Working for an Indian Conglomerate
Growing up in India, the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) must have been one of the countable few companies I should have known about as a child. Tata and Birla names were often used synonymously with anything that was considered rich and grandiose. However, never once did I imagine that I would work for such a magnificent conglomerate as ABG in my first major business project during my MBA studies at the Fisher College of Business.
Living up to traditional Indian values, the ABG group welcomed us with impressive warmth and generosity. The team was accommodated in ABG’s guest house with exclusive chefs, cars and chauffeurs. We were given separate workspaces in their Bengaluru office and were accompanied by employees to every client location at which we had an interview. And, during work hours, the team enjoyed tea/coffee at regular intervals, served right at our desks! Seeing employees have group lunches in an exclusive ‘cafeteria’ area inside the office was unusual for my American counterparts.
The most exciting part of the business experience was working from a meeting room right next to Kumaramangalam Birla himself on the day of our final presentation! Presenting our findings to such top level management as the VP of Consumer Insights of ABG groups and Managing Director of the Chemicals business and receiving their feedback and appreciation is an unforgettable first business project presentation experience. Thank you, Fisher and the GAP program, for giving me this wonderful opportunity!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 Comments
I remember working for such a company. The opportunity to meet the directors came unexpectedly and it was one of those moments I can relate with your experience. BTW I'm from bangalore itself.