Not every career begins with a job offer. Sometimes, it starts with a chance—and the courage to make the most of it.
For one mechanical engineering student, a training became the unexpected turning point in a professional journey that would span industries, disciplines, and ambitions.
It began during the June 2015, driven by a desire to gain practical experience in the engineering world. When the training opened at Forbes Marshall, under CII-FM Programme, there was no hesitation in applying. The position offered promises of future development and something more valuable- to the real world of career.
Rather than treating the training as a temporary obligation, it was approached with dedication and professionalism from the start. Each morning began early. Every task- whether gathering feedback, research, or shadowing the staff- was seen as a window into how organizations truly function. Rather than waiting to be told what to do, opportunities to contribute were actively sought out. The focus was from teaching to learning.
All the technical, professional learnings were added into my personality and made me focused in searching for job. I still remember the days of struggle. But as the training neared its end, on one fine day there was a guest lecture session on Entrepreneurship at FM by Mr. Ravindra Gundawar, the owner of the Vindonnus Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Pune. Our beloved mentor C.S. Dhamankar introduced our batch as an active batch of participants. I understood that though high-level executives moderately interact with trainees, he had mentored us thoroughly which chiselled the mind-sets of us- the trainees. Mr Gundawar’s session was interactive, insightful and analytical. I interacted with him and complimented for his great session and asked for his business card. And there, I met my first recruiter, employer and the boss. I got my first job at Vindonnus Technologies Pvt. Ltd. That’s where the real journey of my career began. An offer was made, and the leap across industries began.
The transition wasn’t easy. The first few months involved steep learning curves, long evenings spent reading industry white papers, and plenty of asking questions. Yet the same attitude that made the CII-FM training a success now paved the way in a more complex, technical environment. Early responsibilities involved supporting proposal development, conducting research for client projects, and helping internal teams translate technical features into business value.
Slowly, responsibilities expanded. What started as support work evolved into leading small client interactions. Then came opportunities to coordinate digital initiatives, advise clients on service improvements, and assist in developing long-term transformation strategies.
In no time, working with teams overseas, handling projects pan India, collaborations and networking became the reasons to get opportunities in career of Sales and Marketing, then to Digital Marketing and now as a QA IT professional for vending software products.
But none of it would have happened without that first CII-FM training.
More than a résumé builder, the in-plant training was a learning lab. It provided real-world business exposure, helped build confidence, and most importantly, offered access to people willing to invest in potential. Dhamanakar Sir’s recommendation wasn’t made out of any obligation; it was made because of demonstrated work ethic, curiosity, and reliability.
This story underscores something many overlook but internship & training do matter. They are not just stepping stones- they are launch-pads. They are the places where habits are formed, reputations begin, and sometimes, where careers are quietly built.
For students and new graduates, there’s a powerful lesson here. Every task counts. Every conversation is a chance to learn. Showing up early, asking the right questions, and consistently going above expectations creates a reputation that travels further than any job application ever could.
And for professionals and leaders, the story is a reminder of the impact mentorship and recognition can have. A simple recommendation, a brief conversation & interaction, or even an encouraging word can redirect someone’s life and career entirely.
Today, I continue to mentor others, often reflecting on the winding path that started with a three-month training programme and led to a fulfilling role in a completely different industry. The journey wasn’t planned – but it was built on one opportunity at a time.
Sometimes, the most important step in a career isn’t the one taken alone- but the one made possible because someone noticed and believed.
Afroz Inamdar
CII-FM. AA Batch-13
