It's all ABG!-Supriya Kadu, IIM Ranchi

It’s all ABG! Right from the time we wake up and take a look at the ceiling above us to the time we go back to sleep, Aditya Birla group is all around us. However, I did not realize this until I decided to go for this write-up. It was the 3^rd year of my undergraduate course and we were asked to wear formals for the placement rounds. I, like any other college student, was worried if I’ll be able to pull off the “formal” look. Let’s just admit it, no matter how much we emphasize on “it does not matter what we wear”, we still get a certain sense of confidence if we wear something that makes us look presentable and comfortable at the same time. So yes, I am one of those whose confidence gets a little bit higher if I am wearing something that I feel makes me look decent. But then I had a prejudice that I’ll have to spend a lot on the “decent” looks that I desire. I had never worn formals before and was nervous as I thought I would spend my entire time adjusting my shirt and blazer and get distracted from the main purpose of the entire event but then there was this brand “Allen Solly” which works for me in a way that I don’t even realise anymore that I am wearing formals(Yes, I have reached to that comfort level!) It started from my first placement, went on for all my B-school interviews and is still working for me. So, ABG has, in a way taken care of my most irrational fear of getting awkward in uncomfortable clothes in the middle of important events!

Overcoming challenges to achieve ambitions in life so far

The thought of pursuing an MBA had crossed my mind during my graduation itself. I was working for an international organisation called AIESEC and my role was to convince the heads of NGOs to hire interns from abroad. I was really enjoying the exposure and experience I was getting. I got to see the managerial side of an organisation closely. I found it amazing that how the administration in these organisations managed everything despite every obstacle and I wanted that as a career for myself. But I discontinued the work because of all the extra exertion that I had to do for managing both my academics and work and since it was my final year by then, I shifted my focus on studies and eventually got a campus placement from an IT company(Yes, I belong to that 70% bracket of the class!) I took the offer and started working and fortunately (at least I thought) got into a night shift and thought that I will get all day to prepare and can take CAT attempt along with managing my work. Later as days progressed, I realised, not only am I not getting any time to study but the shift took a toll on my health as well. While this might not be a very big hindrance to many but for me, it was affecting my concentration. The graveyards shift gave me a permanent headache problem that I am still recovering from. So, my first CAT attempt did no good but in the next year of my preparation, I learnt how to cope up with the shift timings and manage studies along with it. And this is the first management lesson I ever got! Each and every step that I have taken till date has provided me with an opportunity to learn something new. In a way, I am glad that all of this happened because it has transformed me into the person that I am today and I look forward to more such challenges!