हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें
Soumya shows you how to advance your professional journey by learning strategy planning…
Soumya Mohanty- Managing Director and Chief Client Officer, Kantar
Soumya Mohanty has been in marketing research for 28 years, where she understands consumers and brings their voices to the table in plans and strategies. Today, Grihashobha interviews her to offer some advice and guidance for students transitioning from school to college.
How was your childhood?
My parents were in the civil service, so I spent my childhood in Meerut, far from my hometown in Orissa. I attended Sophia Girls’ School there. I have fond memories of my childhood. We used to make our own games, play outside, read comics, and I also saw many movies in theaters. But all this is a bit strange for today’s children, who spend most of their time on the internet.
Tell us something about your education journey?
Actually, I wanted to study English Literature, but that wasn’t an option at the time. I was good at studies, so I took Science, because at that time the competition was to become doctors and engineers. But after a while, I didn’t like it much, so I took Arts and topped it. But at that time, you didn’t have Science, so the better option was Economics. Therefore, I graduated in Economics from Indraprastha College, Delhi. Then, I did my post-graduation in Advertising from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
I became very interested in postgraduate studies because it involved a creative field. Creative writing and creative ideas were something I loved. But it wasn’t a pre-planned strategy. Suddenly, I was faced with a flurry of options and choosing from them.
How did your career journey in market research begin?
After post-graduation, a friend told me about a market research job. I initially didn’t know anything about market research, but then I decided to take the risk and joined. At first, it seemed very different, but after some time, learning and practicing, I became interested because I was always curious to learn more. Today, I’ve been in this field for 28 years. I enjoy every moment spent in it.
Did you ever have doubts about your career choice?
I was a little disappointed, not with my career choice, but with my subject choice, because at that time, there were no subject options. Back then, you couldn’t study literature along with science.We couldn’t do literature with mathematics. So our options were very limited.
But as better options came my way, I chose them and worked hard. I believe that if you keep working hard, you will eventually reach your destination.
Apart from academic performance, what other things should a student pay attention to?
Look, schools build a foundation of academic knowledge, which is crucial. They also instill discipline in your life. But there are other things you need to learn, like how to make friends, how to network, and how to deal with people. So, all of this starts in college, where you have to practice beyond the textbooks. For example, when I was in college, I participated in a lot of debates and quizzes, which helped me develop my public speaking skills, which require a strategy.
Through this, I learned strategy planning and group management, which will be very useful later in your professional journey. Therefore, practical knowledge of life is essential, along with the theory from books.
What can today’s students overcome in their careers?
Today, students and young people don’t have the “NEVER GIVE UP” feeling. I’ve noticed that they give up without a word. Many young people come to work and quickly leave because they’re under too much pressure or because someone says something too harsh. Today’s generation lacks patience.
Now, I’ll say that I have my own inspiring story. For example, I was the vice head girl in school and lost by one vote. In college, I lost by a few votes. I even took the civil services exam, but didn’t make it. Then, during my post-graduation placements, I wasn’t selected even after 10 interviews.
But I didn’t give up. I kept trying.
I stayed there, and at that time, a friend told me about a job. I went there and worked. But I encountered difficulties there too.
I joined, but I didn’t know how to use computers, so a senior was upset because the school didn’t have computers at the time. Whatever knowledge I gained, no typing practice, I learned by sitting up all night for a week. So, don’t run away from problems, but focus on improving yourself.
Is AI a threat to advertising and marketing students?
Young professionals in advertising and marketing, or those aspiring to pursue a career in it, are thinking that AI poses a significant threat and will take their jobs. AI poses some kind of threat, not just to you, but to everyone. But you shouldn’t fear it; you should rise above it. Just as I’m learning about it today, not worrying about it. Similarly, Jane should not run away, but take risks. Take on the challenge and learn.
Does a college play a decisive role in career?
Look, a college plays a vital role, but not a completely decisive one. This is because you first need to understand your interests. If you want to pursue an academic field or pursue scientific research, then yes, college plays a crucial role.
But if you’re interested in other fields, like corporate, don’t be discouraged if you’re left behind in the race for a good college. Work hard at whatever college you find.
– Rajni Prasad