By Sambridhi Shrestha

It was during my second semester of college, while studying to get my Bachelors in Business Administration, when I applied as a part-time researcher for Whittaker Associates. I didn’t expect to get the job, but as luck would have it, I did! It was firsthand experience of what a professional job felt like, and it was pretty exciting.

I was exposed to the American market and its trends, which truly fascinated me. In addition, I also got a chance to explore my proficiencies and test my limits while balancing work and studies. I had my commitments toward my studies, and to balance my work life and studies taught me how to manage time on a daily basis. After almost three years with this organization I’m a better communicator, have a better understanding of professionalism, and emerged more confident. I’ve also learned the importance of respect and tact in workplace relationships as problems arise and opinions can differ.

In the early days I felt so confused and suddenly exposed to a completely new task, but I’m grateful that I have had amazing superiors at work who guided me when my mind was child-like and helped me pave a path to success. Their continuous guidance and encouragement to push my limits have led me to where I am today. Also, I feel that we share a strong, positive, and understanding bond which can be a rare sight at any workplace.

Today, almost three years down the line, I feel immense joy to take a step forward in the same company with higher responsibilities and a chance to grow even more. Stepping up to a Research Manager from a Research Associate has been an absolute delight. In the past few years, I have gained much knowledge in certain tasks, but now I will have a chance to understand the entire process more in-depth which has made me more focused and enhanced my sense of responsibility. I am certain that, in the future, I will learn and grow even more with this opportunity.

For me, “A new chapter with the same characters starts here.”