From Fear to Triumph: My Journey into the Role I've Always Aspired For
My fondest memory of being hired for a job is a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable experiences. It all started when our MBA coursework resumed and we were asked to write our goals. I had written that I wished to become an HR in Company XYZ, a dream I had nurtured for a long time.
Aiming High, But Fearing the Unknown
Despite my excellent academic and co-curricular performance, I harbored insecurities. The fear of being different and having poor social skills always gnawed at me, making me doubt my placement prospects. This was particularly true during my internship in Mumbai, where I feared that I might not stand out from the crowd. As I was about to leave for my Diwali holidays on the 3rd of November, I received a call from my college placement team. I was shortlisted for my dream company, Company XYZ.
A Race Against Time
In a rush, I took a night bus to Pune. I arrived at my college at 1 a.m., only to endure a scolding from the hostel rector for my late arrival. I couldn't find a moment to rest. At 6 a.m., I turned to my childhood god, praying for guidance. The statue I had worshipped since my childhood unexpectedly fell and broke into pieces. I felt a mix of emotions, unsure if this was a sign of success or failure.
Shortly after, I found myself waiting for the library to open. The librarian, coincidentally, wouldn't be there. As other candidates took the Business GK test, my name was mysteriously shortlisted along with a few other college students. The panel from the first college to visit my campus saw my eagerness and wasted no time in scheduling me for an interview. I felt a mix of relief and nervousness as I arrived for my interview at 11:10 a.m.
The Unexpected Interview
The experience was surreal. When I arrived, the peon who greeted me was the same one who had opened the door 1.5 years ago. This familiar face was a good sign. The interview was a series of rapid-fire questions from five panelists, whom I realized were the same individuals from the previous company's interview. I was baffled and overwhelmed as they interviewed other candidates, each finishing in less than 25 minutes.
The panelists then asked me to escort one of them to the interview room. As I escorted him, I noticed that everyone was still waiting for their turn. I felt particularly anxious, wondering why they didn't ask about my location preferences and why the process seemed so quick. By 11:50, the interview was over, and the results were in. I wanted to leave, but the panelist started mentioning a candidate with excellent patience and qualities and decided to offer her a higher CTC. They then acknowledged the college students and their success. I felt a mix of shock and joy when they announced that they would offer me a position too, driven by a deep sense of destiny and a feeling of being guided by some unseen force.
The Journey Continues
That night, I called my father, who picked up the phone and told me, "Beta, I knew you would get through." My classmates hugged me, and I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and accomplishment. I conveyed my gratitude to my professors and my workshop leader, acknowledging their guidance and support. I conveyed my excitement by calling up a new statue of the god I had worshipped, thanking it for leading me to my dream company. Two years later, the same company offered me a job, reaffirming my belief in the power of focus and hard work.
In the six years since, I have had the opportunity to learn and grow, taking part in over 3000 interviews and working with knowledgeable panelists and colleagues. My journey from fear to triumph serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a guiding vision. It is a memory that I cherish and draw strength from every day.