Humble Yes. Needy No!

Stories of Role Models

My father worked in a public sector bank and I grew up in small Andhra Pradesh town..

Dr Sivaji Ganeshan was a teacher role-model to me. I admired the way he could turn a complex subject into simple crisp bytes. He sowed the seed in me to move towards teaching.

I spoke to him when I was finishing my MBA and he said, I would be a better teacher, if I had industry experience too.

I followed his advice and sought out industry jobs after finishing my MBA. 

I tried my hand at sales roles in auto, pharma , services and insurance industries, over the next couple of years.

ICFAI was opening a branch in my home town and I landed the Center Head role. 

The year 2004 was a pivotal moment in my career. My salary jumped to 10K from the prior 2.5K. 

Opportunity in hand, I put my heart into making this work. In 2005, I got married too.

I began teaching marketing-related subjects and conducting trainings on soft-skills, and finding employment.

I did well and got deputed to other Vijayawada, Vizag and Hyderabad by the institution.

Alas, all good things come to an end and in 2010, ICFAI decided to wind up their presence in many cities.

When this happened, I went back to my alma mater and began to teach there. 

I also realised that a long term career in teaching requires a PhD. So I started working in that direction too.

Our child arrived in 2016 and made me realise the need to actively seek out better opportunities. 

As I interviewed, I realised that how you project yourself is important in landing a job. 

As I sat waiting for my interview turn, there were 30 applicants. Only 3 of us were shortlisted for the next round. 

I knew I had put my best foot forward but had done so with authenticity. The panel asked me a question, to which I did not know the answer. Instead of bluffing, I simply said so.

Humble yes. Needy no! That is how i will summarise it.

I joined CMRIT as an Associate Professor in 2018 and the next one year was no fun for me.

I had a difficult HOD and he left me with a resolve that at all times, I must work to ensure my long term employability. 

With this in mind, I also began to learn Digital Marketing. Based on what I have seen, I resonate with the idea of remaining a learner for life.

Today, I work as a HOD. When I do not have the answers, I count on my authenticity to work with others for the same.