“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Churchill
I did not know what to expect when I came to US. All I wanted was something different. To code is not in my DNA. I can understand code – more than one can expect from a Business Consultant. But from very early on I knew I did not want to write code. I just don’t want to do it. Just like I don’t want to cut open bodies or fight criminal cases.
When I won the CU Business case competition back in 2006 – I did not know how it would impact my life. For me, it was just another stone unturned. In the room that day were my future employers and I was unaware of it. In my presentation that day I delivered a message – that I can comprehend business goals and make sure they are met with the aid of technology. I can think on my feet and out of the box. Little did I know that I was making a statement at that time – a statement that now summarizes my job profile. I help companies achieve their technology goals. I am the bridge between the business’s vision and technology implementation.
It was all not so clear back then though. I just trusted my instincts and gave up an opportunity with a Motorola to go work for a boutique-consulting firm. The people who worked at this company impressed me. The folks in the room on the day of the competition and the people who later interviewed me – made me feel like being one of them. I had the opportunity to work with each and every one of them in these last four years – and the experience was priceless. Smart, witty, dynamic, energetic and caring consultants surrounded me – and I just tried to learn from them and be like them. I learnt fast and they gave me a plethora of opportunities to pick up the skills I needed to ace in this field.
I kept growing under the shadows of these mentors, and kept learning every day. I remember in the initial days I used to keep a diary – there was just so much to absorb. I gave up when I realized that every word spoken around me – is a key – to client satisfaction. Every meeting is a module of business education. Every peer is a teacher and every senior a mentor. It was learning all the way – and I cannot emphasize how much “being with the right people” started meaning to me – as I climbed the ropes of this industry.
From one project to another – from business requirements to test plans, change management to training delivery, user experience interviews to solution design – I did it all in these four years. And never did I saturate. Every morning brought something new. People set expectations and I met them – some even said I exceeded them. And all this while I kept learning…
As I move on to work for another player in the same industry – I am ready to absorb fresh experiences. I take with me almost 1500 days of learning. I am still hungry to learn – and I hope this need is never satiated.
From my next innings in consulting I expect exposure to bigger teams, managing bigger budgets, more assessments and solution roadmaps, more strategy and definitely more PEOPLE!
Wish me luck!
Shivi 
My best wishes! 🙂
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Thanks a lot Jas 🙂
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All the best! Looks like you've quit your job the same day I quit mine :).
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Did you really ? Woohooo – I gave my notice a few weeks ago – Friday is the last day. Where you headed ? Tell me consulting 😉
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All the best Dear!!
– Rajat Saxena
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Gr8 to hear that you are enjoying your profession!! That's rare!!! 🙂 🙂
Som1 once said: “Fight for your Dreams and your Dreams will fight for YOU”
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all the best, Iya 🙂
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Thanks a lot Rajat, Manish and Swati.. Fingers crossed for a new beginning 🙂
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