Question 1: Describe yourself briefly. Tell us about yourself and your hobbies, what internships you joined during your college years?
Answer: Greetings, I am Paridhi. I recently graduated from Kirori Mal College, where I earned a Bsc Honours degree in Statistics. Soon, I'll be starting my job as an analyst at L.E.K. Consulting. Besides academics, I have a passion for writing, reading books and playing the harmonium. My interest in the harmonium was sparked by my desire to learn guitar, which my mother supported. During summer breaks in the eighth grade, I wanted to explore activities beyond academics. Throughout college, I actively participated in various societies, extracurriculars, and internships. I was involved in three societies: the placement cell, the roundtable, and 180 Degrees Confronting. Additionally, I ventured into blogging in the eleventh grade, followed by writing on Quora in the twelfth grade. Eventually, I found my way to LinkedIn, where I gained a substantial following of over 20,000 people. During my college years, I undertook internships with Girl Power Talk, Concept International Business Consulting, and Niti Aayog, gaining valuable experience in online reputation management, market research, and government work, respectively.
Question 2: How did you find working for the government?
Answer: I was taken aback by the corporate vibe at Development Monitoring and Evaluation office during my two-month internship there despite it being a government organisation. Contrary to what I had anticipated, interns collaborated closely with hired supervisors in a strict setting. The office felt busy and determined, more like any other job than a calm government setting because everyone was focused on their own tasks. This information cast doubt on the idea that working for the government is undemanding. The standard working hours were from 10 a.m. until 5 or 5:30 p.m., although occasionally, evening meetings compelled us to stay later than usual.
Question 3: You have worked for a government internship, so it would be better if you tell us about the procedure for getting this internship?
Answer: Many government internships have official internship programs with specific timeframes, rules, regulations, and application procedures. However, the high volume of applications received through official channels often makes it challenging for them to identify suitable candidates. The chances of securing such internships become limited through the regular application process. Therefore, a more effective approach to increase your chances is to establish personal contacts within the ministry or organisation offering the internship. If you have any existing connections, that's beneficial. Alternatively, you can connect with relevant individuals on LinkedIn or reach out to them via email. Government internship opportunities usually provide readily available email IDs on their websites, making it easier to contact officials through cold emailing.
Question 4: How did you manage to gain the support of such a sizable following on LinkedIn? Did you adhere to a plan?
Answer: Initially, I started writing without many followers or specific goals. However, as people began relating to my work, a community formed, and collaborations emerged. This made me take my writing more seriously, posting consistently and frequently. I realised that despite my plans, life has its own way of unfolding, including exams and health concerns. So, I let go of unnecessary pressure and posted whenever possible. Building credibility and focusing on relatable, well-phrased content helped attract readers. I only write about topics where I feel confident in providing credible answers.
Question 5: You have completed your college studies and have gained some work experience. What are you expecting from the student to working person transition of your life?
Answer: Currently, I am uncertain about how the transition will be. But I am excited for the new and different experiences that lie ahead. I just prefer not to adopt a negative mindset yet. Instead, I want to remain open to whatever unfolds. Having expectations often leads to disappointment, so I approach corporate life with a focus on learning and developing new skills. As a recent graduate, I am eager to explore career prospects and embrace the responsibilities that come with independence, earning my own income, and living autonomously.
Question 6: How did you effectively manage your time while handling multiple tasks and responsibilities?
Answer: During my college years, I didn't have to worry much about time management as the majority of my classes were online. This allowed me to dedicate my time to internships. However, when college reopened and exams approached, I had to prioritise my studies and leave the internship. Later, during the placement season, I had to juggle various activities, including internships and CV preparation. To manage it all, I found it helpful to allocate specific durations to each task and focus on one thing at a time, although feelings of guilt occasionally arose.
Question 7: Based on your experience with placements, what tips and advice can you offer for crafting a strong CV?
Answer: For those embarking on their placement journey, it's essential to have a backup plan as placements in DU (Delhi University) can be unpredictable. To enhance your chances of success, focus on building a strong CV. This includes maintaining a decent academic record (around 7.5 or 8 GPA), engaging in at least two valuable internships, showcasing involvement in college societies to demonstrate leadership skills, participating in co-curricular activities, and undertaking projects aligned with your academic field. These steps collectively contribute to a compelling CV.
Question 8: How did your personality change over the course of your time in college, and what advice would you like to give to the newcomers?
Answer: Coming from a small town of Roorkee with limited exposure, my personal growth has been significant. Unlike here, we didn't have fancy competitions in our schools. College became a platform where I competed with academically and culturally brighter individuals, which was a steep learning curve. Engaging in extracurricular activities polished my soft skills, boosting my confidence in seeking help and approaching others. I've become more grounded and ambitious through self-improvement and observing others. To incoming college students, I advise against self-rejection. Embrace exploration, learn from failures, and don't take everything to heart. Take it as a valuable experience and remain resilient.
Question 9: What are your future goals? Do you prefer following a set plan or being open to opportunities as they arise?
Answer: I believe going with the flow compliments my plans. I enjoy planning certain aspects while remaining flexible in that direction. I aim to expand and diversify the content I create, acquire practical skills across various platforms, and pursue career opportunities simultaneously.
HIGHLIGHTS-
She has published an annual research paper based on the implications of Covid 19 on the hospitality sector in Delhi NCR.
She believes managing conflicts is crucial for mental well-being and we need to accept others' perspectives, even if they don't understand ours.
She believes that we shouldn't focus on the result initially but should give our all to the work we undertake.
She encourages to undertake responsibilities which teaches you independency and to stand up for yourself but with a solid plan at hand.
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