Alumni Talks Series 2024
Event Date: 26th October 2024
When alumni return to campus, they bring back more than memories—they bring insights and experience that inspire current students. Today, we hosted one such alumnus, Abhay Pratap Singh, at the School of Business, Galgotias University. Abhay shared his journey from campus life to the corporate world and then to entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting impact on students and motivating them to dream big and embrace challenges.
Abhay spoke about his early days as a student, explaining how his education and interactions at School of Business shaped his future. While classes provided a foundation, he credited teamwork and extracurricular activities for teaching him essential life skills that prepared him for the professional world.
After graduation, he entered the corporate sphere, facing the challenge of adapting to a fast-paced environment. Learning to navigate team dynamics and time management became crucial, and his resilience and openness to feedback helped him thrive. However, a desire to build something meaningful led him to leave corporate life and create his own venture, Smart Meal.
Abhay shared insights on building a brand, from market research to establishing a unique identity, emphasizing that branding and marketing are essential for any startup. His story is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and a willingness to take risks—lessons that continue to inspire School of Business students.
When alumni return to campus, they bring back not only fond memories but also a wealth of real-world insights and experiences. Today, we had the pleasure of hosting one such alumnus, Abhay Pratap Singh, at the School of Business, Galgotias University. His journey from campus to corporate and then from corporate to entrepreneurship left an indelible impact on the students, inspiring them to dream big and to be prepared for both the challenges and the rewards that lie ahead.
Abhay began his talk by sharing his early days as a student at Galgotias University, reflecting on how his education and interactions at the university shaped his outlook. He explained that while the classroom provided him with theoretical knowledge, his real learning came from engaging in projects, teamwork, and extra-curricular activities that taught him essential life skills—skills that would later prove invaluable in his corporate career.
Upon graduating, Abhay took his first steps into the corporate world, a phase that, while exciting, came with its own set of challenges. He described how adapting to the fast-paced environment, understanding team dynamics, and aligning himself with organizational goals were all critical to his success. Despite the initial struggles, Abhay embraced these challenges, honing his skills in time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. His message to the students was clear: success in the corporate world requires resilience, a continuous commitment to learning, and an openness to constructive feedback.
However, Abhay’s career was not just a smooth climb up the corporate ladder. After spending several years in the industry, he felt a new calling—a drive to create something of his own. This urge led him to step out of his comfort zone and leave his secure corporate job to start his own venture: Smart Meal. This bold decision, he shared, was both exhilarating and daunting. His transition from employee to entrepreneur was not an easy one, but his dedication and passion for creating something impactful fueled his determination.
Abhay spoke passionately about Smart Meal, a venture that aims to offer healthy, affordable, and tasty meal options. He detailed the steps he took to build a brand from scratch, sharing insights on the importance of market research, branding, and effective marketing. For Abhay, branding is not merely about logos or catchy slogans; it’s about establishing a unique identity and consistently delivering value to customers. He encouraged students to be creative yet strategic when building a brand and to understand the significance of creating a loyal customer base. Abhay emphasized that branding and marketing are crucial for any startup’s growth and advised aspiring entrepreneurs to learn the fundamentals of these disciplines.
But Abhay’s message went beyond business strategies. He reminded students of the importance of having dreams and working towards them with focus and determination. According to him, dreams without actions are merely wishes. His advice to the audience was to invest in skill development, as the skills we acquire today will shape our future success. In the fast-changing world of business and technology, he stressed the need for adaptability and a constant hunger for knowledge.
Event Outcome
This inspiring event featured Abhay Pratap Singh, a successful alumnus of School of Business, Galgotias University, as he shared his journey from a young student to a seasoned entrepreneur. His talk delved into the intricacies of navigating the corporate world, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of lifelong learning.
Key Takeaways:
* The Power of Practical Skills: Abhay emphasized the significance of practical skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, gained through extracurricular activities and projects.
* Navigating the Corporate World: He discussed the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a continuous learning mindset in thriving in a corporate setting.
* Embracing Entrepreneurship: Abhay shared his experiences in transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and rewards of starting a business.
* The Art of Branding and Marketing: He provided insights into building a strong brand identity, effective marketing strategies, and the importance of understanding customer needs.
* The Pursuit of Dreams: Abhay encouraged students to dream big, set clear goals, and take action to achieve them.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the students and inspiring them to strive for excellence in their academic and professional endeavors.
Mentor Name – Dr. Jagannath Mohanty, Dr. Anamika Pandey, Dr. Snigdha Das
Department Name – Department of Management