‘The faculty here guided and honed my skills perfectly’

He describes himself as a person who wants to grow in and work with an organisation that provides him an opportunity to enhance his overall skills. Highly motivated and ready to work, is his mantra. Meet Sourav Chopra, an alumnus of Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar. In his journey after pursuing his MBA at the institute, he did a summer internship, worked full-time, and did two summer internships before he found his calling – to work in sales.

Today, he is an area executive with ITC Limited (FMCG) based out of Bathinda, Punjab. In a candid interview, he talks fondly of the faculty at AIMETC among other things.

Tell us about where you are working at present.

I’ve been an integral part of ITC Limited (FMCG), contributing to its growth and development. I began as a sales trainee here and it is going to be two years. Some of the core skills that I use are: Communication, public relations, and building interpersonal relationships.

What sparked your interest in the industry, and was it always your career choice?

I saw the dynamic nature of the FMCG industry during my college days, and its fast-paced environment fascinated me. While it wasn’t my initial career choice, I recognised the vast opportunities it presented. What makes the FMCG industry captivating is its constant evolution and the daily impact it has on consumers’ lives. The ability to introduce and market products that become household essentials is both challenging and rewarding.

What made you do an MBA?

I pursued Marketing Management during my MBA at AIMETC, focusing on honing the skills crucial for a career in sales and brand management.

Share some memorable experiences from your college days.

College memories were filled with fun, laughter, making friends, and studying. The memories will always be cherished — engaging in spirited discussions during class, participating in extracurricular activities, and forming lasting connections with fellow students — is not something that you can ever forget. These experiences shaped my overall perspective.

Which skills acquired during your MBA continue to play a vital role in your current profession?

The communication, strategic thinking, and practical application skills instilled during my MBA are the bedrock of my success in the field. Building relationships and effectively conveying the value of our products are pivotal aspects of my role.

Managing work pressure can be daunting. How do you navigate through this challenge?

There are times when the work gets to you since I am traveling a bit — I have to manage 11 cities. Also, the nature of my work –area executive for stationery – means that sales in this sector are seasonal. Sales can indeed be a thankless job. Coping with the inherent challenges of a sales role requires resilience and adaptability. I find solace in setting achievable goals, focusing on continuous improvement, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It I also important to know how to deal with your seniors.

Reflecting on your academic journey, how was the faculty?

The supportive faculty at Apeejay played a pivotal role, guiding us through practical scenarios in group discussion sessions and imparting valuable insights. Their mentorship enhanced my skills and prepared me for the real-world challenges of the industry. The real-time projects that we did in college ensured that we gained an industry perspective and how things work.

What advice would you offer to someone aspiring to pursue a career in sales?

For aspiring sales professionals, understanding the intricacies of the job, developing effective communication skills, and fostering a mindset for continuous learning are crucial. Actively engaging in real-time projects and gaining practical knowledge will set a solid foundation.

How did you discover AIMETC? Was your initial job secured through their placement cell?

I learnt about the institute through my brother, who graduated a few years before I did. He recommended this institute; he said it has good faculty and you will get to learn a lot here. Indeed, my first job was secured through the campus placement cell. I thank all the faculty members for guiding me and mentoring me making it possible for me to reach where I am today.

How critical is it, in your industry, to stay well-informed about the latest trends and global developments?

Unlike the IT sector where people have to constantly upgrade their knowledge by doing courses, sales is relatively easy. However, remaining abreast of global happenings is imperative, given that our responsibilities entail administrative work that directly affects our country.