Q1: To begin with, please tell us how do you feel on connecting with your alma meter.
Ans.: It is an honor to connect with my alma meter after so long. I have always admired my teachers like Shweta Ma’am and Sunita Ma’am who keep highlighting the major developments happening in college. When I recall about my time with the college, it reminds me of classes, cafeteria, food stalls adjacent to college, table tennis and lot of fun. I have had quite a beautiful period of time at ABS.
Q2: At present, you are associated with Amazon’s Project Kuiper as Satellite Procurement Leader, tell us in detail what all you do, your KRAs and how it is working with a brand like Amazon.
Ans.: It’s has been three years with Amazon and it is my third role here. At present, I am working as a commodity manager on the project Kuiper. We are planning to launch low orbit satellites so that we can offer internet services in remote areas. This will make possible for even a person who is secluded on a boat somewhere, to connect with internet. So basically my job is to get the material which goes into the making of satellites. I contact suppliers, develop relations with them, devise contracts and negotiations, and finally place the order. Even in satellites, there are different sections for which we require material, I cater to mechanical division, for the procurement of hardware.
Q3: As you are based in Washington, it would be interesting to know from you the major differences you have witnessed in terms of the working cultures.
Ans.: The first major difference I noticed when I came here was how people approached the dress code. It is very informal here, unlike India where a lot of emphasis is put on being formally dressed and I believe it has got its own rationale and reasons. Second major difference I noticed is that people here at workplace don’t become so friendly. In India, colleagues do mingle and they kind of become over friendly but that is not the case here. Even on occasions like holiday parties, there is a kind of professionalism maintained. Now if you ask me whether this is something good or bad, I must say it is both. When I first landed in US, I didn’t know many people and was looking to make friends but it didn’t work at workplace. In India, people are very open and friendly. But yes, there is one thing that I like about the work culture here and that being prioritizing quality over quantity. If you don’t stay back after working hours, it will not be a negative indicator, until you are able to complete your work on time. People give considerable importance to work-life balance here.
Q4: Before joining Amazon, you worked as an associate with an aviation academy, also as a flight attendant with Indigo, how was your experience with that role.
Ans.: I liked flying, honestly. And this role gave me the opportunity for the same. But I learned a lot from this experience because with every flight I had to work with new group of people. So working with a team which was comprised of people from diverse backgrounds and keeping yourself flexible as it was not a routine 9-5 job, are traits that I developed from this experience.
Q5: As we have come to know from the senior faculty members here that you were quite active during your college days, also you did the MC part in certain events and coordinated the Global Film Festival. What would you suggest your juniors as why participating in these events is important and what all can they learn?
Ans.: My taking part in different events at the college level was motivated by my past experiences. When I moved from Amritsar, it was quite challenging for me to match the level of my classmates. For some time, I felt very demotivated. But with time I gained the motivation and confidence to excel in my studies and I quite good quite a lot to learn from my classmates and seniors. This phase in a way prepared me for the college life, I knew I have to get involved in different activities so that I can match up with other students. This way I took the initiative in lot many activities.
Rapid Fire:
- One major cultural shock you witnessed.
Language barrier.
- One thing you like about your work.
Commitment.
- A skill inevitable for contemporary times.
Communication.
- Favorite corner at ABS.
Table tennis corner.
- If you ever write an autobiography, what would it be titled.
Be yourself, the world would adjust.