When dreams come true!
The first job experience is always special and memorable. There are feelings of exhilaration coupled with anxiousness. I knew there were going to be moments filled with ‘I am not sure how to do this.’ Then I came across a beautiful quote by Marissa Mayer – “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow.” This is my recollection of how I became a part of Thermax.
As a part of the college curriculum, each student had to go through industrial training. I was grateful, excited but also apprehensive when I got the opportunity to undergo the same at a reputed organisation like Thermax. It was the start of something new. Despite only spending a couple of months here in Pune, I felt it was worthwhile. I joined Thermax as an intern in the Innovation department of Water and Waste Solutions. This was my first encounter with the corporate world. As a post-graduate in Environmental Science, I studied various subjects, including solid waste management, air pollution control, water treatment, remote sensing, and others. However, I have always had an inclination towards water and wastewater treatment. From lab experiments to designing, I wanted to learn more about this subject. The WWS internship allowed me to explore my interest in water and wastewater treatment. Every day here felt like a new learning experience.
During the course of my internship, I was a part of multiple projects, which helped me in enhancing my theoretical as well as practical knowledge of the subject. I gained first-hand experience in projects like membrane autopsy, analytical experiments, jar tests and pilot-scale studies. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to put my boots on the ground and participate in technical audits. This insightful experience allowed me to understand how projects work. As we conducted numerous experiments, sometimes we got accurate results, sometimes inconclusive results, but it felt that every time I was adding to my knowledge base. Throughout my internship, I received exemplary guidance from my mentor and constant support, and friendly advice from my colleagues. I am still filled with a deep sense of gratitude as I recall the time of my internship.
All my life, I have lived in North India. I had never ventured this far, so my parents were a little concerned about me living 1,800 kilometre away from home. I was riddled with various anxieties as well. But my colleagues and friends made Pune feel like a home away from home. By the end of my internship, I felt like it had come to an end too soon. I left for home with countless memories and a hope to visit Pune once again, not knowing that the chance to be back would come so early.
Fortunately, I also had the opportunity to start my career at Thermax. I joined Thermax as Associate Proposals in WWS – SPG (Standard Product Group) on 28th September 2022. Moving from Innovation to SPG Proposals has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the different aspects of jobs associated with water and wastewater treatment. At present, I feel like the new kid on the block. Currently, I am learning the ropes of the job. I believe a structured learning process in a growth-oriented environment, as provided in Thermax, will allow me to gain substantial knowledge, add value to my deliverables and allow me to shape my career well.
As I work with people from diverse knowledge backgrounds in a collaborative, employee-friendly environment, I hope to evolve and develop my technical as well as interpersonal skills and grow as a conscientious, diligent professional. Here’s hoping that the next time when I write an article, I can describe vividly how I have grown both as an individual and a professional.
Richa Kapila
Associate – Proposals, Water and Waste Solutions
