Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri alumna reflects on her path to becoming an HR leader

Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, has always been a cradle for nurturing young minds and guiding them towards remarkable achievements. One such inspiring journey is that of Nidhi Choudhary, an alumna from the 2002 batch, who is now a Human Resource Business Partner at HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited. With 13 years of extensive experience in the Human Resource sector, Nidhi shares how her time at Apeejay laid the foundation for her successful career. In this conversation, she reflects on her professional journey, the challenges she overcame, and the invaluable lessons learned at Apeejay that continue to guide her in her professional life.

Read edited excerpts:

How did your time at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, shape your professional journey?
My journey at Apeejay began when I joined in the 5th grade. The school was pivotal in shaping my personality, especially in areas beyond academics. I vividly remember participating in assemblies, where I often gave speeches in both English and Hindi. These experiences boosted my confidence and communication skills, which are crucial in my HR career today. Additionally, the emphasis on cultural and sports activities helped me develop leadership and coordination skills. Apeejay didn’t just teach us subjects; it prepared us to face the world with a well-rounded skill set.

Can you share a significant challenge you faced in your HR career and how you overcame it?
One of the most challenging projects in my career was handling a Greenfield project at Henkel, where I was the first female to oversee such a task. Managing a construction site and leading induction and orientation sessions for employees in a male-dominated environment was tough. However, the confidence and leadership skills I developed at Apeejay helped me navigate this challenge successfully. It was a proud moment for me, not just professionally, but personally as well, as it reinforced the strength and resilience I had built over the years.

How has your role evolved in your current position at HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited?
At HPCL-Mittal, I’m responsible for the entire petrochemical division, overseeing everything from employee engagement to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Being the only female in HR at a manufacturing plant that spans 2,200 acres and employs around 12,000 people, including 10,000 contract workers, is daunting. However, my education at Apeejay taught me to handle diverse situations with empathy and strategic thinking. I am also the head of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for females, and leading DEI initiatives has been particularly rewarding, as it allows me to create an inclusive work environment.

What advice would you give to current students at Apeejay who aspire to excel in their careers?
Respect your teachers, respect the school, and, most importantly, respect the value system instilled in you. These form the roots of your future success. The skills you learn today—whether it’s communication, leadership, or teamwork—will be the pillars that support your career. Never underestimate the importance of participating in school activities, as these experiences will shape your ability to handle complex situations in your professional life. Remember, the confidence you build today will be your greatest asset tomorrow.

How do you see the role of HR evolving in the future, especially with technological advancements like AI?

While AI and other technologies are transforming many aspects of HR, the human element remains irreplaceable. HR is about understanding people, their motivations, and their challenges—something that technology can’t fully replicate. The key areas for HR professionals today are Employee Connect, Organisational Development, and Employee Well-being. As HR professionals, our role is to ensure that, amidst all the technological advancements, we don’t lose sight of the human touch that is essential for any organisation’s success.