After doing 3 years of preparation for IIT-JEE, 4 years of Engineering (branch doesn’t matter) in average engineering college and 2 years of job in IT there is a natural tendency for any person to select from 3 possible alternatives – Competitive Government exams, MS or everyone’s favorite MBA. I also went with the most popular choice but not because I was frustrated by the IT job but, as your IT Strategy subjects will tell, to leverage my IT knowledge by understanding the business processes.
First day at IIM Indore was the one I will never forget, full of enthusiasm and excitement to be back in college. After travelling in the cramped Mumbai local trains for almost 8 years, the campus was like a holiday destination for someone like me. But all that excitement was masked by the hectic schedule of classes and assignments. Attending each lecture of 1hr 15 min and reading 20 pages cases was a daring task which I was not used to. Additionally there was a ‘Paavam’ feeling from being surrounded by the elite crowd from the likes of IITs, NITs and BITS Pilanis of India.
My hotel was on the foothill of academic block which was popularly known as ‘Paatal lok’ and it required a daily uphill trek of 10 min to reach our class. However I slowly adapted to the hectic life and started enjoying it in the process. Every class was application based where focus was not on mugging up stuff like engineering. Exams were not something where answers were judged by quantity. It was a very different environment which I had started liking.
IIM Indore has its own unique programs like Rural Immersion Program (RIP) and Industry Interface Program (IIP) which focus on holistic development of students. Of this RIP was something which I found very fascinating. So as a part of RIP we were sent to a tribal area in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. There we had to identify the penetration and effectiveness of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Open Defecation free (ODF) claims. It was a very good learning experience where we learnt how public survey is done and how to interact with new people and build a rapport. It also gave us a feeling that we are doing something to make a difference to my country.
My journey at this wonderful Institute is still in progress and I hope to build a lot of memories here which I can cherish for life.
Which ABG company would I want to work for and why?
I would like to work for Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd because of following main reasons:-
Growth Opportunities:- ABFRL is known for having quick growth opportunities and competence is rewarded better than market standards
Focus on innovation:- ABFRL is an innovative organization with the will to take risk.
Brand Image:- With brands like Allen Solly, Pantaloons, Peter England and Louis Philippe; ABFRL is the go to firm for those who value Brand Image.
Focus of Sustainability:- Guided by 3 pillars of Responsible Stewardship, Stakeholder Engagement and Future Proofing; ABFRL is committed to Sustainable development. This makes it look beyond profit and do something for society.