Interview 5- Mr Sameer Memon (Welspun India Ltd)

In the fifth interview of our interview series we are thrilled to host Mr. Sameer Memon. He has graduated from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai in 2018. He has worked with one of the finest brands, Trident Limited for about a year and a half as a printing manager and is currently working with Welspun India as a sales and merchandising manager. Let us discover textile from the eyes of a young textile engineer

Sameer Memon in his own words:

"Myself Mr. Sameer Afsar Memon. I have completed by B.Tech in Textile Technology from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (batch of 2018) also pursuing PGDM- Marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management, Matunga, Mumbai. I have worked with Trident Limited at their manufacturing unit for about 1.5 years as a Printing Manager.

Currently working with Welspun India as a Sales and Merchandising Manager (Exports).

At Welspun, together we are working for notable growth to achieve the set targets. My strong networking, negotiation and relationship management skills have helped me perform well towards my goals on time.

1-How will you sum up four years of your life at VJTI, Mumbai?

"VJTI is Mother to most of us  and we Proudly say that AMCHI AAI TUMCHI AAI ! Veermata Jijabai.  I always fill  Blessed that I got VJTI feel wonderful when I remember my college days. It was one of the best periods I have ever experienced. VJTI has always encouraged students for Studies along with extra-curricular activities. Through which we all have surely explored and learned leadership and management skills. Together we have completed many projects and have participated in many competitions for which our mentors had always supported. So to sum up, The college journey was full of ups and down but indeed was full of knowledge and excitement. "

2-How will you describe the life of a young textile engineer?

"I always feel that, “A person should not stop learning”.

Textile engineers not only apply innovative techniques for producing quality products but also work towards improvement for existing products. In my overall tenure, I have strongly experienced this approach of many Textile Engineers. There are many departments in which a textile engineer can perform- R&D, technical sales, Quality control, Production control, manufacturing and many more. Basically, with experience and knowledge, a textile engineer can explore many opportunities in Textile market. Also designing is one of the prime department to work for, which always seek for innovation and creativity. So there are many options to explore for a textile engineer. And his life would be full of new experiences considering regular day to day work also."

3-Tell us how can one enhance their holistic development so as to get fully prepared for working in a industrial world.

Below are the few point which would help for development:

• By creating a learning & developing strategy
• By enabling a culture for continuous learning

Also skills for holistic development are:

• Cognitive (By this we can be able to solve complex tasks with flexible thinking and by building effective strategies.
• Creative (By this one can come up with new solutions to problems. Creative skills support openness to new experiences and helps us to transform ideas in meaningful ways)
• Physical (By this one can exercise their mind and bodies to maintain well-being)
• Social (By this one can be empowered and can become strong collaborator. This helps to maintain healthy relationship with co-workers)
• Emotional (By this one can be in better position to tackle challenges in day-to-day life)

4-Since you have been the Training and placement office C.R what challenges did you face and how was your experience.

"First of all, the experience was very learning. I used to feel nervous when I have to discuss with companies for placements. But After some time, with experience and with guidance of my mentors, I never felt it as a task. It was certainly a great responsibility which was fulfilling also.

Challenges were faced at the start of this overall process. It was quite a roller coaster ride. Managing timelines and students who wanted to apply was very hectic wherein I had to maintain my relationships and had to be very presentative while managing companies.

At the end we as team was successful for creating new trend and achieve the cent percent "

5-How can one prepare for campus selections? What are the key points one should remember to ensure better performance

"I would say, one should know what you are being tested/interviewed for.

So accordingly, one should opt for aptitude tests, skill assessment tests. Because a person’s communication skills, presence of mind, logical thinking and domain knowledge are the prime factors which are tested for any fresher’s position.

One should gather opinions about the position a firm is offering and what is required to fulfill the JD.

Practice makes man perfect. Considering this rule, one should opt for mock tests and assessment test and also consider having feedback in reference to improve the skills where you are lacking. Along with this, one should work on core subjects, work on group discussion skills.

Also, need to get guidance from mentors to avoid common interview mistakes and also need to prepare things in order as this shows clarity of thoughts."

6-What do you think should be added in the college curriculum which will benefit the students as far as working in the industry is concerned.

"Industry knowledge, visits than theoretical knowledge should be incorporated on regular basis to have basic knowledge of mill/ company culture and working, as industrial knowledge is the key. College should consider High Impact learning, strategic external partnership, comprehensive support services, industry-student focused operations and evaluations."

7-As per you, what should one consider following bachelor's? Master's or working in an industry?

"It is very individualistic what a person wants to opt in future. I have started working in industry for some personal reasons but after only 6 months I opted for distance MBA education from Welingkar institute of management, Matunga. There are many option available in front of you, considering own self, one should take decision.

Base of any decision a person takes is that learning should not stop, this is what I follow."

8-In your opinion, what will the textile industry look like at the end of this pandemic.

"I feel and I am sure that it would be a growth sector indeed. In pandemic situation also, many industries have started manufacturing PPEs. That means, in such critical situation, textile firms have not stopped serving the nation and continued to work. One should never be in short of opportunities considering textiles."

9-In closing, what advice would you like to give to the young minds.

" Don’t be realistic, alter your reality instead. Your reality is based on your perception. Pick a mentor who helps you in critical situation. as job satisfaction and guidance from mentors in more important that higher pay.

And keep leaning and exploring new things for your personal growth"

It was great interviewing Mr. Sameer, thanks for sharing your experience with us.