Revathi Ramalingam

Revathi's journey in ITC:

My journey at ITC began with my internship stint at the Packaging & Printing division at Chennai. Stepping out of a classroom into a quintessentially brick and mortar manufacturing plant was a tremendous experience in itself. Every minute spent at ITC over the next few months served as a fantastic opportunity to learn as I got an overview of different HR processes while actively involving myself in various employee engagement initiatives.

After completing my MBA, I joined as an AUT in 2010 and was posted in PPB's Chennai factory. Whether being involved in the intricacies of a Long Term Agreement, handling key HR processes independently or rolling out a number of critical engagement initiatives, the past two years have been a challenging and highly fulfilling experience. Being mentored and guided by senior managers, working closely with employees in the factory and translating the B-school perspective into real life scenarios has helped me grow both professionally and personally. The magnitude of responsibility and the invigorating nature of a role of such meaning and gravity, early in my career, have given me a strong foundation.

Revathi's thoughts on ITC as a workplace:

Responsibility is a word that one would immediately associate with ITC. While the organization endows young managers with roles that make an actual difference, it expects them in return, to understand this and function in resonance with the demands of such a far reaching role. Each day is a new challenge - of thought, of action and of perspective. Each moment is an opportunity for innovation, sometimes tangible, sometimes intangible. There is no doubt that for any young manager wanting a dynamic, fast paced and challenging career, ITC checks all the boxes.

Revathi believes ITC offers you:

For a management professional looking to set out on a long career in the industry, the greatest reward is to be presented with an environment of opportunity and excitement. A day at work where even the most mundane of activities has the character of being far reaching in its implications. ITC drives you like no other, to push yourself to the limit every single moment of your working career. The independence of decision making is also backed by the support of a system - the freedom to make a call is never without the sounding board of support that one so often needs. ITC gives you the chance to walk out of office on an evening knowing that whatever you did today, made a difference.

Arun Sriram

Arun's journey in ITC:

After completing my MBA I joined ITC In 2008. As part of training I was positioned in Lucknow branch covering U.P which turned out to be one of the most extensive learning experiences of my life. The transformation from a 'Lifetime in a metro' to the rural hinterlands can be overwhelming while at the same time providing a brilliant opportunity to broaden your perspective. The primary intention of the training programme held as far as possible from your hometown (in most cases) is to ensure that you get out of your comfort zone and utilise the opportunity to be at ease with different people, cultures and geographies.

ITC's training programme is one of the most structured in the industry with exposure to various roles across the Trade Marketing and Distribution vertical. Every ITC'ian trained in TM&D would fondly recall the cycle stint performing the role of the salesman, which teaches more about sales management than any MBA lecture could possibly do. The entire stint with theoretical as well as hands-on activities is a bang on in terms of getting you work-ready. Moreover ITC offers enormous freedom to experiment and learn by action which was clearly evident throughout my training period.

ITC believes in providing its managers with responsibilities early and accordingly I was posted in U.P. The opportunity to handle a large territory like U.P coupled with the chance to lead a team spread across the state is something I relished. With the backing of a strong team and support of able superiors, driving business in U.P was a comfortable task. From a hardcore sales stint leading a team, I am currently handling Channel Development for Grocery directly reporting to the Senior Management and also actively involved in devising the strategy for Trade Marketing and Distribution. Such opportunities to handle diverse profiles from managing a team to handling national projects, are possible only at ITC. Considering the wealth of experience I have already gathered in a short span of time I am eagerly awaiting the time ahead in ITC

Arun's thoughts on ITC as a Workplace:

An extremely positive culture in terms of supporting new ideas and initiatives, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability instilled across the team. While work is extremely fulfilling the people around make you feel at home. Working with some of the brightest minds the opportunity to observe and learn is enormous. Early on in my career the opportunity to work closely with Senior Management has furthered the cause. ITC helps you make friends that you would cherish for life and that I believe is a great attribute of this organisation.

Arun believes ITC offers you:

100 years of legacy, phenomenal growth plans, newer challenges, exposure across roles and functions across various businesses, with an extremely positive work environment is what ITC has to offer. With the remarkable reputation of being one of the most preferred employers in the country, ITC would be an ideal place to fortify your career. With the fast pace of change, ITC is best suited for the individual who has the drive & passion to learn quickly to take on new challenges and be part of a incredible story of a remarkably successful Indian FMCG Company.

Syed Wasi Mohammad Rizvi

Syed Wasi's journey in ITC:

I am a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication from IIT Roorkee, after which I did my PGDM from IIM Indore. My journey in the corporate world started in 2008 when I joined ITC as a Marketing AUT in Jaipur branch. The programme started with an induction programme in ITC Sonar where we were briefed about the various businesses of ITC and the different verticals of ITD. We also got an opportunity to meet the various Business Heads who shared their experience and learning in ITC.

A rigorous training programme in Jaipur branch followed the Induction programme where I learnt about Trade Marketing and Distribution concepts and their importance in delivering superior channel and trade relations. The programme provided cross channel exposure and also comprehensive learnings, as you start from salesman level and move up, learning the importance and intricacies of each level.

On completion of my training I joined the Supply Chain team at Head Office primarily looking after Foods and Personal Care Products' distribution. The role provided me exposure to the areas of demand planning and supply planning handling the increased complexities of the rapidly growing Foods business. With continuous engagement with businesses, logistics, marketing branches and IT, the role provided a great learning opportunity and an overall picture of the distribution network as we were looking at the All India Supply Chain.

From Supply Chain I will now be moving to the Lucknow Marketing Branch as Asst Manager of the convenience channel.

Syed Wasi's thoughts on ITC as a Workplace:

ITC lays emphasis on working independently. Mistakes are never looked down upon, as the Company believes that one learns from mistakes. This helps the employee grow as an individual and enables him to take up large responsibilities, as there are always people to guide you and share their experience. The workplace is a great mix of warm people and challenging tasks an amalgam that keeps you charged up and motivated to achieve results. ITC's emphasis on systems and processes reflects the Company's credo of not only doing the right things but also doing them the right way.

Syed Wasi believes ITC offers you:

ITC is one of the most admired and rapidly growing companies of India and with diversification into newer businesses and rapid growth of existing businesses the Company offers you cross-functional and cross business exposure. During my three years stint in ITC I have already worked in the areas of Supply Chain and Trade Marketing and the experience has been really satisfying. The Company places great importance on training employees and focuses on constantly improving the skill set of the individual.

With multiple exposure and challenging tasks, the Company truly provides you an environment that is conducive to the utilisation of your true potential.

Jasraj Grewal

Jasraj's journey in ITC:

I graduated in B.Com (Hons.) from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata completed my CA in year 2000. I joined ITC in 2003 and being a third generation Calcuttan I always aspired to work with ITC. The interview call opened a new chapter of my life, that I continue to live and cherish. The journey started with an Induction Programme across all businesses and thereafter I was posted in the Corporate Internal Audit, where I had the opportunity to review the processes and controls of close to 7 very different businesses across functions. An incredible opportunity to interact and put forward my recommendations to the senior management.

After a stint of two years traveling on audits across the country I was posted to Saharanpur. My wife was welcomed into the ITC family in the traditional manner. I worked as Assistant Commercial Manager responsible for Costing, Taxation and Books of Accounts of the 2nd largest cigarette factory in the country and a platform to work closely with different functions. I was part of the team to implement a higher version of an ERP and commence Exports from the factory. The experience taught me what I'd only read in books!!

Saharanpur has a very close and warm community and living in the Park is a great experience. I was the Honorary Treasurer of the Recreation Club. A perfect work life balance where you interact with all colleagues and their families, organise get-togethers, work and party hard.

After close to three and a half years I moved to a Head Office role at Kolkata. I was looking after Indirect Taxes and Modern Trade and was working closely with the best brains in the Company and in the country. I got the chance to be part of briefings to the senior counsels of the country. The Head Office stint of one year gave me much broader perspectives to look at issues and solutions.

Jasraj's thoughts on ITC as a Workplace:

My present profile is Finance Manager for the Trade Marketing & Distribution for Southern India. This role is an operational role involving both finance and logistics. I have a relatively big team spread over a huge geography reporting into me. This role has made me a Business Manager and with this role I have completed the entire Manufacturing to Sales cycle. It's exciting to deal with the day-to-day challenges and also applying strategic thinking to manage the growing businesses.

Jasraj believes ITC offers you:

The breadth of exposure in diverse roles ranging from Factory to Head Office to Marketing & Distribution helps expand your bandwidth. You are provided with autonomy and space to apply your mind to addressing both problems and opportunities.

Shahzad Anjum

Shahzad's journey in ITC:

A chemical engineer from IIT Kharagpur, I have been associated with ITC for little over a year now. However, my journey in ITC began as a summer intern in my third year of college. The summer internship programme - my first step into the corporate world and a perfect learning ground - is one thing I will cherish forever. It provided me with an opportunity to work on a live business problem, to explore and experiment with ideas and to finally implement my solutions. The very fact that this organisation took a student like me so seriously was one of the factors that motivated me to aim for a pre-placement offer (PPO) from the Company.

I joined ITC as a AUT in June 2011. I have had an amazing time ever since. Six months meticulously planned induction program was beyond my expectations. The induction module ensured a smooth transition into corporate life and helped me to strengthen my bonds with fellow AUTs. It was planned in a manner that provided exposure across different verticals across the Company.

I am now posted in the Bangalore Factory of ITD and I take care of projects. My learning curve is steep in this role. Be it planning, execution or interaction with various stake holders, I thoroughly enjoy my work. My role also provides me with an opportunity to work with a cross functional team and this exposure has been invaluable. This journey has been an enriching one for me - both personally and professionally

Shahzad's thoughts on ITC as a Work Place:

People are an integral part of any workplace. In ITC, the bonds that one develops, with peers, superiors and subordinates, are deep and cherished by one and all. The culture is open; the people are approachable and at times go out of their way to provide a helping hand.

ITC units are benchmarked against the best in the world and working here is no doubt class apart. ITC nurtures an individual by providing a challenging work environment coupled with healthy competition and ensures that each person develops to his or her best.

Shahzad believes ITC offers you:

ITC is one of those few organisations that start entrusting large responsibilities from a very early stage. Fresh out of college, it gives you an opportunity to head departments, lead teams, practically apply technical knowledge and develop capabilities as an effective manger. It ensures that one gets adequate exposure and develops a well rounded profile. Work is organised in a manner that helps nurture qualities of leadership and teamwork. In short it's a perfect launch pad into the world of business excellence and leadership.