Page 17 - SMEC-Newsletter-12th-Edition

ALUMNI CORNER

• How long had you been thinking about becoming MechnoVIT
an IAS officer?
I had thought about joining the Civil Services while
taking admission in VIT back in 2010. After my
graduation, I worked for three months at Wipro as an
engineer following which I did my groundwork and
started preparing for the Civil Services examination.
Shri. Rallapalli Jagat Sai– IAS
• What opportunities at VIT helped you prepare for the 10BME0208
Civil Services?
Throughout my time at VIT, there were ample direct and indirect opportunities. The library for MechnoVIT
example had a huge number of books that could benefit those preparing for the exam. Then there were
cultural activities and debate competitions. There was also an IAS coaching centre right outside the
campus.
• How has your involvement in co-extracurricular activities at VIT helped you in your career?
I was an active participant in student council elections and Fests like Riviera and Gravitas. All of these
helped me develop my leadership, communication, management and interpersonal skills. Such soft skills are
very important in the industry too.
• While in your second year at university, you maintained 100% attendance. What was your
motivation behind that?
I never liked to waste my time. I enjoyed meeting new people, have discussions, learning from them
and spending time outside my room. Even if I didn’t find the class interesting, I would attend and wait for the
class to end so that I could spend some quality time with friends. MechnoVIT
• There are quite a few students who would like to pursue Civil Services after they graduate. What
message do you have for them?
My only advice to the aspirants would be to get the demands of the UPSC exam correct. There are three
phases- prelims, mains and the interview. Clearing the exam will be easier if you understand the demands of
each phase and work accordingly.
• We understand that you cleared the UPSC CSE on the 5th attempt. In college life too, we come across
failures. What advice would you give the students in this regard?
Behind every successful person there are failures that no one sees. Know that it’s alright to fail, rather
it’s important to fail. Only then can one learn to value success and not become arrogant. Whenever you succeed,
consider yourself fortunate enough and attribute it to the blessings of the almighty and the support of your
family and friends.
• How would you describe your bond with the professors while in VIT? MechnoVIT
A professor I was and am very close to even today would be Deva Sir. Back in those days, he once saw
my potential in a fest and promised me more opportunities. When he couldn’t fulfil it, he offered me a project
under him to compensate. From that day till today, he has been ever supportive of me. He is my guide, my
philosopher and my big brother. It is important to have such relationships.

MechnoVIT

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