Ritu Banga, an IIMA alumni and co-founder of Zoomdojo, a new job search and career resource advisory, attended the “Career in Impact” workshop at CIIE on Monday. After nearly twenty years, she is returning to the university. We therefore considered interviewing her about her visit to the college, her business experience, her career in impact, as well as other intriguing aspects of her. excerpts from the conversation:
IIMA is where I received my degree in 1981, and I have not returned since 1985. Coming back is amazing, and it feels special to be able to provide a workshop on a topic that has become my area of expertise as a result of the startup I had. I’m happy that I can give something back to the institution and can now clearly see how the education I received here helped to shape who I am now by providing me with a variety of chances.
I wasn’t an entrepreneur when I first started. Like the majority of IIMA students, I went through the placement procedure and was hired by Redifusion, an IIMA alumnus-founded advertising firm.
Market research at Mode, an IIM Calcutta alumni business; Redifusion; HCL as programme manager (marketing then sales); the appeal of the entrepreneurial spirit; founding “Point of View,” a consulting firm; moving abroad; formulating school regulations; invited to join the Asian University of Women’s board of trustees Recognized the need for career counselling for young professionals and students Zoomdojo
Although Zoomdojo, my own business, is a for-profit LIC, the work we do has an impact on society. We are a free resource that assists young professionals and students in finding employment. I believe that the potential to better your community and to provide service and value to your community is a very rewarding and career-fulfilling path to take. I really believe that by building yourself a stable financial foundation, you are actually giving yourself the flexibility to pursue your passions.
As the 9 to 5 employment will soon disappear and people will need to start doing something that adds to the wellbeing of society, I believe social impact careers should be financially, professionally, and emotionally gratifying. Hence, I believe that each of us should take part in making a difference in the society in which we live, whether it be by working for a firm with a social mission, by being kind to those around you and attempting to improve their quality of life, or by founding a social startup.
Every company ought to have a goal that extends beyond its immediate working environment; this mission may be more or less specific to the industry in which the company is engaged. But, they ought to have a social mission that aims to raise the standard of living for those in their community.
I don’t believe there is any, either. I frequently assert that tax categorization determines whether a corporation is for-profit or nonprofit. Just because you are, for example, involved with a clean water supply does not automatically qualify you as an NGO, despite what you may claim. Your articles of incorporation define you as an NGO. While not an Organization, a company that sells water purifying technology is also involved in the supply of clean water. NGO is a technique that can be effective and profitable. And just because your business is an NGO doesn’t mean you can’t charge for your goods.
One lesson you took away from your experiences that you will never forget
I discovered that making judgements without all the facts can be both frightening and enjoyable as you learn to trust your instincts.
