Marry the Industry, Have Affairs with Companies:

Career coach Mr. Himanshu Sharma, founder of The Mind Print (www.themindprint.in), proposes a powerful theme that reframes the traditional career-building paradigm: "Decide Your Role (Function), Marry the Industry, Have Affairs with Companies." This isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a profound blueprint for empowering youth to take control of their professional destinies, especially for those with soft skills-focused degrees like MBAs and BBAs..

Himanshu Sharma

8/24/20253 min read

Decide Your Role (Function)

The first step, and the most critical, is to look inward. Before you even think about job applications, you must decide on the "role" or "function" you want to play. This is about identifying your core strengths, passions, and the kind of work that truly energizes you.

Are you a natural problem-solver who loves analyzing data and creating strategies? Perhaps a role in business development or strategic consulting is for you. Do you thrive on connecting with people and building relationships? Sales, marketing, or human resources might be your calling. Are you an exceptional organizer who pays meticulous attention to detail? A career in project management or operations could be a perfect fit.

The mistake many BBA and MBA graduates make is to focus on a general "manager" title. The truth is, a manager in sales does very different work than a manager in finance or supply chain. Your soft skills—communication, leadership, critical thinking, emotional intelligence—are the tools. The "role" is the craft you choose to master with those tools. Use your internship experiences and academic projects to test-drive different functions. Don't just apply for jobs; apply for a role you are passionate about.

Marry the Industry

Once you've decided on your role, the next step is to "marry the industry." This means choosing a sector you are genuinely interested in and committed to for the long term. An industry is your professional home, the ecosystem where your career will grow and flourish.

Why "marry" the industry? Because industries are stable, and they offer a wealth of opportunities for growth. Think about the tech industry, the healthcare sector, the financial services industry, or the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market. Each has its unique culture, challenges, and growth trajectory.

Marrying an industry means you are committed to understanding its nuances, staying updated on its trends, and building a network within it. When you are deeply invested in an industry, your knowledge becomes an invaluable asset. You become an expert, not just a job-hopper. This deep-seated commitment opens doors to senior roles, leadership positions, and a more fulfilling career path. Your soft skills will be applied to solve the specific problems of that industry, making you indispensable.

Have Affairs with Companies

This is where the creativity and flexibility come in. Once you have a clear role and a chosen industry, you can "have affairs with companies." This means you are open to working for different companies within your chosen industry and function.

The company is the vehicle for your growth, not the final destination. In today's gig economy and rapidly changing corporate landscape, loyalty to a single company for 20+ years is a thing of the past. Having "affairs" with companies means you are agile and ready to move when a better opportunity arises—one that aligns more closely with your personal and professional growth goals.

Think of it this way: you are a professional in marketing (your role) within the e-commerce industry (your marriage). You might start your career at a small e-commerce startup, then move to a larger, established company like Amazon for a few years, and perhaps later consult for a new player in the market. Each company offers a different experience, a new set of challenges, and a chance to expand your skills. You are not defined by a single company; you are defined by your expertise and your commitment to your industry.

Conclusion: A New Mindset for a New Generation

Mr. Himanshu Sharma's framework is more than just a career strategy; it's a mindset shift. It empowers young professionals, especially those with BBA and MBA degrees, to move beyond the traditional job hunt and become architects of their own careers.

By deciding on your function, you anchor yourself in purpose. By marrying an industry, you build a foundation of expertise. And by having affairs with companies, you ensure your career is always dynamic and aligned with your personal growth.

This is the path to a fulfilling and successful career in the private sector. So, what's your role? What industry will you marry? And which company will you start your first affair with?

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