Shaping careers in the water management sector

Varun Tandon, the Senior Vice President and officiating CEO of Water Management and Plumbing Skill Council, shares his inspiring journey. From being a management  student at Apeejay School of Management (ASM)  to now championing the Skill India’s mission, Varun shares about his alma mater, his vision towards accepting social responsibility. He also highlights on doing his bit as a professional to help create a just society by spreading awareness on skill development. Read edited excerpts:

Could you please tell us about your work and organisation?

Our council is a national awarding body and a sector skill council under the Ministry of Skill Development. We work closely with the National Skill Development Corporation and the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). Our primary goal is to formalize the skill development ecosystem within water management and the plumbing sector, contributing to the Skill India mission.

It entails a lot of responsibilities ?

Being in a leadership role, my day primarily revolves around team management and focusing on business growth. I’m involved in policy decision-making and envisioning schemes that benefit the workforce. Additionally, we undertake CSR initiatives, including water conservation programs in schools.

This seems like a niche field. What inspired you to pursue this career?

It was an opportunity to contribute to the social sector and the development of rural India. I was driven by the need to address the divide that exists within our blue-collar workforce. Joining the Skill India mission felt rewarding as it allowed me to be part of a national initiative that creates meaningful change.

Could you share how your time at Apeejay shaped your career?

I pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) with a specialisation in Marketing from Apeejay. Later, I went to Melbourne to pursue a Master’s in Global Leadership and International Business. My time at ASM taught me the importance of marketing, connecting the dots on ground needs, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The projects we worked on gave me insights into real-world applications, which have been instrumental in my journey.

What hobbies or extracurricular activities did you pursue?

I focused on organizing events and participating in college life activities. Outside of campus, I enjoyed playing squash.

Based on your rich professional journey, what advice would you give to students starting their careers?

The work landscape is evolving rapidly. My advice would be to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements. Institutions like Apeejay School of Management excel in embedding practical, real-world aspects into their courses, preparing students to navigate professional challenges. Focusing on technology, visualising opportunities, and developing a well-rounded skill set are crucial for success.