Taking small steps towards the goal
Aishwarya Verma is someone who believes that success is not achieved overnight. “One can achieve it when the foundation is rock solid and the time is right,” she expressed. Currently working with SAS as their Solution Consultant, Aishwarya opens up about her campus placement journey, the importance of being involved in extracurricular activities, a few tips for her juniors on how to prepare for the placement, and more.
On her LinkedIn profile, she confidently describes herself as a dedicated, determined, and self-driven marketing professional. Her passion for innovation and comprehensive understanding of marketing and communications reflect the depth of her expertise in meeting diverse corporate demands, a testament to her charisma. Engage in conversation with her, and it becomes evident just how proficient she is in her role and how deeply focused her approach is. Achieving her current position wasn't an overnight success; “Success is not achieved overnight. One takes time to understand the process, and once your foundation is right and the time is too, your hard work is showered with success,” smiled Aishwarya.
When asked about her hometown, she proudly says, “I am from Wardha, a small town near Nagpur, Maharashtra, and now married and settled in Jammu. The beauty of small towns is it pushes you to achieve your goals.”
Hard work and focus
Growing up under the guidance of hardworking parents, Aishwarya gained a profound appreciation for the importance of leadership and dedication. She found herself shouldering responsibilities at home while both her parents pursued their careers. Reflecting on her upbringing, Aishwarya acknowledged, "My mother held a prominent position as a Class I officer, and during her work hours, I took charge of managing our household. I have big shoes to fill in, knowing the kind of role models my parents are. This experience instilled numerous qualities within me." As a proud daughter, while she looked after her young brother too, she recognises how these traits cultivated during her formative years have been invaluable assets throughout her personal and professional endeavours.
Holistic development
During her student years, Aishwarya exhibited remarkable diligence. "I put in significant effort to excel academically," she recalled with a smile. Alongside her studies, she also prioritised extracurricular activities. With a deep passion for Bharatanatyam and Kathak, Aishwarya actively participated in and emerged victorious in numerous competitions at various levels. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted, "These dance forms are incredibly intricate, teaching me the importance of consistency in reaching the pinnacle of success. Whether it's mastering choreography, perfecting footwork, conveying emotions through facial expressions, or perfecting attire, each aspect demands conviction and dedication. I learned to apply this mindset not only to my studies but also to my professional endeavours." Thereon, she passionately encourages all her juniors to prioritise extracurricular activities alongside their academic pursuits.
"I have big shoes to fill in, knowing the kind of role models my parents are. This experience instilled numerous qualities within me"
-Aishwarya Verma
Get, Set, Go!
Aishwarya with her college sweethheart and now husband Vishal Verma
Upon completing her Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aishwarya secured a position with Amazon. However, her desire to gain more education was compelling. "I felt the need to broaden my horizons and venture into the corporate world," she expressed. Consequently, she relocated to Pune to pursue an MBA in Marketing. Her primary goal now was to become placement-ready and secure a lucrative package.
Recalling her campus placement experience, Aishwarya shared, "Adjusting to college life took some time, especially coming from a small town. However, with the support of my friends and professors, I settled in smoothly and received assistance with my studies." She diligently maintained a diary containing detailed notes for all the rounds of campus placements.
“The diary served as my ultimate resource. It contained all the essential details for the Personal Interview (PI) and Group Discussion (GD) rounds. I meticulously documented everything about myself, which proved invaluable during the PI rounds. Additionally, it included information about the companies scheduled to visit our campus. Furthermore, I used it to stay updated on recent developments relevant to the GD rounds,” she explained.
Aishwarya applied for just one company and successfully secured a position. She commenced her corporate journey with BlackNGreen, later transitioning to Times Internet, and currently, she is employed with SAS.
During her MBA studies, Aishwarya met her boyfriend Vishal Verma, now her husband. With her personal life well-established, she achieved one of her goals. Her aspirations now include climbing the ladder of success, purchasing a home, and exploring the world through travel. Aishwarya's determination knows no bounds, and there seems to be no limit to her ambitions.
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR CAMPUS PLACEMENT
Network wholeheartedly: Students ought to allocate a substantial amount of time to networking. Prior to engaging in networking for a specific purpose, it’s essential to approach it wholeheartedly and sincerely. This approach prevents it from appearing purely pragmatic. Connecting with seniors, and peers, and forming friendships during internships holds immense value. This practice enhances industry connections, propels career advancement, fosters novel ideas and viewpoints, and offers an array of benefits.
Keep yourself updated: All three rounds of campus placement thrive on your current affairs knowledge. For that read the newspaper daily. Download apps that allow you to understand industry trends better.
Fall, but get up: The educational journey is meant to be challenging, preparing you for your corporate endeavours. It’s okay to face failures, experience setbacks, and encounter downfalls. The key is to brush off these challenges, learn valuable lessons from them, and resiliently move forward.
Find your purpose: Life is essentially about finding your purpose and fulfilling it. By doing so, individuals are infused with the motivation and determination needed to navigate through life’s journey. This sense of purpose provides them with clear direction and focus, enabling them to lead a more meaningful and fulfilling existence. Ultimately, embracing one’s purpose contributes to an overall enhancement of well-being and happiness, enriching every aspect of their lives.
Balance is the key: All work and no play, make a student dull. After establishing themselves with their studies, they should also learn to embrace leisure in moderation.