Question 1: Can you please introduce yourself and provide an overview of your background and experiences?
Answer: Hello, I'm Bhavika Rajora, a student at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies. Currently serving as the branch coordinator of 180 Degrees Consulting SSCBS, the world's largest student-run consulting organisation, I've led a team of 50 student consultants, working with organisations sectors targeting sustainability and catering to social causes. Alongside my consulting role, alongside consulting, I also have passion for debating and I am a member of the debating society of my college. With a passion for sketching and an interest in consulting, I've won competitions nationally and internationally, including being a global top eight at the GMCC organised by MMI. My journey reflects a commitment to personal growth and learning from inspiring mentors, always maintaining a positive outlook and turning to motivational sources for resilience.
Question 2: Can you share with us what initially inspired you to take on leadership roles in consulting, finance, and debating, and how those inspirations continue to drive your pursuits?
Answer: In 11th grade, while contemplating my future, I explored various professions. Following consultants on social media sparked my interest. After researching the field, I found myself drawn not only to the glamour but also to how consultants engage with clients and their diverse lifestyle. Beyond the travel and long hours, what appeals to me is the opportunity to work across industries, try new things, and impart knowledge to help others. Consulting allows me to feel fulfilled by making a positive impact.
Question 3: How has your college experience contributed to refining your interests and passions in these fields?
Answer: In SSCBs, our college stands out for active participation in case competitions, a tradition instilled since our first year by inspired seniors who secured third place in the Harvard case competition last year. This proximity to success motivates us, making it an integral part of our college experience. Through these competitions, I explored diverse industries via 180 Degrees Consulting, working with social sector firms and gaining valuable insights. Last summer, my internship at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry provided hands-on experience, allowing me to delve into the FMCG and retail division and later the International Relations division. This exposure, especially identifying trade patterns in retail, solidified my interest in consulting for these sectors in the future.
Question 4: How do you effectively balance your academic responsibilities with your engagement in these extracurricular activities?
Answer: In my first year, I briefly attended IIM Rohtak before joining SSCBS after getting my CUET results. Balancing academics and co-curriculars depends on the time provided by your university. In DU, we are granted more time between exams; for semester three, we had a week's gap between two exams. While I find my course manageable, I acknowledge that subjects like maths honours or economics may pose more challenges. Prioritising and building a schedule, although easier said than done, helps achieve balance. Seeking advice from seniors has been crucial for me. Despite the time-consuming nature of pursuing dreams, talking to seniors and maintaining a schedule have allowed me to manage academics and co-curriculars, even if it means missing out on some aspects of college life.
Question 5:How do you cope with the sense of missing out, a common sentiment when you feel you might be sacrificing some of the enjoyable aspects of college life for your pursuits?
Answer:Personally, I believe I haven't missed out on having fun. I ensured that when it was time to enjoy, I did so, and when it was time to work, I focused on that. Balancing work and fun is essential; you can't be motivated without rewarding yourself. Working tirelessly can lead to burnout, so it's crucial to take breaks, go out with friends, and form meaningful connections. Constantly working without breaks has adverse effects and can deteriorate both you and your work pace.
Question 6:How can one initiate a successful entry into the fields of management or finance?
Answer: I'm still navigating my path in consulting, seeking guidance from those who have established themselves in the field. For management consulting, gaining exposure at the college level is crucial. This can be achieved through internships, whether or not you're part of a student society. Reaching out, though time-consuming, is effective for securing opportunities. Long-term success involves continuous effort, possibly through life projects and participation in competitions. While some may doubt the exposure gained from competitions, they serve as a starting point for further research and industry learning. Multiple internships, industry interactions, attending workshops, and participating in speaker sessions contribute to a more comprehensive understanding. Learning from professionals' journeys and identifying their strategies is a valuable way to kickstart a career in consulting.
Question 7: How do you maintain motivation and productivity, and do you have any tips or tricks that you can share with us?
Answer: During exam periods, I find it challenging to stay productive as the subjects may not be engaging. However, when working on real-world projects, internships, or competitions with friends, I'm more focused. Having a peer helps reduce procrastination, as the presence of someone else motivates me to work efficiently and meet deadlines.
Question 8: How do you believe the issue of societal pressure on children to excel academically, especially considering your involvement in child rights, should be addressed and dealt with?
Answer:. I believe projecting specific expectations onto children is counterproductive. Every child is unique and shouldn't be confined to a particular field of profession. Confidence is key in effective communication, whether in consulting or debating. It's crucial to thoroughly understand your research or pitch to communicate convincingly. Additionally, tailoring communication to the audience is vital. Whether addressing a judge in debating or a client in consulting, using understandable language is crucial. In 180, we learned that simplifying research jargon is essential, as clients may not comprehend complex terms. Being mindful of your audience and adapting your communication style accordingly is paramount.
Question 9: What message or advice would you offer to students aspiring to make a mark in the corporate world in various capacities, such as debating, consulting, management, etc.?
Answer: I believe discipline is crucial at our age. While it's easy to be swayed by various interests and have fun, maintaining discipline is key. Being disciplined in personal and professional pursuits sets a strong foundation. Whether you're entering the corporate world, pursuing debating, consulting, or management, discipline is a universal trait. It's not easily inculcated, but with determination, it can pave the way for success. Stay focused, be confident in your choices, and don't be easily influenced by others' opinions, as people will have diverse perspectives on your path.
HIGHLIGHTS-
●She Led a team of 50 consultants at 180 Degrees Consulting SSCBS, generating over two lakhs in revenue.
●Achieved victories at prestigious competitions like IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, and a top-eight position at GMCC.
●Managed projects with international and national organisations, spanning the social sector to fintech.
●Recognized as a top ten adjudicator at Qaynaat by Hindu College.
●Contributed to FICCI, gaining insights into FMCG, retail, and international relations.
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