Learnings from a journey: From military aspirations to technology professional

Hema Kohli’s career is marked with success in finding solutions to some of the critical problems, thanks to her passion for coding. In this blog, she shares her learnings from her mission to provide exemplary customer experience in the Insurance industry. Uncover Hema’s journey from a developer to a Senior Manager at Deloitte US-India Offices.

Developing a passion for coding

I come from an Army family, and from a young age, I always aspired to join the Air Force. The discipline, honor, and service associated with a military career were deeply ingrained in me. However, after completing my Class 12, my interests began to evolve, and I decided to pursue a different path by enrolling in an engineering college. This decision was driven by my curiosity to explore various sectors and understand the broader landscape of professional opportunities available to me.

During my time at the engineering college, I was introduced to the world of coding. It was a transformative experience; I had never anticipated that I would discover a passion for programming. Coding provided me with a profound sense of accomplishment as I could devise logical solutions to complex problems. The ability to write code that effectively resolved issues for clients was incredibly fulfilling. It was not just about the technical challenge but also the satisfaction of knowing that my work had a tangible impact. This newfound love for coding steered my career aspirations towards the tech industry, where I could continuously learn, innovate, and contribute to solving real-world problems.

The importance of continuous skill expansion for growth in Consulting

The path to growth in the Consulting industry is intrinsically linked to the continuous expansion of your skill set. In this dynamic field, relying solely on a single skill set is insufficient for sustained professional development and advancement. To illustrate, consider a consultant skilled in Java. While experience in Java is valuable, it is crucial to broaden one's knowledge to encompass other integral components of a project, such as database management, testing, automation, and more.

As you aspire to ascend the corporate ladder and take on management roles, a comprehensive understanding of these various components becomes even more critical. Leading a project requires a holistic view, where you can oversee and coordinate different aspects effectively. This knowledge empowers you to guide your team effectively, so that each member performs their tasks correctly and efficiently. It also equips you with the ability to evaluate their work, ask pertinent questions, and provide informed feedback.

The Critical Role of Industry Knowledge in Consulting

To truly excel and deliver value to clients, consultants may consider immersing themselves in the specific domain and industry they are serving. Industry knowledge is crucial to provide solutions that are effective and relevant. It allows you to tailor your recommendations and strategies to the specific needs and circumstances of the client,  so that your solutions are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable.

Investing time and effort in understanding the domain and industry involves continuous learning and staying updated with the latest developments. This could mean attending industry conferences, participating in relevant training programs, reading industry reports, and engaging with thought leaders. By doing so, you build a reservoir of insights and best practices that can be leveraged to drive innovation and efficiency in your client's business. Moreover, industry knowledge enhances your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of your clients, making them more likely to value your advice and collaborate with you on strategic initiatives. This trust is crucial for building long-term relationships and securing repeat business.
 

My Monday mantra

I take immense pride in my disciplined approach to life, which has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and reach new heights both personally and professionally. Discipline, to me, is a mindset that involves setting clear objectives, creating actionable plans, and steadfastly following through, regardless of challenges. This approach has instilled in me a sense of purpose, enhanced my productivity, and reduced stress by allowing me to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks. This mindset has been the cornerstone of my success, and I am committed to maintaining it as the driving force behind my future achievements.

The views expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers or any organization with which she is associated.