Freshers Should Have Realistic Salary Expectations: Kumar Rishabh, Alumnus AITSM

Kumar Rishabh is an alumnus of Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Management (AITSM), Greater Noida. He completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in HR & IT in 2011-13. He is currently working with Solenis, a manufacturing company based in US, as HR – Global Compensation Partner. He has also worked in other reputed companies such as HCL, Ericsson and Larsen and Toubro. In a freewheeling chat, Kumar gives tips to crack campus placement interviews and the need to maintain cordial relationship with your manager.

How did you get into AITSM?

There were a couple of reasons why I joined Apeejay Institute of Technology. Firstly, it’s affordable for someone from a middle class family and the placement opportunities are also good. The institute was also near my hometown, Bareilly. I didn’t want to go down south for studies. I though it’s a sweet deal for me and I went ahead with the admission screening process, which was very good.

How was your journey in AITSM?

Post admission, I was fully satisfied with my decision. The faculty was great and the curriculum was in line with my expectations. But, what really caught my attention was the quality of students at AITSM. Of course, good teachers are important but what you learn, improvise and implement through exchange of ideas with peers is equally important. I bagged the 2nd rank in my batch. I also took part in various extracurricular activities. All in all, I had a great learning experience.

Tell us about your placement experience?

I was the first student to get placed from my batch.  I was in  seventh heaven. I got selected by Vishal Mega Mart as Department manager for Goa. Let me share a few tips with others. Firstly, do a background check on the company before the final interview. Secondly, work on your communication skills. You should have the ability to effectively convey your ideas and thoughts. Thirdly, sit through the interview round even if you are not sure whether or not you will join the company. This will help you polish your skills and make you more confident. Fourthly, freshers should have realistic salary expectations. They should know their worth in the market. Lastly, it’s important to prepare for job interviews, including thinking about how you’ll answer common questions. But you don’t want to stick to a rigid script. Otherwise, you will come across as inorganic. An interviewer can ask you about anything, so you must have an agile approach and answer only what is being asked of you. Don’t oversell yourself.  At the end of the day, a freshers must show his eagerness and capability to get selected.

What are the lessons you have acquired from your work experience?

Don’t get into a fight with your manager (laughs). Maintain a cordial relationship with your superiors to further your professional growth. Try to mould yourself as per the expectations of the organisation, don’t thrust your expectations on the organisation. Remember, you are hired to serve the purpose of the company, not yours. Once company’s purpose is served your objective will also be achieved.  Networking outside your company is also crucial for your career. In fact, I have come up with a platform called LEDex- Learn, Engage and Design to help professionals interact with each other. It has members from 600 different companies.