How did you start off your career?
After completing my Masters in Social Work from Udaipur School of Social Work in June, 1995, I joined a cement manufacturing company based in Rajasthan, Shree Cement, from where my professional career started.
Initially I was taking care of employee benefit activities for around a year. Thereafter, I was assigned human resources responsibilities to take care of training, PMS, HR initiatives and OD intervention etc.
Why did you choose HR as your professional field?
I had a passion for HR since my college days and I was attracted towards Udaipur School of Social Work. Therefore, despite completing my graduation in computer science, I went on to pursue my career in the field of human resources..
Could you briefly describe the initial years of your career – what were the challenges you faced, the areas you enjoyed the most, the lessons learnt?
My first job enriched me with practical exposure, opportunity and support from seniors and colleagues. That was the time when training was getting importance in view of ISO certification.
Professionals were replacing entrepreneurs as CEOs, focus was also given on PMS, OD interventions etc. Technology was evolving and computer usage was expanding.
I enjoyed working on training, OD intervention, and PMS.
What would you describe as the highest point of your HR career?
The best moment of my career came when I joined TCI. I got into business, I also travelled across the locations and that gave me a real insight into the business and HR’s connect with the business.
I received full support from the Management and my colleagues in transforming HR in the company right from implementing PeopleSoft HRIS to revamping organization structure, streamling training and developmental initiatives, and automation of HR processes,’
How has the above described “best moment” transformed you personally and professionally.
On the one hand, this has helped me in creating acceptability among colleagues, it has developed my confidence on the other hand.
What advice would you like to give HR practitioners of the next generation?
As an HR professional, you should know the business – that is very essential. If one is not aware of the business, he or she might be disconnected from the business realities.
HR professionals should be technically updated and should constantly upgrade themselves from time to time
They should also work on simplification of processes, without loosing control, with the right intervention of technology
Finally, the most important of all, they should always take a positive approach
