AUT

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.

Subhashish Chakraborty

Subhashish's journey in ITC:

It was the summer of 2007, when I joined ITC as a summer intern. The next summer I was at the ITC Sonar, going through the coveted Induction Programme of ITC. It has been a thoroughly engaging experience till date.

I started my career by getting inducted into the operations of my division. Three months of intensive interaction with farmers, industry leaders, domain experts and my colleagues, provided critical insights into the business. Things learnt during my induction have been one of the strongest pillars of my professional growth.

Subsequently I went in for the factory stint, and started engaging myself on day-to-day HR operations while deep diving into the Long Term Agreement with the Technicians Union for the division. It was time for converting theory into practice. In that one and half year, also made friends for life.

Now as the part of the cross-functional team, I am responsible for setting up a new factory. Every day is a new learning. From meticulous planning, to execution- the order of the day is to make things happen. As a part of the team which is committed to actualise a dream, interacting with senior management team is extremely exciting.

Subhashish's thoughts on ITC as a Work Place:

ITC is a place where you are encouraged to take up higher responsibilities, early in your career. If you have the penchant of looking at day-to-day activities in entirely different ways, ITC is the place to be!!!

When the organisation itself is in the process of re-inventing itself, as a member I am also continuously encouraged to work out of my comfort zone and increase my area of influence. This, coupled with a culture of trust and openness, makes ITC an amazing place to work in.

Subhashish believes ITC offers you:

"Enriching the learning curve & great people to work with" is what ITC has offered me. It has been a wonderful experience working in ITC. My AUT experience stood in good stead enabling me put structure to my thought process; challenging the status quo at all times. At ITC I have been mentored to talk business; understand all facets of the business, not just grow in silos. What came as a pleasant surprise is the series of challenging responsibilities given to me; at ITC I am confident that my work is making a difference to the business. 

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.

Pravesh Saha

Pravesh's journey in ITC:

I majored in Economics followed by a Business Management degree. I was always inclined towards working in the FMCG industry in a country like India because it is a microcosm reflective of the changes taking place in the world in terms of rising incomes, changing demographics, etc. thereby offering a constant learning curve.

After spending two months in ITC as a summer trainee, I realised that this was where I belonged. Having worked for a year before my MBA, I was taken in by the warm camaraderie and sheer energy of ITC. The office was bursting with energy with everyone raring to go, helping each other, talking loudly as if they were still in college. I realised that these are things I look for in a workplace.

I started with a training stint in Kerala which was a huge transition since I neither knew the language nor understood the culture, but honestly, I couldn't have asked for more. I learnt by doing and that's how one learns best, and that's how ITC operates. The DNA of ITC is such that it focuses extensively on training and each team is expected to spend time working through and understanding the roles of his/her team members. Involving the trainee in various non-core activities develops in him a deeper understanding of company culture.

Post training, I was moved to a Head Office role. The role was in sharp contrast to my previous assignment and required me to develop new skills. More importantly, the scope of my work was significantly enlarged to include development of industry best practices for our front-end distribution network. I am looking forward to my next assignment and the change itself provides a great learning opportunity.

Pravesh's thoughts on ITC as a Work Place:

ITC is a place where you can make mistakes and people will encourage you for trying. It is a place that abounds in energy, filled with people who are brilliant at what they do but always wanting to learn more. It is a place where no one will stop you from asking questions. Most importantly, though, ITC is a family, where you laugh and cry with the people you work with because they are the best friends you will ever make.

Pravesh believes ITC offers you:

ITC has provided me in-depth training in the area of sales & distribution with a specific focus on systems & processes for measuring performance. The diverse roles profiles during these two years have enabled me to develop a wide perspective on various aspects. Also, my constant involvement in various task forces has developed in me a wider appreciation of various functions & roles in the Company.

By providing me with a Head Office experience in the early stages of my career, ITC has given me an incredible opportunity to interact with senior management at close quarters. This has further added to my skill-set in terms of a inculcating in me a long-term perspective, an opportunity to learn from the experience of the very best and a deeper understanding of the culture and expectations of the Company.

Venkatesh Srinivasan

Venkatesh's journey in ITC:

I began my career at ITC as an MBA from NITIE. The journey towards becoming a manager at ITC started with a welcome that was grand in scale and surpassed all expectations. The 10 day induction programme at The ITC Sonar, Kolkata set the tone for things to come. The introduction to the Divisions and the verticals was provided by none other than the Business Heads themselves, who shared their own experience of the days when they were AUTs.

Two of us, from a batch of 50 Marketing AUTs, were assigned to Guwahati Branch for our stints in the field. The training at the branch was intense, extending over a period of over six months and, in-depth, covering the entire gamut of roles. The training programme provided hands-on experience from the roles of a salesman growing in exposure higher up the levels and in functions from sales to finance to logistics.

My first assignment post training was as Assistant Manager in the Supply Chain Team at the Head Office - TM&D. At Kolkata, the interaction across functions, with the SBUs, Logistics, the IT Teams and the Branches not only helped me develop an understanding of demand and supply dynamics in the rapidly growing Foods and Personal Care businesses, but also helped me forge strong relationships with a highly energetic and dedicated workforce.

I now take forth the learning of 3 years into my new role as Assistant Manager, PCP and Agarbatti, at the Coimbatore Branch.

Venkatesh's thoughts on ITC as a Workplace:

ITC is a treasure trove of rich experience which is also buzzing with vibrant and youthful energy. Each member of the ITC family is given freedom to explore new avenues of growth within their roles while developing and establishing good practices which mirrors the ITC Way. Guidance and encouragement is always on offer and everyone is encouraged to give out her/his best. While working hard and working smart form the foundation of success, ITC is a fun place to work in with the lively individuals who believe in teamwork who go out of their way to make you feel a part of the family.

Venkatesh believes ITC offers you:

A learning environment unparalleled in size and scope. ITC offers a diverse set of experiences that spans the geographic spread of the entire country and covers businesses that touch the lives of millions of consumers every day. During my 3 years in ITC, I have been exposed to a variety of roles and handled responsibilities in the far reaches of North East and Eastern business centres of the country, while yet another challenge awaits me down South.

With raw aggression in the market place and a caring environment for the people within, ITC presents you with the opportunity to set, develop and achieve personal and professional landmarks.

Adithya Moorthy

Adithya's journey in ITC:

With a mechanical engineering background, I worked with Infosys as a Software Engineer in the Oil and Energy domain for two years. I then moved on to do my PGDM from the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode. I graduated with marketing as my major subject. These were the diverse learnings I brought to the table when I joined ITC as an AUT. With the variety of businesses that the Company operates in and the large number of roles and opportunities it offers, I realised I was at the right place to start my career and take it forward.

My first exposure to the 'ITC Way' was when I was given the opportunity to do my summer internship with the Company. The experience was very enriching, the projects were live and most importantly I was given the freedom to take the project in directions I felt were the best. There was constant support from the entire team continuously guiding me, correcting me and daring me to take initiatives even if I made mistakes. That is when I realised ITC believes in enabling its employees and helping them learn from their mistakes.

The last one year that I have spent with the Company has provided me a wholesome training ground. The Company has provided me a platform to understand the dynamics of business, teaching me the tricks of the trade and the qualities that are essential to succeed. The experience has ranged from working the market with the salesman to understanding the future roadmaps for all ITC brands. The employees are constantly on a learning mode and are continuously moved across profiles to enable a better understanding of the entire business.

Adithya's thoughts on ITC as a Workplace:

When I joined, someone said "Welcome to the ITC family". Over time this feeling that ITC and its employees are a part of my family has only been reinforced. Everyone here strongly believes in 'Working hard and partying harder'. The families are always involved when it comes to celebrating festivals and other such occasions. The workplace offers a very conducive environment to experiment and learn. When it comes to delivering result, everyone believes in utmost perfection and extreme detailing to the minutest level. Work practices are constantly benchmarked with the best in the industry and there is a constant drive to stay ahead of the rest.

Adithya believes ITC offers you:

The marketing function at ITC is at a critical phase in its evolution as the Company continuously forges into newer areas of business. The competition is intense and hence there is a need to excel in every area that we enter. The role profiles that come with this are also diverse and the Company provides everyone with a share of these roles to prove their mettle and nurture their abilities. Individuals who have worked with ITC are highly valued in the industry because of the enriching experience and exposure they gain.

Pravesh Saha

Pravesh's journey in ITC:

I majored in Economics followed by a Business Management degree. I was always inclined towards working in the FMCG industry in a country like India because it is a microcosm reflective of the changes taking place in the world in terms of rising incomes, changing demographics, etc. thereby offering a constant learning curve.

After spending two months in ITC as a summer trainee, I realised that this was where I belonged. Having worked for a year before my MBA, I was taken in by the warm camaraderie and sheer energy of ITC. The office was bursting with energy with everyone raring to go, helping each other, talking loudly as if they were still in college. I realised that these are things I look for in a workplace.

I started with a training stint in Kerala which was a huge transition since I neither knew the language nor understood the culture, but honestly, I couldn't have asked for more. I learnt by doing and that's how one learns best, and that's how ITC operates. The DNA of ITC is such that it focuses extensively on training and each team is expected to spend time working through and understanding the roles of his/her team members. Involving the trainee in various non-core activities develops in him a deeper understanding of company culture.

Post training, I was moved to a Head Office role. The role was in sharp contrast to my previous assignment and required me to develop new skills. More importantly, the scope of my work was significantly enlarged to include development of industry best practices for our front-end distribution network. I am looking forward to my next assignment and the change itself provides a great learning opportunity.

Pravesh's thoughts on ITC as a Work Place:

ITC is a place where you can make mistakes and people will encourage you for trying. It is a place that abounds in energy, filled with people who are brilliant at what they do but always wanting to learn more. It is a place where no one will stop you from asking questions. Most importantly, though, ITC is a family, where you laugh and cry with the people you work with because they are the best friends you will ever make.

Pravesh believes ITC offers you:

ITC has provided me in-depth training in the area of sales & distribution with a specific focus on systems & processes for measuring performance. The diverse roles profiles during these two years have enabled me to develop a wide perspective on various aspects. Also, my constant involvement in various task forces has developed in me a wider appreciation of various functions & roles in the Company.

By providing me with a Head Office experience in the early stages of my career, ITC has given me an incredible opportunity to interact with senior management at close quarters. This has further added to my skill-set in terms of a inculcating in me a long-term perspective, an opportunity to learn from the experience of the very best and a deeper understanding of the culture and expectations of the Company.