How I made my career in Banking sector: Pawan Kumar Singh

In 2004, Forex market was on boom. Hence, I opted to pursue my BBM and PGDM in International Business from colleges like Gitam Institute of Management, Vizag and Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), New Delhi to get good exposure in International Business. Both colleges are very good in academics.

I completed BBM from Gitam in 2007 and started working soon after. I worked for two years to gain experience. Simultaneously, I was preparing for entrance exams like CAT, MAT etc. and that too without any coaching classes. In my 1^st attempt, I couldn’t qualify in any of the entrance exams. Then, I started focusing more on entrance exams as I realized and understood the importance of PG courses for a good and bright future.

I took a guidance from my friends, colleagues and relatives to prepare for competitive exams. I started devoting 1 hour in night and 1 hour in morning for exam preparation. I had divided the syllabus and tried to complete it on time. I was determined to clear the exam this time under any circumstance. I used to always think positive which helped me a lot in cracking the exams. The best way to concentrate better on studies is taking up activities like Yoga, Jogging or exercise at home. 

In my 2^nd attempt, I cleared exams like MAH-CET and MAT with good scores. I got selected in many good colleges across India but opted for FIIB due to good academics and placements cell.

I studied PGDM in International Business and Marketing (2009-11) at FIIB. I had an awesome academic experience in FIIB. I have got an opportunity to learn more on International Business at FIIB.

My college days

I had built a good relationship with faculty members, seniors and classmates which helped me to win Mr Fresher contest for 2009-11 batch. I also became Placement Cell Leader and Class Representative for my batch. I used to spend most of the time with friends. We used to spend most of the time either in watching movies or visiting new places in Delhi. In second year, I started working hard and luckily I did well. I was a second person in my batch who got placed in an IT company.

As I said above, I had wonderful college days with a good exposure and knowledge in International Business. I got placed in BBPL (Star Trading House). I joined the organization as Assistant Manager (Export Documentation). I used to prepare drafts of export documents and used to coordinate with Custom House Agents, Freight Forwarders, Surveyors, Shipping Companies and International Buyers for issuance of final export documents from concern departments. I had got a wonderful experience in my first organization. Then I joined banking sector. I worked with Kotak Mahindra Bank (Retail Branch Banking) as Asst. Manager (Operations) and got an opportunity to learn day to day operations activity like Locker Operations, Cash Management Services, Customer Service Desks and Clearing etc. Later on, I joined HDFC bank as a Deputy Manager (Operations) to get good exposure in Foreign Exchange as HDFC bank is India’s No. 1 Bank due to best service in banking industry and by building a good relationship with clients.

My college education has helped me a lot in learning Foreign Exchange Operations and it has helped me a lot to become Branch Operations Manager within three years of my career with HDFC Bank.  

How I made my career

In my first job, I have come across lots of challenges. For example, I always tried my best to perform better but I couldn't make it due to internal politics or favouritism. My seniors never used to listen to my strategies or plans. Even though I was a new joinee, my hard work won them over and I got recognition and rewards from my directors. Later on, I was offered a position in the Singapore branch. But I had an offer from Kotak Mahindra Bank at the same time and I opted to make my career in banking sector.

I have come across lots of challenges as it's very tough to perform especially in a large organization in between huge number of staffs. In banking, we always focused to give best service to customers in the industry to build good relationship with them to avoid any customer complaints. 

The biggest challenge is sales. It's really difficult to source new business while doing operational activity. I have faced lots of branch audits too. It's a toughest part in banking as it may lead to lose your ratings at the time of appraisals or job.

But luckily my seniors are very nice as I got an opportunity to learn a lot from them like leadership skills, sales skills and team work. Such skills have helped me a lot to grow in my current organisation. Currently, I am successfully handling a team as a Branch Operations Manager.

About the Author:

My name is Pawan Kumar Singh. I pursued BBM at Gitam Institute of Management, Vizag and then went on to pursue PGDM in International Business and Marketing at FIIB. Currently, I am working as a Branch Operations Manager at HDFC Bank.