In order for organizations to plan and execute their strategy, they need the right information at the right time !
Priya Mishra, our next pathbreaker, Consultant at Jacobs Inc, provides advisory to clients such as the government or private firms to navigate through their business challenges.
Priya talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her current work that pertains to helping companies/governments plan and execute more climate conscious efforts to combat effects of climate change.
For students, you would never know how a decision shapes your career until you dive in (of course, by deciding based on the best information available to you). A leap of faith always has its role in your career.
Can you share your background with our young readers?
Blessed to be born to a fire-fighter father and a teacher mother, my upbringing has been that of a middle class, simple, and hard-working family that you can imagine. Studies have been the central focus of my parents, but so have been my varied (and ever-changing) hobbies and interests. From singing to painting and a calligrapher, I have worn many shoes while being in school. I used to get bored of one thing very easily, and my parents supported me to keep exploring more – which provided me with varied experiences. It really boosted my confidence as a child.
While exploring various interests, economics, mathematics and environmental studies really struck a chord in me.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I did my graduation from Hansraj College (Delhi University), where I pursued BA (Hons) Economics. Then I did an MA (Economics) from Jamia Millia Islamia. After working for 5 years, I went for another Masters Degree, this time in Energy Policy from University of Sussex, UK.
Can you share with us some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Consulting/Market Research?
To be honest, I never ‘planned’ my career, I just followed what I enjoyed doing the most. The next steps and opportunities kept unfolding as I went along. I just made it a point to keep learning and unlearning (more important these days), as skill set requirements are changing very fast. Hence, I’d encourage all the students to always be willing to be on the learning curve. Upskilling never stops and it always takes you to new and exciting places, IF you are willing to pursue it with all honesty.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
My first job was at a research and publishing house, named India Infrastructure Publishing where I joined as an analyst. My role was to track various infrastructure sectors (like aviation, oil and gas, ports, railways) in terms of the policy landscape, projects, industry challenges, etc. and write articles and reports on the same. This role is the bedrock for my reading and writing skills. It also led me to pursue another masters degree in renewables, since the times coincided with the ratification of the Paris Agreement. After securing a scholarship, I finally went ahead with MSc (Energy Policy) at Sussex.
After coming back from the UK, I joined Bridge to India, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to renewable energy sector. At Bridge to India, my role was to provide advisory to clients based on what challenges they are facing and how best they can resolve them given the policy and regulatory framework of the sector.
How did you get your first break?
It was a campus placement drive at Jamia Millia Islamia, where I was doing my Masters.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
The greatest and the single most challenge I have faced is ‘not knowing enough’ of the next step in my career. After an experience of over a decade in the market, I have realized that you would never know how the next step shapes your career until you dive in (of course, by deciding based on the best information available to you). A leap of faith always has its role in your career. So, trust yourself. That brings confidence to navigate your career. The rest of the deal is learnable – knowledge (can be acquired), skills (can be honed), etc.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I am working as a consultant in Jacobs Inc. We provide advisory to clients such as the government or a private firm to navigate through their challenges. It is an extensive team, spread across globally. We solve ‘their’ problems (eg – how to become more environmentally conscious?). Problem solving, speed reading, writing/articulating, presenting, comprehending, client understanding, negotiations are some of the major skills that go into my day-to-day work. Effective communication is a must. A typical day is about conducting research on a new topic (each client has a different sort of a problem) and trying to design a solution to the client’s problem.
How does your work benefit society?
Most of our current work pertains to making companies/governments plan and execute more climate conscious efforts to combat effects of climate change. Environmental benefits are arguably the biggest prize in today’s world.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
I was one of the core team members who Apple Inc. consulted before entering the Indian market for setting up its operations. The project will always be very special to me.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Don’t hesitate in pursuing what interests you, and always be open to learning new skills. If you have this approach, you will always be ‘relevant’ in this fast-paced, ever-changing world. Also, always remember, no single job can make or break your career.
Future Plans?
As I said, I am chewing on something that still holds my interest 😊 Let’s see what intrigues me next, and I’ll be again on the drawing board.