Navigating Success

Abhishek Chhabra is someone who possesses a clear sense of purpose and meticulously executes his plans. His educational journey serves as an awe-inspiring tale of dedication. In an interview with the Corporate Citizen, Abhishek, who is currently working with SLB Limited as their Business Analyst, talks on his educational journey, his campus placement experience, shares a few tips for his juniors on how to prep for the campus placement and more

Although he hails from the small town of Bharuch, Gujarat, Abhishek, embraced the opportunities presented to him and took the world by storm. Despite his remarkable achievements, he remains humble, stating, “There is still so much to discover. My aspiration is to travel extensively and immerse myself in a multitude of experiences.”

Taking on the world

As the son of a school teacher, Abhishek understood the value of academic excellence from an early age. With unwavering determination, he consistently achieved impressive results, consistently ranking in the top 5 of his class. Reflecting on his academic journey, he remarked, “I attribute my success to my studious nature. I had an inherent drive to perform well, diligently revising, paying attention, and striving to be at the top of my class. I always believed that hard work never goes out of fashion.”

To cultivate a well-rounded personality, Abhishek wholeheartedly embraced all aspects of his educational journey. He went beyond academics to excel in extracurricular activities, actively participating in elocution, debates, public speaking, and various other grooming events. These experiences helped him overcome stage fright and expanded his knowledge through extensive reading. As his educational journey progressed, he ventured into the realm of dance, which played a crucial role in shaping his character and personal growth.

"Alongside my professional ambitions, I feel the need to maintain a well-balanced life, where I can dedicate ample time to my family"

— Abhishek Chhabra

Embracing all aspects

During his graduation, as a part of the co-curricircular activity, Abhishek seized the opportunity to work with AIESEC (Association internationale des étudiants en sciences économiques et commerciales) in the HR department. This experience ignited his passion for delving into HR and exploring the complexities of the human mind. "My three-year stint with AIESEC proved to be transformative, granting me invaluable insights into the corporate realm and broadening my perspectives," he shared. After completing his graduation in Mechanical Engineering, Abhishek swiftly transitioned into the corporate world, joining Business Hunt as a Business Consultant, where he recognised the importance of adding value to his educational life.

In 2015, Abhishek embarked on an international internship in Nepal to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences. “During this period, I was engaged in a social internship, imparting knowledge to students in government schools and discovering various cities as part of the "Renovate Nepal" project—all while the region was grappling with devastating earthquakes. It was an experience of a lifetime,” he said.

The real journey begins

In 2017, Abhishek relocated to Pune to pursue a master's degree in Operations in Supply Chain Management. Determined to excel in campus placements, he left no stone unturned in his preparation. “I dedicated 2-3 hours daily to reading newspapers, ensuring that I absorbed a wide range of knowledge that proved highly beneficial. Additionally, I formed a strong bond with a group of friends who prepared intensively for the group discussion (GD) round. We engaged in passionate debates on 70-100 topics, enhancing our confidence and knowledge,” he said. Abhishek diligently took notes throughout this process. To prepare for the personal interview (PI) round, he took a calculated approach. “I made a list of potential questions that could be asked. After a bit of research and using my own experiences, I created a comprehensive answer sheet, which I revised diligently every day.”

Abhishek's laser-sharp focus and systematic approach paved the way for his success in the corporate world. He clearly understood the companies he wanted to target for placements. “My primary goal for pursuing an MBA was to acquire knowledge, learn, and secure a good placement that would grant me financial independence.” Abhishek's meticulous preparations paid off when he successfully cleared the selection process for Amazon, the first company he applied to. “However, within the following week, I received an offer from Bajaj Finserv, where I had previously interned. Adding a twist to my journey, I also applied to SLB Limited, a company I favoured, and fortunately, I secured a placement offer there as well,” Abhishek shared. He has been working with SLB Limited for four years now.

Recently married, Abhishek shared his goals and aspirations for the future. He expressed a strong desire for significant personal and entrepreneurial growth. “Alongside my professional ambitions, I feel the need to maintain a well-balanced life, where I can dedicate ample time to my family. I have a keen interest in exploring the world through travel, broadening my horizons, and gaining diverse experiences,” he concluded.

Abhishek Chhabra's, valuable tips for aspiring students on how to prepare for campus placements:

Consistency is the key: Love what you do and do it every day. Achieving good marks or securing a placement requires consistent effort. Revise your subjects regularly, as the rewards of consistency are outstanding.

Find your purpose: Strive to discover your purpose to make your life more meaningful. It will provide clarity in your educational and personal life, driving and motivating you. It will also contribute to your personal growth and development, giving you a sense of fulfilment.

Have a plan of action: A purpose without a plan of action is futile. By outlining your tasks, you establish a framework and roadmap for achieving your purpose, fostering goal orientation.

Embrace rejections: Setbacks and rejections are inevitable on your journey towards your goals. Embrace them as valuable learning opportunities. Take the lessons from these experiences and apply them to grow stronger. Remember to find joy in life amidst the challenges.