Jobaaj Stories
Welcome to Jobaaj Stories, where we feature uplifting tales of people who followed their aspirations and excelled in their chosen fields of work.
Today's motivational tale comes from a chartered accountant an entrepreneur who established ThinkingBridge, a platform for practical skill development and hiring that can help you find your dream job.
Hello there, I'm Archit Agrawal, a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years of experience, having worked with clients from diverse industries and even in the Big Four. I am also the founder of Thinking Bridge, a venture that prepares individuals for their dream careers in finance.
How I Turned a Challenge into an Opportunity
My inspiration to pursue a career in finance came from my family, especially my father, who was also a Chartered Accountant. As a commerce student in 11th and 12th grade, CA seemed like the natural path for me, and I embarked on my CA journey in 2012, clearing each level on the first attempt including the challenging CA final.
But the turning point in my CA journey was during my articleship period from 2013 to 2016 when I observed a significant disconnect between the theoretical knowledge taught in the curriculum and the practical skills required in the finance industry. This realization fueled my determination to address this gap once I completed my qualification.
After becoming a Chartered Accountant in 2016, I decided to work on this problem and developed practical training programs covering various aspects like auditing, data analytics, GST taxation, and corporate tax. Through these modules, I bridged the gap between theoretical education and real-world practice.
Must Read Navigating the Financial Landscape: The Versatile Journey of Anil Ghelani, CA and CFA Charterholder
How Thinking Bridge Produces Finance Professionals Ready for the Global Market
My aspiration for Thinking Bridge is to impact the lives of every finance professional, regardless of their background or qualifications. I aim to make each individual job-ready, equipped with world-class knowledge and practical skills. By providing industry-relevant training, I want to empower candidates to secure employment opportunities not only in India but across the globe.
Today ThinkingBridge has many participants from different universities, CA aspirants, and professionals who benefited from my training and found placement in top firms. It has over 25,000 learners, and I'm incredibly proud of the impact we've made on the finance profession.
As an entrepreneur, my roles and responsibilities have evolved from product development to team management and financial planning. I invested considerable time and effort into refining my training programs and promoting them in the market.
Building a dedicated team that shared my vision was crucial to driving the growth of Thinking Bridge. While there were challenges related to revenue fluctuations and cost management, the focus on the long-term vision allowed me to navigate through tough times.
My Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Throughout my entrepreneurship journey, I learned the invaluable lesson of perseverance and patience. Starting with a small batch of five people, I gradually expanded the reach of my programs. It took time and dedication, but I stuck to my vision and patiently waited for the market to accept my offerings. In a world seeking instant success, this lesson is crucial for any aspiring entrepreneur.
I firmly believe that having the right skill set is more crucial than just possessing a degree. In today's world, the focus has shifted to skill development, and employers value candidates who are job-ready and possess practical knowledge. I always encourage my audience to invest in building skills that align with their career goals as it opens doors to opportunities.
My journey as an entrepreneur in the finance sector has been both rewarding and challenging. My passion for bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical skills has driven me to create a platform like Thinking Bridge.
Through perseverance, patience, and a focus on skill development, I aim to empower finance professionals worldwide to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the industry. Remember, in this era, skills are the real currency, and with the right ones, the world is yours to conquer.
If anyone wants to connect with me you can reach out to me on LinkedIn and Instagram
Also, Read Jury Orders Johnson & Johnson to Pay $18.8 Million in Talc Cancer Lawsuit
