‘24 years later, and I’m still nostalgic about this school’

She is from the batch of 2000 at Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector 15. At present, she is working at Accenture as part of their HR team. Meet Nidhi Parti, who has been working in the corporate world for almost 18 years. “I joined Accenture in January this year. Before that, I was with Ernst & Young,” the alumna shares.

In a candid interview, she reminisces about her school days and how the teachers honed her skills.

What is one key thing you’ve learned in your 18 years in human resources?

The most important thing I’ve learnt is that we need to take care of our people. Organisations can’t run without their people, and that’s what we emphasise to our business stakeholders. People are the most important resource for any company and they must take care of this resource.

The one that stood out for you at Apeejay.

I joined this school in KG, so yes, I was here from the beginning. There are so many things that I can talk about but if I had to choose one, it would be how I am still nostalgic about this school and the memories I have. My school laid a strong foundation for me, and whatever I am today is because of the education and foundation I received there.

Can you share some fond memories from school?

There are several of them. But one memory that stands out is when our SST teacher would organise school trips. I remember being in class VIII when we went on a trip to the South, up to Kanyakumari. It was a 10-night, 11-day trip. Back then parents were reluctant to send me for such a long time. However, I was able to convince my parents to let me go. It was the best time. I still share this memory with my friends when I meet them.

How has the education system changed since you were a student?

The education system has changed quite a lot. For example, handwriting was a big focus when I was at Apeejay – whether it was normal or cursive. My handwriting is still neat because of that foundation. Nowadays, kids are more casual in comparison to our time, but it’s due to the cultural shift and changes in the environment.

What are some things you learned at APJ that you still apply in your professional life?

Small disciplines from school assemblies have stuck with me, like checking nails, ensuring our shoes were polished, and our clothes were ironed. These things made me a disciplined person, and I still follow that routine today. Even when working from home, I make sure to log in on time, which is a habit ingrained in school.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to make a career in HR? 

My advice to the younger generation is to stay consistent. There will be ups and downs, and daily learnings, but staying flexible and adaptable to new trends and changes is crucial.