‘Values inculcated during college days helped me professionally and personally’

Hailing from Jalandhar, there was no doubt in his mind where he would study to complete his graduation. So, after passing out from Tagore Day Boarding Public School he decided to pursue BCom (Professional) from Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA). But after having worked for over a decade in the insurance industry, Deepak Gupta decided to work for himself. As a self-employed insurance consultant with over 120 employees, Gupta is a happy man today.

In an impromptu interview, he talks about his college days and how the values inculcated during college days have helped him professionally as well as personally. Excerpts:

How did you end up studying at ACFA?

Everyone in Jalandhar knows where to send their kids – be it school or college. Apeejay instills a sense of awe in people when they hear that a person has studied here. There is a sense of pride among Apeejayites when people look at them differently. This is because the cream of Jalandhar studies here. There are so many things that make ACFA a popular destination for students. The faculty is brilliant, and the infrastructure is good. Also, the teaching methodology is very different. They teach students to explore opportunities and therefore, become independent in their thinking.

What are your memories from your college days?

Extracurricular activities are synonymous with Apeejay. Each school and or college has a host of them. This allows the students to explore their creative side along with academics. Then there was the annual festival each year. I remember participating in one of the events that the college had organised. The cultural activities that I took part in were fun-filled.

What is a typical day for you as a consultant?

I am Chief Business Associate with TATA AIA Life Insurance. I manage a team of over 100 employees. My last job was also with TATA AIA; I was the branch head at Jalandhar for over six years. Before that, I was the branch head of HDFC Life Insurance. But then I decided to go on my own. A typical day involves solving issues that the team may face in carrying out their daily work. We look at the new products that the company has introduced and how the same can be taken to the customers and mould according to their needs. My job is to motivate and train the staff as well.

Has the insurance sector changed post-Covid?

Definitely. In the last couple of years, pre- and post-Covid, there have been many changes. These changes have been for the better. People are now looking at term insurance and saving products. It is no longer just about insurance. Today, everyone is looking for a product that will provide a dual purpose under a single product according to their needs and wants.

What advice would you give to people who are just starting their professional journey?

In most cases, freshers are not very keen on savings; they are more interested in spending the money rather than saving. But I recommend that they save at least some part of their salary. This will help them build capital that they can then invest as they like as their responsibilities increase by the time they are 30-35. To start saving at a young age when there are almost no liabilities is the best thing that a young professional can do. And the best part is that there are several products under insurance that cater to different needs.

Extracurricular activities are synonymous with Apeejay. Each school and or college has a host of them. This allows the students to explore their creative side along with academics

–Deepak Gupta, Chief Business Associate with TATA AIA Life Insurance

What has been the learning for you in this sector?

The first lesson that I learnt was that I must be true to what I have promised my customer. The idea is to make the customer for life and not just for a one-time sale. Second, one must know the ins and outs of every product that is available in the market. Three, don’t misguide the customer.

What are the challenges that you face?

One must first understand that the insurance sector in India is a push product rather than a pull. You have to sell this product. So, people look at you and your work with judgmental eyes. They think that you are nothing more than a glorified salesman with a fancy title. This is because there is little awareness about it. There will be more people who will demotivate you than encourage you. But this is not correct. The field has lucrative options that one can take advantage of.

What are some things that one should see before buying insurance?

There are a few things to keep in mind. First, look at the credentials of the person who is selling you the product; see his standing in the market. Go through the brochure thoroughly. Also, very few people know but each insurance comes with a 15-day pre-look period. The minute you get the policy papers, people must read them carefully and if any clauses were not explained to you, the policy can be canceled within the said period with a full refund. Unfortunately, most people never open the documents they receive.

How has Apeejay helped you to be the person you are today?

The best part is that studying at ACFA instilled a level of confidence that I would have never gained had I studied at any other college. The institute teaches you communication and grooming skills. These help you become a well-rounded person.