“I started opening up and became more confident. From the Speaking Effectively course, I learned how to use my pitch to influence others.”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: SPEAKING WITH CONFIDENCE

I found the workshops on speaking very engaging and effective. After the program, I started opening up and became more confident. From the Speaking Effectively course, I learned how to use my pitch to influence others. I keep the P-A-M framework handy even while conducting research for my coursework—what is the purpose of my research, who would I present this to and what the message should be. I also take peer feedback seriously now as it helps me improve. Overall, the program has given me a lot of confidence.

PRE-LEARNING CHALLENGE: LACK OF CONFIDENCE 

I’ve grown up in an area where I don’t have many opportunities to learn how to speak English well. To achieve my career goals, it’s important for me to improve my overall communication. In the first semester, I was not confident while communicating with my teachers—I used to get intimidated.

“I’m confident that I can write anything now, be it reports, email or a grant proposal.”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: DELIVERING IMPACTFUL COMMUNICATION IN STRUCTURED FORMATS

I was writing pre-work for a company I wanted to interview for, and was confused about my approach. I had to synthesize a 40 page document into 10 slides. I used the SCQR Framework and summarized the document into Situation, Complication, Question and Resolution. It took me 45 minutes to complete a task I would have otherwise taken a day or more without the knowledge of this framework. I’m confident that I can write anything now, be it reports, email or a grant proposal. My writing scores have improved each term. Thanks to pointed feedback from the writing mentors.

We were asked to record ourselves speaking about a topic, and get it peer reviewed. I was very uncomfortable initially but after recording 2-3 videos, I could see my mistakes. I am able to speak fluently today because of that assignment. The program has also helped me write better, and I found the course frameworks to be very useful.

Last year, I started an organization named Blood Warriors. We have designed a solution model called ‘Blood Bridge’ where we connect a child suffering from Thalassemia with a blood donor. To increase awareness and get donors, we have been pitching this solution to many partners. Last month, we were invited by Rotary International to present our project. This presentation was crucial for us, as Rotary International has a wide network of volunteers. I structured my presentation using Aristotle’s 3 appeals (Logos-Ethos-Pathos) that I learned in a Harappa course. The presentation went well and everyone appreciated the work we did. More than 200 volunteers reached out from four different chapters of the Rotary Club.

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: DISORDERLY COMMUNICATION

I come from both corporate and social sector experience. While I worked in investment banking, I volunteered with different NGOs. I wanted to get into the social sector Full time. I knew I was not great at writing even before joining the Indian School of Development Management—that was one of the skills I wanted to master. Verbal communication is another skill I wanted to improve. In the development sector, the ability to communicate and collaborate plays a vital role in creating impact.

“My most valuable takeaway from the program was the PAM framework. I used it in one of the group discussion rounds for a company interview, and I was able to articulate my thoughts clearly in front of everyone and impress the panel. I can structure my thoughts well and speak up with clarity and confidence”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: SELECTED BY THE PANEL

Each company has its own selection criteria. I aimed to learn as many skills as possible, including communication, critical thinking and how to approach case study questions and deal with situation-based problems.It is challenging to catch the attention of a panel in a virtual group discussion! I used the PAM framework in a discussion with twelve contenders. We were asked to come to a conclusion on a topic and I didn’t want to miss this chance to stand out. I  was able to present my thoughts clearly in front of everyone and impress the panel. I am happy that I have been placed as a management associate at TA Digital.

The program has positively impacted my way of dealing with situations in professional life. After taking these courses I can structure my thoughts well and speak with clarity and confidence.

PRE-LEARNING CHALLENGE: NAVIGATING PLACEMENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

COVID-19 has impacted every sector and I knew that competition for grabbing placements would be high. I couldn’t afford to miss any opportunity by being underprepared, so I took Harappa’s Placement Success Program to prepare for interviews in a structured way.

“My coach spent more than an hour with me, going over each question and giving me specific feedback. That conversation gave me insights I never had before! He encouraged me to structure my experiences. He also taught me how one must always ask questions to the interviewer when given an opportunity.”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: ON-POINT ANSWERS

The most vivid memory I have of the program is from the session we had with our allotted coaches after our Mock Interview. That conversation left me with insights that I never had before. Up until then I thought I was well prepared for interviews and my answers were perfect. Even my peers and family reassured me that my answers were great. But my coach spent more than an hour with me, going over each question and giving me specific feedback. He encouraged me to structure the experiences I was sharing. He also taught me how one must always ask the interviewer questions when given an opportunity. I will always carry these learnings with me and also pass them on to others who may benefit from them.

PRE-LEARNING CHALLENGE: MUDDLED ANSWERS DURING INTERVIEWS

Up until this program, I always thought I was well-prepared for interviews. Even my peers and family members reassured me of this. I had not realized that I could unknowingly give off the wrong impression while talking about my strengths and weaknesses.

“In one of the interview rounds, I was able to coherently explain the challenges I faced at my previous job using the STAR framework that I learned in the program. The best part is that this framework can be used in our day-to-day communication as well. I curate my CV according to the role and develop the right mindset before interviews. Thanks to Harappa, I have earned my lean six sigma black belt certification.”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: CLARITY & COHERENCE

In one of the interview rounds, I was able to coherently explain the challenges I faced at my previous job using the STAR framework that I learned in the program. The best part is that this framework can be used in day-to-day communication as well. I believe I am more job-oriented now. I make it a point to deep dive into any job description, curate my CV according to the role and develop the right mindset before an interview. Because of this program, I have developed clarity on the job roles that I want to apply for. Thanks to Harappa, I have earned my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

PRE-LEARNING CHALLENGE: LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING

In our MBA curriculum, we focus on acquiring hard skills, but for a management professional, soft skills are equally important. I believe these skills can be developed through practice and guided training and so I decided to enroll in Harappa’s program. I wanted to learn the art of cracking interviews, prepare myself for the roles I wanted to apply for and answer questions clearly.

“I did Harappa’s Placement Success Program. My favorite concepts were the STAR framework, 3Ps and Power Pose! I tried out the Power Pose before all my interviews and they really worked! I think all of Harappa’s offerings are great. I look forward to learning more!”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: STRUCTURING APPROPRIATE, CLEAR & IMPACTFUL COMMUNICATION 

My most favorite concepts from what I learnt were STAR framework, 3Ps, and Power Pose! I tried out the power pose before all of my interviews and they really worked! I think all of Harappa’s offerings were great, and I really enjoyed everything. I believe what Harappa’s trying to do is amazing and look forward to learning more. I’ve even followed Harappa on Twitter to keep up!

“I learned a number of extremely valuable frameworks. I’ve used these frameworks everywhere—my projects, interviews, even while helping my batchmates! They have left a long-lasting impression and I can’t imagine communicating without them anymore, especially for someone who is just starting their professional journey.”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION

I learned a number of extremely valuable frameworks, of which  I have been using the Rule of Three the most. I’ve used these frameworks everywhere—my projects, interviews, even while helping my batchmates! They have left a long-lasting impression and I can’t imagine communicating without them anymore, especially for someone who is just starting their professional journey. I am more confident and can communicate effortlessly with my juniors, seniors and peers. The examples and stories from prominent industry leaders motivated me a lot, helping me connect with the concepts and implement them easily.

PRE-LEARNING CHALLENGE: MEANINGFUL ARTICULATION

Gathering knowledge has always been my strong suit, but I find it challenging to articulate myself in a meaningful way. I enrolled in the Placement Success Program hoping to learn effective communication methods, achieve oratory prowess and to secure a decent placement opportunity.

“Thanks to Harappa, I aced the entire interview process. The mock interviews helped me transform my approach and within weeks, I landed a job.”

POST-LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH: INTERVIEW SUCCESS

My rate of conversion improved immensely. I felt a lot more confident, and often sailed through the initial interview rounds. The questions that used to make me nervous were not bothering me anymore. It felt like finding a cheat sheet for essential interview questions. Understanding what to say and what not to say in an interview is fundamental. I never imagined outperforming certain colleagues in interviews. Thanks to Harappa, a few months later, I aced the entire process. I’d encourage people to take the mock interviews seriously as they helped me transform my approach and within weeks, I landed a job.

PRE-LEARNING CHALLENGE: LACK OF GUIDANCE

We can do placement preparations on our own, but it is tedious and time-consuming. For such a crucial process, it’s always good to have expert guidance and the right approach. This was the fundamental motivation behind my enrollment into Harappa’s program.

We wanted to train our students in holistic skills outside of functional training, and Harappa gave us exactly that. Their Life Skills program is a valuable and necessary resource for all college students, especially the courses on critical thinking and problem solving. We were pleasantly surprised by how enthusiastic the students were about learning from faculty who they could relate to and the sessions.