Aditya: I interned with ABGLP last year in my summers. I was posted in the corporate economic cell, which is a corporate function that keeps a holistic view of all the businesses under the huge conglomerate. This was my first corporate experience working at a firm, and the top management at Aditya Birla Group was very welcoming. One could always approach them and have conversations with them. They also were very supportive, especially for the ABGLP team. At a personal level, this made me feel valued and significant to the company.
Rajat: Seems like someone had a great time at ABGLP! So now that you've enjoyed your time at Aditya Birla Group, could you elaborate on the nature of corporate exposure and the challenges that you have had in your stint with ABG?
Aditya: The program provided me with a platform to interact with the industry's top achieving senior leaders. The experience of collecting data, interacting with senior managers, and presenting my work provided me with great exposure at ABG. The freedom that ABG provides to understand where an individual would be able to add value helped me identify my challenges to solve and help me discover my potential.
Rajat: There are several such programs offered by different conglomerates, how do you compare ABGLP with the other leadership programs in the industry? What makes it unique?
Aditya: The program at ABG is very well structured. The program managers try to chalk out a career path and are available for guidance always. The Young Talent Management team helps you even after you have joined a specific business after ABGLP. The huge gamut of international opportunities that the group offers differentiates it from other programs.
Rajat: That's quite an exposure at that stage of the career. According to you, what are the skill sets needed to enter and excel at the program?
Aditya: From my experience, taking initiatives is very important. One should not seek for work from their seniors but rather discover the places where one can contribute. You join at a position where you might need to command a team, and often team members can be older to you, having good leadership and team-building skills are a must.
Rajat: ABGLP is one of the most sought-after leadership programs in the country. What advice will you have for the students preparing to be part of the ABG family?
Aditya: ABG's recruitment process generally has Case Discussions, one should know and be prepared to think on their feet about the various approaches of tackling the case, and the discussion should have fact-driven content. Know each point of your CV in great detail and most importantly read about the various Businesses ABG is in. Know details about the companies that come under the ABG umbrella and the products associated with them.
Rajat: Now that we have covered all the major aspects, we wanted to know what has been the most impressive thing about working at the highest level at such a huge conglomerate?
Aditya: The summer internship at ABG was an interesting and rewarding experience. My mentor was Dr. Ajit Ranade, the Group Senior President & Chief Economist. I realized that he is very approachable and welcoming. We could randomly drop into his office for small chats about work progress. These interactions were enriching as Dr Ranade, and the whole team shared their knowledge and experiences. This would reveal a lot of insights on the economy and polity of India and the world.
Rajat: That was very insightful, Aditya. We are sure your insights into the program shall motivate a lot of students to take it up. We wish all the best for your career at Aditya Birla Group.
Aditya: Thank you.
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