A Journey of Choices and Triumph: Avya Sood’s Placement with FischerJordan

As I sit here, reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that have led me to this moment, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement.  My journey from Punjab to pursuing a BA in Economics at FLAME University has been a rollercoaster ride. And today, I am thrilled to share with you the story of how I secured a job offer from FischerJordan, a cross-disciplinary consulting firm that promises uncommon clarity and success.

Challenges and Doubts: Navigating the Decision-Making Process

My path to FLAME University was not without its fair share of doubts and uncertainties. I've always been deeply passionate about both Economics and Psychology. These two subjects captured my interest during my high school years, and I couldn't wait to delve into them further in college. Originally, I had set my sights on studying abroad in the Netherlands, but due to the pandemic, I decided to stay back in India. That's when FLAME University entered the picture, thanks to a family friend.

My family had reservations about my decision to pursue a liberal arts education. However, I knew that FLAME's unique learning environment aligned perfectly with my long-term goals and aspirations. So, I took a leap of faith and embarked on this academic adventure.

Exploring the Major-Minor Crossroads: Economics and Psychology

During my initial days at FLAME, my plan was to major in Psychology and minor in Economics. But life had a different plan for me. To my surprise, I found myself drawn more towards Economics as I delved deeper into the subject. FLAME University's flexible curriculum allowed me to explore both fields, and I soon realized that Economics was my true calling.

This decision wasn't made lightly. I had some early influences that guided me in this direction. My maternal grandmother held an MA in Economics, creating a subtle familial connection to my chosen field. Moreover, I had a phenomenal Economics teacher in 9th grade who introduced me to topics beyond the curriculum, igniting my passion for the subject.

Economics, with its versatility and real-world applicability, resonated with me deeply. It was a safe choice for my undergraduate studies, offering a broad foundation that could lead to various career paths. On the other hand, Psychology enhanced my ability to understand and connect with people—a crucial skill in today's world, especially in a consulting role. The combination of these two subjects has made me a well-rounded individual, capable of devising creative strategies and communicating effectively with stakeholders—a perfect fit for a consulting career. 

However, the decision-making process was not without its challenges. At one point, I found myself torn between my love for Economics and a newfound interest in communication and advertising. While those courses were engaging and exciting, Economics continued to challenge me in ways that other subjects did not. It was this challenge that ultimately swayed my decision.

Navigating the FischerJordan Interview Process: How FLAME University Supported My Journey

The faculty and staff at FLAME played a pivotal role in preparing me for this opportunity. Faculty of Economics including Prof. Arnab Chakrabarti, Prof. Yashobanta Parida, Prof. Anubrata Deka, and Prof. Reshmi Sengupta, as well as the Career Services Office (CSO) including Padmanava Das sir, Reena Menon ma’am and Mangesh Thokal sir, offered invaluable mentorship, clearing doubts and boosting my confidence. 

Preparing for the interviews at FischerJordan was a whirlwind experience. With just six days to prepare, I reached out to current employees at the company via LinkedIn for insights into the interview process. I also attended a training session conducted by the Career Services Office (CSO) at FLAME, where I honed my mathematical skills, crucial for consulting interviews. The CSO team was a great pillar of support, providing guidance on resume-building and interview techniques, as well as facilitating training workshops.

In these six days, I devoted significant time to practicing probability, average, profit-loss, and brain teaser questions. I also conducted mock interviews with the help of AI tools and friends to build my confidence. Creativity and consistency were my allies throughout this preparation journey, allowing me to think outside the box and approach problems with a fresh perspective.

The Interview Experience with Fischer Jordan

My experience during the interview process was unlike any I had encountered before. It felt more like a conversation than a rigid interview, putting me at ease. The interviewers were honest, valuing my thoughts and opinions on the company and its projects. They presented probability and average-based brain teasers, and even when I got stuck, they guided me through, focusing on my thought process rather than the correctness of my answers.

During the interviews, I made sure to showcase my qualifications effectively. I tailored my responses to highlight relevant skills, asked thoughtful questions about the company, and demonstrated my enthusiasm for the role.

When the job offer finally arrived, I was overwhelmed with joy. I received the news while sitting in a friend's room, and the moment was nothing short of euphoric. I called my family, and their tears of happiness mirrored my own.

What sets this offer apart is the diversity and opportunity for growth that FischerJordan offers. The company's expansion, coupled with its inclusive work environment, aligns perfectly with my aspirations.

Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to gain valuable work experience and pursue an MBA to further refine my skills. This job at FischerJordan is the perfect stepping stone, providing the experience and exposure I need to chart my path.

Advice for Fellow Students: Navigating the Job Search Journey

If there's one piece of advice I can offer to fellow students embarking on their job search journey, it's this: Prepare well, be confident, and don't hesitate to ask for help or guidance from interviewers. And remember, sometimes the challenges and doubts you face along the way are the very things that lead you to your most rewarding opportunities.

As I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my life at FischerJordan, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that brought me here. FLAME University, my professors, and the Career Services Office have played instrumental roles in shaping my path, and I am excited to see where this adventure takes me.

Read More about FLAME University's Career Services:  Click Here

(Author: Avya Sood, Third-year Undergraduate Student, FLAME University)

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