The first job interview, the unavoidable pressure and the never-ending stories of the first impression, how do we tackle that? To find an answer one confused soul reached the nearest Allen Solly store. I cracked my first job interview wearing my favorite Allen Solly shirt. Aditya Birla Group(ABG) in its 150-year history has touched the lives of billions of people in similar ways. We tend to avoid the effect of a brand in our lives. My journey from the local tailor to the brand of formal wear can be associated with Aditya Birla Group(ABG). Starting from the jute/textile industry Aditya Birla Group(ABG) is now one of the biggest conglomerates in the world, covering 35 countries and with the strength of 120000 people. The step-up of Aditya Birla Group(ABG) post-independence from Grasim industries (the leading producer of viscose staple fiber) to the behemoth of rayon grade pulp manufacturing, one of the largest selling cement manufacturer, a leading producer of aluminium/copper(Hindalco) and the undeniable leader over textile industry is similar to the rise of India from a newly independent third world country to a global superpower. The change in the scale of operations and the humongous presence of 14 industry sectors came after a long thorough professional exploration and sustainable growth plan. In my important steps in life, products from Aditya Birla Group(ABG) had a crucial role to play. My father’s gift for my IIFT interview was a Van Heusen suit. The confidence and elegance of the brand helped me to perform well in the later stage of the selection process. Today while I write this article from my IIFT hostel room I feel that Aditya Birla Group(ABG) somehow resembles my metamorphosis from a cocoon (read as a newbie in the corporate world) to the butterfly (read the explorer of different spectrum of corporate life through management education) perfectly. It will also remain an integral part of my daily life.
Challenges are inevitable in life. The dreams in its many forms give us hope and oil to work for our ambition. As most of the young budding minds, I also dreamt of being an engineer, dreamt of studying in one of the best engineering colleges of West Bengal. The first roadblock hit me very hard. I always wanted to learn in-depth rather than breadth. I used to think mathematics is my stronghold but then comes the pre-board. I performed measurably with barely passing marks. It gave a strong blow to my dream of doing well in the competitive exams. I analysed the areas well where I was weak. I analysed where I went wrong. It’s really hard when reality hits you hard. I broke down, though it’s not going to happen I came back stronger. Acing both my 12th and WBJEE. I went to one of the best engineering colleges in Bengal. Being content has never been my forte. I quickly got involved in college fests and cultural activities. I stumbled upon the first problem of managing one of the biggest college fests of eastern India ‘Rebeca’. Friction with friends, scolding from teachers & detachment from family all of these become an important step to alter my personality. But amidst all these challenges I stood strong and came out as the person I used to be, came out to be a more mature person with the childish vibe of learning. Job happened. In my last year of the job, I was handed the responsibility as a team leader and as a subject matter expert. The dream for me has always been to get into one of the best bschools of India. Responsibility of office and the dream of bschool, balancing these two was immensely difficult. Prioritising and professionalism helped me to see through the challenge. Now while I am writing this article wearing the Van Heusen suit and waiting to participate in my first inter bschool competition, I feel professionalism, perseverance, adaptability and goal setting has always been the key for me to overcome challenges. “Evolving every day” is the only way to succeed in the bigger spectrum of life.