Page 28 - MECHNOVIT-XIX-Edition

ALUMNI CORNER

FROM AN ENGINEER TO

AN ENTREPRENEUR Mr. Shashank Mishra
(09BEM116)
Founder & Director
Ekak Innovations-U.P

Dear Fellow Engineers & Alumni,
Quiz: Building a Strong Research Mindset - Let the Fundamentals Guide You
I'm thrilled to share my journey with you, from "Post hoc ergo propter hoc" - Being the brightest in school doesn't guarantee
the corridors of VIT University to the helm of my a research mindset. I emphasize the importance of questioning everything,
venture, Ekak. Join me as I delve into how breaking problems down to their first principles. Today, dealing with
complex computer vision problems, I attribute my success to the ability to
engineering fundamentals at VIT University laid
approach challenges with a research mindset, a skill honed during my time
the groundwork for my entrepreneurial
at VIT University.
adventure.
● Question Everything: In the world beyond academia, never stop
questioning. A strong research mindset involves challenging the status quo
Cat 1: Cultivating an Engineering Mindset - From and seeking answers beyond the conventional methods.
Pravega Racing to CFD ● Roots of Problem Solving: Understand that engineering, at its core, is
Decisions are made by those who show up, and I about problem-solving. Don't limit yourself to conventional answers; instead,
certainly did. Starting from my days at Pravega go back to your roots and let fundamentals guide you.
Racing to navigating the complexities of
Cat 2: Venturing into the Real World - Once a VITian
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), my journey
The real world may not always revere brilliant ideas, and I share the reality
began at VIT University. The adrenaline and rush
of entrepreneurship. The journey demands resilience, belief in destiny, and a
experienced during engineering studies became
touch of 'Hubris‘ during challenging times. The transition from being
the fuel for tackling real-world challenges. motivated to disciplined, coupled with humility and self-reliance, is a
Mathematics, physics, and logical reasoning, the testament to the unique blend of skills cultivated at VIT University.
tools of mechanical engineering, transformed into ● Resilience is Key: Understand that not every idea will be embraced, and
the foundation for intricate business decisions setbacks are part of the journey. Build resilience to bounce back from
and groundbreaking innovations in the industry. failures and challenges.
● Blend Humility with Self-Reliance: Balancing humility with self-reliance is
Entrepreneurship was not a pivot for me but
crucial. Stay humble in your approach while being self-reliant for your
rather a gradual next step. From solving
endeavors. Seek guidance but trust your instincts.
problems at Pravega Racing to becoming the
Term End: Chartering the Unknown - Always a VITian
CEO of Ekak, my current venture, the journey was Ignoring setbacks emotionally, I encourage looking beyond failures to focus
rooted in the experiences and lessons learned at on the royal ink of successes. Entrepreneurship, to me, is not just about
VIT University. making money but creating a lasting impact. The journey involves holding
● Embrace Challenges: Just as I found inspiration onto the last grain of sand to continue making a difference in the world.
in problem-solving at Pravega Racing, ● Learn from Setbacks: Treat setbacks as learning experiences. The story of
your life is not written in the stain of your failures but in the royal ink of your
understand that challenges are opportunities to
successes. Analyze, adapt, and move forward.
apply your engineering mindset in real-world
● Focus on Impact: Understand that entrepreneurship is about defining
scenarios. Face them with enthusiasm and
success beyond financial metrics. Your goal should be to make a positive
resilience.
impact and solve real-world problems.
● Deadline-Driven Success: Learn to thrive under As you walk out into the world and have your own experiences at VIT
pressure. Most problem-solving in the University, consider the facets discussed by me that will aid your
professional world happens against a deadline. entrepreneurial journey. Double down on them, and a few years down the
Use the adrenaline rush from your experiences to line, you may find yourself inspiring the next generation of VITians who are
poised to change the world.
fuel your productivity and problem-solving skills.
Thanks for taking the time to delve into my story.
MECHNOVIT NEWSLETTER 26