ABS ALUMNI OF THE MONTH

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    Question 1 :
    Having passed out 11 years ago, how does it feel to return to your alma mater—now as the Alumni of the Month—to the very place where your professional journey first began in 2012?

    Answer :
    The feeling was truly wonderful. I remember being a new student 11 years back and it feels so good to share experiences with the new students about the college life and the learnings. I firstly appreciate college for this wonderful practice as it is very important in this era. Coming from a small town in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, I was looking for an institution that could groom me and offer ample learning opportunities. At AEG, we engaged in many practical discussions with our mentors, and I believe those interactions helped lay a very strong foundation for my journey.

    Question 2 :
    You began your journey at PepsiCo as an Executive and have now grown into the role of a Senior Sales Executive — a transition that surely involved a mix of learning, resilience, and performance. Can you take us through the key milestones of this journey?

    Answer :
     I began my career through campus placement with Hindustan Field Services, where I was selected for the Rural Shakti program—an excellent opportunity to learn about channel management and distribution. My journey took me to Maharashtra and later to the DS Group in Himachal Pradesh, where I gained valuable insights into FMCG products. After a stint with Mother Dairy, I joined PepsiCo in 2019. By then, I was confident in sales, but I wanted to refine my expertise further. At PepsiCo, I learned to understand markets more deeply, analyze data, and contribute to brand growth in a meaningful way and that’s how my growth has been in the secto

    Question 3 :
    It’s often said that no one is born a great sales professional, but with the right mindset and guidance, anyone can become one. In your journey at PepsiCo, what mindset shifts or support systems helped you evolve into a successful sales leader?

    Answer :
     In order to understand the dynamics of the sales, it’s important to understand the structure of sales, which operates in two forms: direct and indirect. My role is to drive and strengthen this system. In FMCG, sales form the backbone, as these essential products rely heavily on efficient distribution and market reach. It’s a highly competitive world, and sales not only keep the organization running but also offer immense opportunities to learn—from market trends to data analysis—making it a continuous journey of growth.

    Question 4 :
    The FMCG sector evolves rapidly with changing consumer trends and market dynamics, demanding quick and flexible responses from professionals. How important is adaptability in this sector, and how can PGDM students demonstrate that during interviews?

    Answer :
    In my career of 11 years where I have played many roles and learnt a lot, there is one thing I can vouch upon. Whatever is taught in class—be it the fundamentals of the 4Ps or the theories from Philip Kotler—forms the foundation for understanding sales. These basics help students analyze data, interpret company performance, and grasp how sales operations truly function. To make this learning more practical, it should be reinforced through workshops that showcase how leading MNCs run their sales processes. This approach would give students a clear, real-world understanding of how sales actually work.

    Question 5:
    In today’s highly competitive and dynamic corporate world, freshers are expected to bring more than just academic knowledge to the table. In your opinion, what are some essential skill sets that a PGDM student must develop during college to truly excel as a fresher in the industry?

    Answer :
     In the first year, it’s crucial to develop a strong combination of communication, confidence, and body language. As a fresher without prior experience, these three aspects become your biggest assets. The better you showcase them, the higher your chances of landing opportunities with top organizations—it all comes down to how you present yourself. Personally, I was very clear about building my career in the food segment of FMCG, where I have now spent 11 years. Students can also seek guidance from mentors to choose their specialization wisely, keeping these three parameters in mind.

    Question 6 :
    How important are internships and on-ground exposure for someone looking to enter sales?

    Answer :
    I believe, Internships should be done sincerely. A student should not depend entirely on the mentor but should take the initiative to speak first about his learnings, skills. This helps in overcoming hesitation, building confidence, and learning how to engage with new people. Collecting data is not easy, and in today’s fast-paced world, even getting someone to talk to you for 5–10 minutes is valuable. These interactions not only sharpen your communication skills but also teach you patience and persistence—qualities that are essential for long-term success.

    Rapid Fire Questions

    1. One skill you picked up in college that helped you to achieve your targets. - Attitude
    2. One word that defines your transition from college student to now a senior sales professional. - Honesty
    3. Name one Indian global leader you’d love to have coffee with – My Company’s CEO. Mr Ramon Laguarta
    4. If you had 24 hours back on campus, what’s the first thing you’d do? – I will go to my study room on 1st floor.
    5. If you could relive one day of your college life, which one would it be and why? – The day I first interacted with Saurabh Sir, as his encouraging words played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. If it weren’t for his guidance, I wouldn’t be working at PepsiCo today.