Gaurangi Shadija is an outstanding alumna of Apeejay International School, Greater Noida. Her academic journey began at Apeejay, where she nurtured her talents and developed a passion for learning beyond the classroom. As a third-year undergraduate student at Delhi University, she embarked on a path in Human Resource Management, and her dedication led her to excel in the field. We delve into her experiences, from her time at Apeejay to successfully completing her internship in the HR field, to gain insights into her inspiring journey of growth and achievement.
Read on edited excerpts:
Can you tell us about your time at Apeejay International School, Greater Noida, and how it has influenced your journey so far?
My time at Apeejay International School was truly transformative. I joined the school in 2016, and it provided me with numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a humanities student, being part of the first-ever Humanities batch was an exciting journey, and I had the privilege of being a Council Member. The school’s emphasis on holistic learning beyond the classroom environment greatly influenced my approach to education and life.
What inspired you to choose Human Resource Management as your field of study, and how do you see it aligning with your long-term career goals?
I was drawn to Human Resource Management due to its people-oriented nature. The various aspects of HR, such as employee engagement, performance management, and talent acquisition, resonated with my natural traits. To me, there is nothing more fulfilling than contributing to an organisation’s success by hiring and developing talented individuals. I firmly believe that a happy and engaged workforce is crucial for an organisation’s growth.
In the long term, I envision myself as an accomplished HR professional, equipped with polished skills and expertise to tackle complex industry challenges. I aspire to leverage advanced analytics to make data-driven decisions that will positively impact the organisations I work with.
Can you share some insights into your internship experience in Human Resource Management and how it has contributed to your professional growth?
My internship in Human Resource Management was a crucial stepping stone in my journey. I focused on Talent Acquisition and HR Operations, gaining hands-on experience in HRIS/ATS software and assisting in monthly social audits. The internship allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, preparing me for the corporate world.
Through this experience, I discovered my specific interests within HR and developed the confidence to take on challenges. The internship solidified my belief that I would succeed in this field and nurtured a “can-do” attitude in me.
As an alumna of Apeejay International School, what skills and values do you believe you acquired during your time there that have been valuable in your academic and professional life?
During my time at Apeejay International School, I imbibed essential values such as discipline and effective communication. These qualities have been invaluable throughout my academic journey and in my professional life as well. The emphasis on discipline and effective communication helped me excel in my academic commitments at Delhi University and contributed to my growth in the HR domain.
Balancing academic commitments with personal and professional aspirations can be challenging. How do you manage to strike the right balance?
Finding the right balance is indeed an ongoing process. I have learned that making each moment count and being fully present in every task is crucial. When I am at college, I focus on my studies, and when I am at the office, I give my best to my HR responsibilities. Finding time to unwind and pursue personal aspirations is equally important for maintaining overall well-being. Compartmentalising my schedule and prioritising tasks have been helpful strategies in achieving this balance.
How do you stay connected with the Apeejay International School alumni community, and have you found any networking opportunities or benefits through these connections?
I stay connected primarily through LinkedIn. The platform allows me to connect with fellow alumni, who share similar backgrounds and interests. Being part of this community has opened up networking opportunities, and I have found it beneficial to stay informed about developments and initiatives at the school through platforms like Apeejay.news and Apeejay.jobs.
What advice or words of wisdom would you offer to current students at Apeejay International School who are aspiring to pursue a career in Human Resource Management or any other field?
My advice to current students at Apeejay International School would be to have a clear understanding of why they want to pursue their chosen career path. Passion and determination are vital for success, no matter the field. Additionally, gaining knowledge about various businesses and becoming tech-savvy in HR software can give aspiring HR professionals a competitive edge. Embrace challenges, be open to learning, and remember that every experience contributes to personal and professional growth.