ABS ALUMNI OF THE MONTH

 

1.       It's been almost nine years since you graduated from ABS—how does it feel to look back on your journey, and what are some of your most cherished memories from college academically & professionally?

Ans: It feels truly special to return as an alumni speaker. I joined ABS as a young and carefree student, coming from a different academic background—Delhi University. Back then, I lacked a sense of professionalism and was quite casual in my approach. But my journey at ABS completely transformed me. I still vividly remember my first day—I wore a casual shirt, and Ravi Sir from the CRC department asked me to tuck it in. That small moment left a lasting impression on me. Over time, I took part in nearly 20 mock interviews, learning everything from the importance of body language to even choosing the right shirt color for interviews. By the time I graduated, I was no longer the same person—I had grown into a more disciplined, polished, and confident version of myself.

2. Currently you are working as a supervisor at EG Group, Bradford, United Kingdom. Previously, you had the opportunity to travel to the Oxford/London during your college years to gain insights into global business practices. How did that educational trip shape your perspective and prepare you for a professional journey in the same country?

Ans - My visit to Oxford and London in 2017 was eye-opening. The cultural differences, especially in communication styles and slang, were initially challenging. But the skills I developed at ABS—especially in communication and adaptability—helped me connect with people and navigate new environments confidently. That exposure gave me a clear understanding of global business practices and prepared me for professional life in the UK. It played a key role in helping me secure my current role at EG Group in Bradford.

3. You have had an impressive career spanning FMCG and FMCD industries. What motivated you to step into these sectors?

Ans: If I can recall, I  got placed at Bajaj Finance after appearing for seven interviews and receiving offers from three companies. With a dual specialization in Marketing and Finance, my role involved working with various financial tools. I was responsible for managing 150 stores, which required me to interact with diverse teams, deliver presentations, and engage with high-profile stakeholders. This experience gave me a strong understanding of the company's operations and how it functions across different sectors and roles. 

4.       You have enhanced your skills in Microsoft Excel and other essential office tools to adapt to the AI-driven work environment. With evolving market trends, how crucial is continuous upskilling for professionals in your field?

Ans: I come from a Finance and Marketing background, and one thing I’ve learned is that having a strong command of Excel can truly set you apart. In every industry, data is key—how you present and analyze it makes all the difference. Without these skills, it’s easy to be overlooked. If you understand how to use Business Intelligence tools, visualize data, and structure it effectively, you stand out from the crowd. While there are plenty of sales opportunities in the UK, without solid data operations knowledge, it’s hard to land a good role. I gained a lot of hands-on experience in India and also completed a crash course in BI, which has been instrumental in helping me secure my current job.

5. Given your experience in Sales & Marketing Strategy, what advice would you give to current ABS students aspiring for similar roles?

Ans: What ABS truly instilled in me was discipline. I saw many peers lose their jobs during the probation period due to issues like taking excessive leaves or arriving late. Alongside discipline, ABS helped me develop strong communication and presentation skills. At just 22, I stepped into the role of Assistant Manager, leading team members who were much more experienced than me. Thanks to the skills I acquired at ABS, I was able to connect with them, communicate my ideas clearly, and address team challenges effectively.

The initial phase wasn’t easy—my first month was filled with hurdles—but the constant support from the CRC team made a huge difference. Even after graduation, Ravi Sir regularly checked in to ensure I was settling in well and not facing any major issues. For all this, I remain truly grateful to ABS.

6 Having worked in both sales and marketing, what are the key skills that a sales role teaches, which later prove invaluable in marketing leadership?

Ans : In my opinion, Understanding consumer behavior is the key to selling anything effectively. Many people attempt to sell products—like a pen in interviews—without truly identifying the consumer's needs. My experience gave me exposure across various aspects of sales. In India, I managed a portfolio worth ₹2 crore, handled insurance products, interacted directly with customers, and consistently achieved my targets.

 Rapid Fire Questions

1.       One word to describe your journey from ABS to the UK? – Aim More

2.       A sales tactic that always works? – To know the customer and product

3.       Networking or skill-building – what’s more important for career growth? - Both

4.       One thing you miss the most about ABS? – My hostel days

5.       If not sales and marketing, what career would you have chosen? - IT

6.       A mentor or professor who left a lasting impact on you? – Rahul Sir