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The CEMS Global Alliance is a purpose led organization, powered by our beliefs that great leadership starts with self-leadership and societal progress requires continual exploration. In this series of interviews, we take a look at CEMS students and alumni that are contributing to make this world a more open, sustainable and inclusive world.
Today, in our Humans of CEMS series, we meet CEMS Alumni Adarsh Miharia! Graduated from the Stockholm School of Economics with an exchange at @Rotterdam School of Management, he is currently a group trainee H&M, doing his first rotation within Product Assortment.
Please tell us about yourself. What do you do?
I am currently a Trainee at the H&M Group in Stockholm. This role allows me to rotate through various functions within the company, providing a comprehensive understanding of the organization and helping me find my ideal fit. I have always been deeply passionate about the fashion industry, and I am thrilled to be in a position that perfectly aligns with my interests and career aspirations.
What brought you to a new country?
My journey to Sweden was driven by a desire for new experiences and a passion for exploring different cultures. I thrive on challenges and knew that moving to Stockholm, a city so different from my home in India, would push me out of my comfort zone. The cultural and climatic contrasts have been significant, but they have also been incredibly enriching. Additionally, I really liked the Master's program at SSE, a dynamic and international program coupled with the real world learning opportunities through CEMS MIM structure appealed to me. Ultimately, a combination of these factors and a strong desire for personal growth brought me here.
What were the biggest challenges you encountered in your job search?
As a non-European student, navigating the job market posed several challenges. Many companies do not sponsor work visas for non-Europeans, which limited my application options. Additionally, not being proficient in a European language at a professional level further narrowed my opportunities. The competition was also fierce, with many bright and hardworking candidates vying for the same positions. These hurdles made the job search process quite demanding, but they also motivated me to persevere and find the right fit.
What skills or knowledge gained from your CEMS experience have you used to secure employment abroad? Could you provide an example?
My CEMS experience has been invaluable in my job search and professional development. The extensive network of professionals I connected with through CEMS provided crucial support and advice, significantly aiding my job search. The international exposure I gained made me more adaptable to cultural differences, which is essential when working in diverse teams. For example, working on multiple group projects taught me the importance of collaboration and effective communication. The Business Project component of CEMS gave me practical experience in a corporate setting, enhancing my project management, research, and presentation skills. Additionally, the skill seminars, particularly those involving mini case studies, prepared me well for case interviews and problem-solving scenarios. My experiences and learnings, which I shared during my interviews appealed to my recruiters and ultimately gave me an edge in the recruitment process.
