FOCUS ON ADDING SKILLS NOT CERTIFICATES
Girish Ahuja possesses a skill that is quite needed in this day and age. He learnt marketing on the go and made that his forte. After his brief stint with Nestlé as their Sales Officer, Girish now runs not one but two businesses that he built from scratch. In a conversation with Corporate Citizen, Girish, Founder, Ahuja Industries, talks about the importance of having an open mind, shares a few tips on how to prepare for campus placement and more
Born and raised in Akola, Maharashtra, Girish moved to Pune to complete his graduation and further studies. And that is where his life changed and transformed him into a confident and successful entrepreneur. “Although I took this cue from my father to keep an open mind, I was able to incorporate it only during my college days. For me, education is important, but what took the front seat was taking part in extracurricular activities. Little did I know that my college life will turn me into what I am today,” said a proud Girish. While further adding, “Be it sports or investing your time in hobbies or taking part in college fests or events extracurricular activities, it gives you a chance to find yourself and explore the endless opportunities that life has to offer.”
NEVER GIVE UP
All through his school life, Girish was an average student. However, what made a difference during his college days was his outlook on life. Talking about the game-changing incident while completing his BBA from Pune, he informed, “Being the marketing head of the annual function, I knew I was carrying a huge responsibility on my shoulder. The fact that I was curious and eager to learn new things made the function a huge hit. The fest recorded a footfall of 1000-plus students, one of the best so far. I learnt a great deal about marketing and realised the importance of networking and making contacts.”
With this great experience added to his kitty, he moved on to complete his MBA in Marketing from Pune’s well-known college. Here, his curious nature allowed him to have the time of his life. “A wise person knows that there is something to be learnt from everyone,” he smiled. Without any motive in his mind, he was friendly with everyone and this worked in his favour. Sharing one of the anecdotes, he said, “The housekeeping lady of our college was quite outspoken. The way she spoke to every student exuded warmth and genuine care. I realised everyone you ever meet knows something you don’t. Just by carefully watching her, I learnt a few tricks that I could easily apply to any aspects of my life.”
KEEP ON LEARNING
While completing his MBA, Girish was handed another responsibility that was going to test his skills. He was appointed as the head of the HR Meet and there was no going back. “When you get an opportunity always begin it with a positive attitude. I knew handling this event was a daunting task, but I wasn’t going to give up. I applied everything that I learnt so far to make this meet a huge success. I contacted the who’s who of the marketing world to be a part of this Meet. To see the hard work, fall through was a great feeling. There is a lot to learn from people around us. Keep learning and take the best from everyone. Focus on adding skills not certificates,” he explained. Everyone needs guidance and support to succeed. And for Girish, it was his family and friend’s unconditional love and support that motivated him to give his best.
"There is a lot to learn from people around us. Keep learning and take the best from everyone. Focus on adding skills not certificates"
- Girish Ahuja
STEPPING FORWARD
Girish stepped into the campus placement rounds with ample knowledge and a will to never give up. Talking about his campus placement experience, he said, “Just as I was about to sit for the second company, I was informed that I was placed with Nestlé. To be frank, I did not prepare much for these rounds, however, the knowledge and experience that I gathered, upped my game. The aptitude and GD round was pretty good. In the personal interview round, I grilled with mostly practical questions which I feel I answered with ease. I guess that is what helped me bag the job.”
Within a few months of working with Nestlé, Vadodara as their Sales Manager, Girish decided to start his own business back home in Akola. “I have always seen my father deliver his best in all his endeavour. Watching his business grow gave me the courage to start mine. Encashing on my practical experience, I started my first business that is into the manufacturing of home cleaning products. We are now present in six states. Learning how to use social media for business made a huge difference,” he said.
Recently, he ventured into retailing premium and gourmet foods. He is happy to see his business grow and hopes that it flourishes leaps and bounds. Girsh believes that it is the skill of the person that defines them and he envisions to keep learning.
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR CAMPUS PLACEMENT:
Network diligently: Networking is an essential aspect of one’s growth and success. Be it during your college days or campus placement or once you enter the corporate world, networking broadens your horizons and opens new doors of opportunities. It will give you insights into the latest trends, builds friendship and fosters a trade of ideas.
Be confident: Showing confidence in an interview showcases your worth and makes for a good first impression. Make proper eye contact, sit straight, don’t fidget, breath properly and dress aptly. Following all these adds to your confidence.
Make the most of internships: Just before your campus placement starts, encash on your internship experience. It gives you an overview of what the corporate world has in the offing for you. Take it seriously and learn each day-an internship prepares you for the best!
Theory vs practical knowledge: Both these go hand in hand. Apply your college learnings thoroughly during your internship. This strengthens both your theoretical and practical knowledge.
Extracurricular is a must: Be it sports or investing your time in hobbies or taking part in college fests and events-extracurricular activities give you a chance to find yourself and explore the endless opportunities that life has to offer.