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Why Guiding Freshers through Workplace Expectations Matters
Why Guiding Freshers through Workplace Expectations Matters

September 20, 2023

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Steering through the Maze: Why Guiding Freshers through Workplace Expectations Matters

Stepping into a corporate world with a new job can be daunting for anyone, but for freshers entering the workforce for the first time, the experience can feel particularly overwhelming. It’s not only about meeting recruitment expectations but also about adapting to the unique dynamics and challenges of the workplace. As a senior leader at Axtria, I have been fortunate to recruit tech talent from engineering colleges for various analytics and data-driven transformation roles. Over the years, I have experienced and closely observed the gap between theory and practical implications.

I was honored to be invited as a panel speaker for the incoming 2023-25 MBA batch in the Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D), representing Analytics in the life sciences industry. Stepping back onto the hallowed grounds of my alma mater, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, was a nostalgic and exhilarating experience. The other speakers at the event included senior professionals representing the Banking, Consulting, and Entertainment industries. The topic we were privileged to address was “Navigating Recruitment Expectations: Essential Skillsets and Knowledge for Student Advancement.” As I stood before 150 eager faces, ready to embark on their professional journeys, I couldn’t help but reflect on my transformative years at this prestigious institution and the invaluable lessons that shaped my career. I have realized the relevance of guiding freshers through initial placement hurdles and helping them thrive in their new professional environment.

The Role of Knowledge and Specialization

In an era of information abundance, knowledge is power. Therefore, more than knowing is required for professional growth; one must explore the importance of a holistic education combining theoretical concepts and practical applications. From understanding industry trends to acquiring domain-specific expertise, the newbies entering the corporate world must leverage their time at the institution to develop a deep understanding of their chosen fields and identify opportunities to imbibe a well-rounded skillset.

The recruitment process can be intimidating, especially for students starting their careers. In my 25 years of work experience, I have seen many bright campus recruits enter the workforce at top-notch firms (in some cases, even though they weren’t the obvious choices!) via various stages of recruitment, namely, having an impressive and impactful resume, good at speaking in interviews, effectively navigating assessment centers and group discussions. However, one thing that always stands out is integrity and honesty in one’s pursuit. It is essential to acknowledge that our career is a marathon, not a sprint. Hence, we must place equal emphasis on personal branding, networking, and continuous self-improvement as vital components of a successful career.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

Beyond technical skills and knowledge, emotional intelligence plays a critical role in personal and professional success. Students entering the corporate world find this a significant shift! Understanding the significance of self-awareness, empathy, and relationship-building in fostering positive work environments and building meaningful connections is essential. By embracing emotional intelligence, students can enhance their interpersonal skills and strengthen their leadership potential. If anything, one should be happy with the exploration process and creative hunger. 

Looking back, after years of work experience, one wouldn’t deny that not all assignments in our professional lives were golden and pedestal-worthy. We are all human and will have our share of misery, disbelief, challenges, and setbacks. The important thing is to rise from the lows and learn from those demanding situations.

Empowering the Next Generation

As eager as freshers may be to jump into their new roles, they often need a clearer understanding of what is expected of them regarding skills, performance, and behavior. Employers and experienced colleagues can help freshers make a smoother transition by providing guidance and setting realistic expectations, ensuring they begin their professional journey on the right foot and avoiding unnecessary stress and confusion.

Standing before young, bright minds, I realized my journey had come full circle. IIT Delhi has given me the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to thrive in the corporate world. Now, it was my turn to impart those lessons and inspire the future leaders of the business world. With hope and excitement, I am happy to try to guide and mentor these bright sparks and to play a part in shaping the destinies of these budding professionals!

About the Author

Rohan Nag

Insights from Gautamjit Singh, Head of Delivery Excellence, Axtria Inc.


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Axtria is a global provider of award-winning cloud software and data analytics to the Life Sciences industry. Axtria’s solutions are used to digitally transform the entire product commercialization process, driving sales growth, and improving healthcare outcomes for patients. Our focus is on delivering solutions that help customers complete the journey from Data-to-Insights-to-Action and get superior returns from their sales and marketing investments. With a footprint in more than 75 countries, Axtria is proud to be a certified Great Place To Work(C). To learn more, visit https:/www.axtria.com/

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