HR Conference on “Campus to Corporate – Navigating the Transition to the Corporate World”

HR Conference on “Campus to Corporate – Navigating the Transition to the Corporate World” by The People Management in association with New Delhi Institute of Management, New Delhi, successfully held on 6th February, 2025| New Delhi Institute of Management, New Delhi.

Esteemed speakers for the event were Mr. Piyush Govil, Associate Director HR, Infozech Software Pvt. Ltd., Ms. Reema Sharma-Divisional Head – HR APMEA, Apollo Tyres Ltd., Arun Kumar Singh, Head- HR, Shriram General Insurance Co.Ltd., Subnesh Sharma, Sr. HR Director, VVDN Technologies Pvt Ltd, Ruchika Garg, Head – HR, Admin & IT, SHARP Business Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. and Dr Parul Malik, Faculty, NDIM, moderator of the 1st Session.

Ms. Rupu Sharma, Head – Leadership and Development, JK Cement Ltd, Ms. Sonali Choudhary, CEO, Netcomm Labs Pvt Ltd, Ms. Shikha Rastogi, CHRO, Bloom CE Technology, Ms. Seema Ahluwalia, Executive Director HR – Admin & IT, Sonepar India Ltd, Dr. Sunaina Sardana, Faculty, NDIM, Moderator of the 2nd Session.

All the esteemed speakers / invited guests / members were welcomed by The People Management/ NDIM and the Moderators of the sessions.

Session 1: Beyond the Books : Journey to the Corporate world

Key Takeaways: Education opens doors, but attitude builds empires | Professional world is different from the Campus world| Attitude is important for surviving

Mr Piyush Govil very well said that one must have ownership and accountability of tasks. An accountability mindset at work involves taking ownership of tasks, results, and responsibilities to drive personal and team success. He further explained that continuous learning is the process of consistently improving existing knowledge and skills.

Ms Reema Sharma highlighted that Holistic development equips students to become not just skilled professionals but also responsible, compassionate, and adaptable individuals. She further mentioned about Apollo Tyre’s 60 days program for freshers to train and equip within the organisation. She shared few important Interview tips to the corporate ready students i.e. -Be Confident and honest Do not lie, Say no if do not know. She clearly said that having 90% grade without positive attitude will not fit in the corporate world.

Mr Arun Kumar Singh advised the students/ young professionals to prepare for every role, be discipline, bear mental pressure, stay calm and patience. He further added that students must focus on work with dedication, focus on getting the job done rather than counting hours. However, on other side, Mr Singh advised to maintain a proper diet as a healthy body fuels a productive mind, as journey from campus to corporate is very new and challenging for the students. He very rightly said that when students step into the corporate world then he/she only has to adopt/ manage culture, time, bear work pressure. No one (family members/ friends) will be available to help/ guide at new workplace/ new corporate world.

Mr Subnesh Sharma shares his views by expressing that technology has rapidly evolved in almost all sectors, but ensure if usage of technology is ethical? He truly advised to the students to not pay attention to Clock but to focus on your tasks, never leave your mentor. Mr Sharma included that first 90 days, organisations are watching the skills, acquiring knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the fresher. A positive behaviour/ attitude of any fresher matters for any of the organisation than his/ her grades.

Ms Ruchika Garg agreed that corporate world is totally different from the books. She rightly added that mind shifting is very important and professional world is different from the campus world. Ms Garg clearly explained the truth that the companies are paying for the performance not for the attendance. Hence basic knowledge is important before entering the workplace and performance matters than degree for the orgnisation. She supported that the ethical usage of technology is very important.

Session II: Embracing the challenges with determination – Need of the hour

Key Takeaways: Embrace Change – Adapt to new situations| AI, analytics, and digital transformation are shaping the future of HR| Networking, mentorship, and self-development remain invaluable for long-term success.

Ms Rupu Sharma focussed the importance of Communication and Technical skills. She correctly said that having goals makes students accountable for their daily actions, efforts and outcomes. Ms Sharma further added to “Use a network” to build and leverage connections with professionals in their field of interest, access job opportunities, and potentially secure internships or future employment.

Ms Seema Ahluwalia explained well that technology is not bigger than the human mind. HR tech is important but using heart and bring is important. She further advised that the right balance between technical expertise and soft skills is key. She added that embracing culture, skills, technology is very important for the campus ready students.

Ms Sonali Choudhry comes from the HR Tech company and agreed that automation is for efficiency on human side. She added that the acceptance of new system is very important not only for fresher but HR Leaders as well. AI, analytics, and digital transformation are shaping the future of HR, but human touch remains equally crucial for building relationships, addressing complex employee concerns, and fostering a positive company culture.

Ms Shikha Rastogi added that updating and upskilling is very important. She advised the students to update themselves on new technologies as Institutions cannot provide multiple trainings to the students. Hence embracing the new technology in workplace is utmost important alongwith skills, culture etc.

The event was extremely insighful with very well spoken panelists where HR Professionals, Industry Leaders, and aspiring students came together to discuss the essential skills and strategies required for a seamless transition from academia to the corporate world.

Conclusion: Transition to Corporate World is not just about hard work—it’s about discipline, adaptability with a positive mindset.