On a quest to pursue passion and excellence
Akshay Purohit firmly believes in the power of hard work and strives to give his best in every endeavour. He embraces the philosophy that there are no shortcuts to success and remains committed to continuous learning, always seeking to absorb the valuable lessons that life presents. He is currently working with PhillipCapital India Pvt. Ltd, Pune as Senior Manager - Client Acquisition. In a conversation with the Corporate Citizen, Akshay talks about his educational journey, campus placement experience, and shares a few tips for his juniors on how to prep for the campus placement, and more
Although Akshay has his roots in Bijapur, Karnataka, he was raised in Satara, located near Pune. Being brought up in a city like Satara has proven to be a great advantage for him. The city experiences diverse weather conditions, with scorching hot summers, heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, and freezing cold winters. However, despite these extremes, the city has a warm and inviting atmosphere. Akshay finds its serenity particularly appealing, drawing him towards its tranquil charm. “We shifted here soon, as I was born owing to my father’s business. The city has taught me to be calm and fearless. Most importantly it has taught me to take every challenge head on. In life, everyone is ready to offer you lessons, all you need to have is an open mind. All this came in handy during my educational journey and especially now during my corporate life.”
Sustaining passion
Despite dedicating a significant amount of time to playing sports on the field, Akshay, as a student, managed to achieve marks above the average level. “Throughout my childhood, I placed a significant emphasis on sports as an extracurricular activity, fully aware of the benefits it offered in exchange for my time. I dedicated ample time to playing basketball and swimming, which not only enhanced my physical abilities but also imparted valuable lessons about life and academics. Engaging in sports taught me about leadership, time management, concentration, and numerous other skills. The positive impact of these experiences was evident in my academic performance and it reflected in my marks,” informed Akshay.
This commitment to sports and extracurricular activities persisted as Akshay entered college and extended into his personal life. In college, he actively participated in numerous activities, further nurturing his passion. Even in his personal life, he continued to maintain this involvement, taking on the role of an anchor for various events during family functions. The spirit of engagement and active participation became an integral part of his life, both within and outside of academic pursuits. “Studies are important, but remember, all work and no play makes a person dull. Hence, I urge all to invest their precious time in extracurricular activities. Trust me you won’t regret it.”
Setting things straight
Surrounded by a plethora of inspiration, Akshay witnessed both of his parents pursuing careers as engineers. In alignment with their footsteps, he pursued Mechanical Engineering and successfully completed his graduation from his hometown. While his father established a sustainable business in Satara, specialising in manufacturing industrial gearboxes, Akshay had different aspirations, leading him to chart his own unique path instead of joining his father's business. “While joining my father's business may have seemed like the obvious choice after my graduation, I approached the decision with rational thinking. In the ever changing landscape of industries, it is crucial to align with the latest trends; otherwise, there is a risk of becoming obsolete. Recognising that my father has established himself successfully, I realised that in order to contribute value, I should prioritise continuous learning and acquire extensive knowledge to stay ahead of evolving trends and fierce competition. By doing so, I can ensure long-term sustainability and remain adaptable in the face of industry challenges.” Soon after his graduation, he moved to Pune to pursue his MBA in Operations.
Craving his path
So, when you entered college, what was your mindset? A well-thought Akshay patiently responded. “My overarching objective was twofold: to propel my father's business forward while simultaneously establishing my own venture. Recognising that knowledge is the key to success, my primary focus has been to gather as much knowledge as possible. By acquiring a comprehensive understanding of various aspects related to both businesses, I aim to ensure their growth and sustainable development in the long run,” smiled Akshay.
While pursuing his goals, he also prioritised preparing for campus placements right from day one. He diligently put in the effort, going the extra mile to score well and excel in the campus placement rounds. With determination and focused preparation, he aimed to secure a desirable placement opportunity for his future career. “Throughout my educational journey, I had not prioritised studies. However, this time, I decided to embrace the challenge and prove my worth to myself. I made a conscious decision to focus on my studies and dedicated myself to achieving excellent academic performance,” Akshay said.
Overall, Akshay achieved numerous awards and accolades as a sportsperson. However, the award that held a special place in his heart was winning the bronze medal for his exceptional academic performance.
Talking about his campus placement prep, he said, “I dedicated significant time and effort to solving numerous papers for the aptitude round. One particular book focused on aptitude became my constant companion, as I went through it meticulously not once, but three times. This rigorous preparation instilled a sense of confidence and security within me. When it came to the group discussion and personal interview rounds, I was fortunate to have a supportive circle of friends who played a crucial role in my preparation. Together, we ensured that everyone was well-prepared and gave their best performance. The collective effort and encouragement from my friends proved instrumental in our success.
He further added, “Furthermore, I had a clear vision of the companies I wanted to apply to, which helped me streamline my efforts and target specific opportunities. Through relentless hard work and dedication, I reaped the sweet fruits of success, eventually securing a placement with a company that matched my aspirations.” Soon he got placed with Multi Commodity Exchange of India, Mumbai as their Sr. Executive- Business Development and later he moved to PhillipCapital India Pvt. Ltd, Pune as their Senior Manager (Client Acquisition). As he embarks on his journey of exploration and seeking the true meaning of life through travel, he holds a heartfelt desire to provide comfort and support to his parents, ensuring their well-being and happiness.
"Recognising that knowledge is the key to success, my primary focus has been to gather as much knowledge as possible"
-Akshay Purohit
How to prepare for campus placemen
Work hard: There is no substitute for hard work. Establish a clear objective and remain committed to it until you attain success. You have to start prepping for the campus placement from day one. Solve aptitude papers each day. Consistently dedicate yourself to its pursuit.
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. Thoroughly research the company that you are applying for.
Balance is the key: While studies hold significance, it's crucial to recognise that an exclusive focus on work can lead to a lack of enthusiasm. Allocate time to engage in extracurricular activities too, as their benefits are boundless. Explore and excel in a sport that resonates with you, as it imparts invaluable qualities such as leadership, patience, and diligence, whose worth cannot be underestimated.
Believe in yourself: The path to success is filled with obstacles. Patience is the key to overcoming them. Throughout this journey, it is essential to maintain self-belief, for if you doubt yourself, others will too.