Letter to a Mentor

mentor
“You are such a glorious bundle of positive energy that negativity I’m sure is petrified of approaching you. Someday I wish to succeed in my attempts to possess such unabashed positive attitude that makes the whole cosmos work in my favour.I was amazed to notice that everyone I’d interacted with in the banking world (London/India) seemed to either know you personally or at the very least to have heard of you! It was truly my good fortune to have had you as my very first boss – the best mentor I’ve had!Last two years were quite challenging for me. I was out of my comfort zone trying to balance academics, job hunt, networking and leaving behind a legacy for other students :P Handling the cultural diversity was overwhelming at times but it widened my perception of the world. As I approached end of term, my internships happened – one in banking and one in a hedge (credit) fund. I saw all around me how difficult it was to crack London’s job market especially under the finance umbrella.

I was contemplating on whether my decision to move to London for a break was a wise one, particularly since I felt completely uprooted from my ecosystem. Also, moving away from banking (supposedly a ‘known-devil’) was quite unsettling. After MiF @ LBS and my brief stint at LNG Capital I realized that any change in career path had to happen now, else was not likely to happen anytime in the near future.

Throughout the phase of constant mental turbulence you gave me the right guidance advising me to give London a chance with a view to later moving back to home ground at senior roles. Today while writing this small note to you, I’ve managed four offers (a 100% conversion) in just under two months, of course you know the one I finally chose. When I close my eyes and think about what played a major role in my excellence & success at LBS, without second thoughts I know it was your faith in me (apart from of course God’s grace; atheists kindly excuse the reference!).

I hope to continuously  grow & succeed under your guidance and best wishes. You are testimony to something I’ve always suspected – that no amount of qualifications can ever catch up with experience & wisdom. I will always look up to you with respect & admiration for all your achievements and accomplishments – you truly are an inspiration!”

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