Challenges of a new joinee on new projects - TAPMI

When I was working for Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., I was fortunate enough to be able to work on new digitization projects. I was also provided with the unique opportunity to head these projects and take full responsibility of all decisions. During my education, I had always been an average student and I was really motivated to be above average during my work. I wanted to strive to do better. However, there were quite a few challenges. With digitization projects in particular, it is tough to convince the experienced managers that there is a better, more efficient way of doing a certain process. It is even tougher if you are a 21 year old who is just out of engineering without any work experience. Some might even think you and your approach are too naïve. Their claims may also be true, but you have to believe in yourself. I debated with logic and whenever they raise valid queries I tried to rethink my approach and make changes in the project. In June 2016 we launched an electronic field service report platform. I was heading this project. Initially we had many naysayers and a lot of resistance from all the field teams. However, I stood my ground and I had a great boss to back me up as well. We weathered the storm of resistance and hate throw our way and today my project is regarded as a benchmark in the electronic field service report (eFSR) domain. Clients have sent appreciation mails and we also received an award from ICICI for our initiative. Being a mechanical engineer, I had no experience in digitization. I read up and taught myself of the various technicalities. I learnt to convince people double my age that there is a better and easier way to do a process they had been following for 10+ years. This helped me gain immense project development, project management and people management skills. Overcoming these challenges made me sure of my decision of pursuing an MBA.