will come and go and some will get placed sooner than others. Enjoy each other’s success and help each other get over failures because you will remember the journey, not the destination.”

“Nobody is perfect. Your strengths will take you far in the game. But working on your weaknesses will help you to win the game”

- Swagatam Roy

Swagatam Roy with his support system-his parents

This is it!

Dedication and hard work brought him luck during campus placement and he got placed with ICICI Bank as their Deputy Manager. Soon he moved to White Hat Junior, where he severed them six months as their Sales Manager. And finally, came the moment when he got the opportunity to work with his dream company, Deloitte India. “Trust the process, your time will come.” he said. While further adding, “Count on your experience. Take it easy. You will be working for the next 35 or more years. You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to make the right decision today. Make the best decision according to the current situation and then work towards making it the right decision. You will have ample of opportunities,” he said.

Swagatam had faith in the process and most importantly, he believed in himself. Now with Deloitte, he is having the time of life. When asked what’s next on his plate, he said, “I wish to grow here steadily. I want to soak myself in this experience and take ahead what works best for me. When it comes to personal life, I hope to be happy and keep my family happy as well.” On that note, he signed off.

As Swagatam Roy settles in well in the corporate world, he shares a few tips for his juniors on how to prepare for campus placement and more…

Preparation is the key: Conducting a research is crucial for many reasons. It fills the knowledge gap, adds skills, enhances your experience and many other things. Do thorough research about the company. Prepare for basic questions as well. Pen down all the answers and memorise them. Note that the answers might change as the company but the basic structure will be the same.

Work on your weaknesses: Nobody is perfect. Your strengths will take you far in the game. But working on your weaknesses will help you to win the game.

Be upfront: Never shy away from seeking help. Approach your seniors, classmates, professors or anyone if you feel might add value to your knowledge. That said and done, sharing your knowledge will strengthen your grip over the concepts.

Trust the process: It is okay to not get placed in the first attempt. It might take time to land a job in your dream company. For that, you must trust the process and give all it takes to reach your destination. Revaluate your studying pattern and prepare well the next time.

Self-love is magical: Invest time in yourself. Research and study subjects that matter to you. Spending time learning new subjects online. It builds your confidence and keeps you updated with the latest trends.

Take it easy: You will be working for the next 35 years or more. You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to make the right decision today. Make the best decision according to your current situation and then work towards making it the right decision, you will have ample of opportunities.