A Life-Changing Journey
Participating in the CII-Forbes Marshall Training Program was truly a turning point in my life. It laid a strong foundation for my professional journey and helped me discover my potential with clarity and confidence.
I learned about this program through a professor while exploring job opportunities after completing my B. Tech in Instrumentation. For a fresh graduate eager to build technical skills, training at a renowned automation leader like Forbes Marshall felt like a dream come true. The opportunity was not only timely but also highly relevant to my field of study.
The CII-FM Training Program stands out as an exemplary model for bridging the industry-academia gap — a much-needed initiative in today’s evolving job landscape. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to enhance the employability of students, blending theory with practical, real-world exposure.
My three months at Forbes Marshall, Pune, were filled with enriching learning experiences and memorable moments. The initial weeks focused on classroom training, featuring insightful sessions with the company’s leadership team. Their mentorship was both inspiring and motivating, and it instilled in us a strong desire to learn and grow.
As neuroscientist Dr. John Medina aptly stated, “The more visual the input becomes, the more likely it is to be recognized and recalled.” This philosophy was evident in our training, where hands-on learning was at the heart of the experience. From calibrating small pressure gauges to working with advanced instruments like magnetic flow meters, gas analysers, smart positioners, and large control valves — the practical exposure was immense and invaluable.
Beyond technical skills, I also had the privilege of working in the System Sales and PIEC divisions. These stints offered me an understanding of how sales and marketing operate in the automation industry, while also giving insights into its financial dimensions.
The program also focused significantly on developing soft skills. Guest lectures and workshops on communication, public speaking, and professional etiquette helped boost our confidence and shaped our overall personality. Alongside learning, we also built beautiful memories — celebrating birthdays, participating in events, and experiencing the warm, collaborative culture at Forbes Marshall.
During my time at Forbes Marshall, I experienced the company’s core values in action: Family Spirit and Integrity at PIEC, Entrepreneurship and Innovation at System Sales, and Customer Value Delivery across all manufacturing units. No matter the query or concern, I was always supported with patience and trust — a testament to the organization’s inclusive and empowering ethos.
Post training, I was fortunate to begin my professional career as a Graduate Engineer Trainee in Field Sales at the Nagpur branch. The technical grounding and customer-centric training I received helped me connect with clients, understand their needs, and deliver effective solutions with confidence.
Over the next 4.5 years at Forbes Marshall, I continued to grow and evolve, learning the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and customer focus. It was here that I also honed the art of relationship-building — a skill that has been crucial in shaping my career.
Eventually, I pursued my master’s in business management, and I realized just how much the hands-on experience at Forbes Marshall enriched my learning. The concepts taught during my MBA resonated deeply, thanks to my real-world exposure. This practical edge even helped me secure one of the fastest job offers in my batch.
Today, I am part of the Service Strategy and Business Excellence team at TKIL (formerly thyssenkrupp Industries India Pvt. Ltd.). The lessons learned at Forbes Marshall continue to guide me in understanding customer needs, aligning solutions, and driving impactful outcomes.
I remain deeply grateful to Forbes Marshall and CII for this transformative opportunity. My heartfelt thanks to the entire Forbes Marshall family for their unwavering support and encouragement. A special note of gratitude to Mr. C.S. Dhamankar Sir, whose mentorship and guidance were instrumental in my journey and to my colleagues at the Forbes Marshall Nagpur branch, whose camaraderie and support made my journey even more enriching
Rohit Gautam Mhaiskar
Senior Manager – Strategy & Business Excellence
TKIL Industries Pvt. Ltd. (formerly thyssenkrupp Industries India Pvt. Ltd.)
CII – FM AA Batch – 6
