Opportunities Unlimited

From spiritual subjetcs, I just wanted to take break and discuss social problems. In the succeeding blogs I wish to present readers some case studies of successful men from low and middle income groups. This is from my Book Opportunities Unlimited the tamil version was published by Vanathi Pathipakkam which is very popular and useful guide for many.

Case Study 1. (Professional)
UNPAID APPRENTICE TO TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

(Jaga was born in middle-class family-one among five. He was an ordinary student in
High school and in Intermediate. Turning point came to him-after a stint in Electrical Engineering-ended abruptly – when he decided to study Textiles.
1950- the year is important in the career of Jaga. It was in that year that he got himself admitted in P.S.G. Institute of Technology and chose Textile Technology. It was not a well thought out choice-just a passing decision made due to frustrated experience at Madras – Electrical Engineering was a tough subject for him - unable to cope up with, he returned back to Trichy abruptly.

Although the conservative family circles were against his choice for fear of unknown
subject and chances of getting into Government Service being poor, he was very adamant to try the new field.

This was the first Turning Point in his career. He came out first in the Diploma Examination. But getting jobs in Textile Mills was very tough on those days. Mill-owners believed that experienced Fitters and wrapping clerks are preferable than the diploma candidates for the supervisory positions.

Family circumstances prevented him in sitting idle-he has to earn. He collected the
addresses of Spinning Mills in South-India and sent his application to them. Many mills replied that there is no suitable position for him. At last a call came from a Coimbatore Mill to join as Fitter Apprentice. To work as Fitter- a first class Diploma Holder? – Little bit hesitation but decided to take up the job – a second Turning Point in his career.

A beginning was made for a strong foundation. He struggled to learn the intricacies of erection of machines, settings and maintenance. He rose to the position of Shift
Supervisor in a period of 2-years.

Getting bored with the same type of activities every day – he decided to try his skill of preparing appealing applications. He saw an advertisement in The Hindu for the post Spinning Master and applied-never bothered whether he is fit for the post. Surprisingly he got a call from the mills to join as Assistant Spinning Master. This is the third Turning Point in his career.

Later he came to know that the opening was for a new Mills by Birlas and they wanted a person experienced in erection and commissioning and also effective supervision of
production process)After an uneventful career for more than 10-years- at the age of 40, fourth Turning Point came to him.

He had applied to a Box Number in the Hindu for the post of Spinning
Superintendent for a Textile Mills and completely forgotten about it. A year later, a call came from the Mills to join for a New Mill to be started at Malaysia by Birlas. Delighted with the offer he grasped the opportunity for the first overseas assignment.

Thereafter he erected a second unit in Malaysia, Spinning Mill in Sri Lanka, NRI Mills in India etc. He was Technical Director for a number of Spinning Mills in India.

Analysis:
From a salary of RS. 1.50 per day to M$ 3000 per month in 1970 is a remarkable
achievement. He had 4-Turning Points in his career and he effectively utilized all of them. Apart from the above his decision to take up the Fitter position, thereby had a strong foundation in erection and maintenance is the main point for his successful career.

The application writing is an art.

He very effectively used them to get openings. Later this factor-refined - made him to write many popular Textile Books.
· Strong Foundation.
· Effective utilization of opportunities.
· Art of application writing and presentation.

Many of you are having talents and only thing lacking is to bring it out. Try, Try Again, you may click and that will be your turning point for a very bright future.

with best wishes

Madapusi Jagannathan