By Dr. Shahid Amin | FDP 2023
Careers, we are often told, should follow a plan, i.e., clear milestones, predictable progressions, and well-defined goals. If such a path is followed, the journey may indeed become smoother, quicker, and more certain. Mine, however, did not follow that script.
My journey began not with a roadmap, but with a dream, my father’s dream. A State Road Transport Corporation driver in Kashmir, my father carried within him a quiet yet powerful aspiration: that his son would find a path through education. While our family valued integrity and hard work, formal education was not deeply rooted in our immediate environment. Recognising this, he made a difficult yet transformative decision—he sent me to live with my beloved aunt and to be mentored by his father-in-law, a respected teacher in the town. Despite his advanced age, his passion for teaching remained unmatched, though he had limited his guidance to close family members. That shift changed everything.
My aunt’s home was disciplined, structured, and deeply committed to learning. I adapted quickly, discovering not just stability but a growing sense of purpose.
Detours that Defined Direction
Like many unscripted journeys, mine was shaped as much by disruptions as by decisions. During my 12th standard, I fell critically ill—a moment that forced me to pause and reassess my path. I had to shift from science to the arts
during graduation, a decision that initially felt like a departure from the conventional definition of success.
Yet, it became my first real lesson in adaptability.
College life brought renewed energy, and my professors were highly supportive. I actively participated in academic and co-curricular activities, earning recognition and encouragement from peers and faculty. However, in trying to do everything, I unknowingly diluted my academic focus. It was a subtle but significant realisation: growth is not merely about doing more, but about doing what truly matters.
Choosing Uncertainty Over Comfort
I pursued my MBA at a time when the university itself was relatively new, and I was fortunate to be guided by a group of young, energetic professors. Their friendliness, approachability, and
constant encouragement created a nurturing learning environment. A major turning point during my MBA was my internship at Godrej and Boyce in Delhi. It was there that I truly understood how the corporate world functions—rooted in productivity, honesty, and hard work rather than just academic scores. By the time I completed my MBA, I felt confident, prepared, and ready to step into the professional world, but the constraints of a global recession demanded difficult choices. Rather than waiting for the “right time,” I took an unconventional step—I entered a PhD program. This decision was not strategic in the traditional sense; it was born out of necessity.
I immersed myself in research and received invaluable guidance from my revered supervisor. After completing my PhD, I began with a part-time role in a newly established B-school in Srinagar, Kashmir. Within six months, I found myself stepping into a leadership role as a Campus Head at the B-School. However, after one and a half years, I resigned due to certain challenges within the college and decided to move outside the state in pursuit of better career growth. Around the same time, I was selected for a contractual lecturer position at a government college, but I chose not to accept it. Instead, I made a conscious decision to shape my professional identity and joined ITM University, Gwalior.
When Life Tests Resolve
The early years of my professional journey at ITM Gwalior coincided with some of the most challenging phases of my personal life. Health became a recurring challenge—not only for me but for my family. My wife and daughter both faced serious medical conditions, while I, too, went through critical health struggles. There were moments when balancing personal responsibilities and professional commitments felt overwhelming.
Loss added another layer of complexity. Between 2014 and 2022, I lost my aunt and uncle, followed by my father and father-in-law—pillars of strength whose absence created a profound void. Through all of this, one choice remained constant: to keep moving forward—not with certainty, but with faith.
Finding Strength in the Ecosystem
One of the most defining aspects of my journey has been the environment I found at ITM Gwalior. As someone coming from outside the region, I initially had concerns about acceptance and belonging. However, these apprehensions quickly dissolved in the presence of an inclusive and supportive culture. Over time, these small efforts evolved into larger responsibilities. Promotions followed, roles expanded, and recognition came. From handling a few lectures, I grew into a key contributor within the institution, eventually serving today as President of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) at ITM.
Learning as a Lifelong Commitment
If there is one constant in my journey, it is learning. I actively pursued Faculty Development Programs, participated in professional initiatives, and contributed to academic conferences—first as a participant, then as a session chair, and eventually as a convener of international conferences. I took on diverse roles: nodal officer for students under the JKPMSSS scheme, admissions and outreach coordinator across northern states, and a speaker delivering expert lectures. Each experience added a new dimension, reinforcing a simple belief: growth lies in staying open to learning, regardless of where you stand.
An Encounter with Excellence
A defining milestone in my journey was attending the 43rd Faculty Development Program in 2023 at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). For me, it was more than an academic engagement—it was the realisation of a long-cherished aspiration. From the very first day, the experience reflected a culture of precision and purpose. The rigour was intense, yet intellectually liberating.
Beyond Roles: Creating Meaning
Over time, my journey has evolved beyond defined roles. I have had the privilege of guiding doctoral scholars, contributing to their academic growth, and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. I have also been involved in career counselling and shaping institutional initiatives through my association with the Institute’s Innovation Council at ITM. More recently, I have taken a step toward entrepreneurship by founding Qadir Jana LLP—a venture rooted in the aspiration to make meaningful contributions and support students and those in need.
The Journey Continues
Looking back, my journey has not been linear. It has been shaped by uncertainty, driven by resilience, and sustained by faith. There were many moments when choosing comfort would have been easier—staying within defined paths, avoiding risks, or stepping back during challenges. But each time, I chose to move forward. Not because I had all the answers, but because I trusted the process.
My journey continues—unscripted, evolving, and open to possibilities. I have come to believe that careers are not built through perfectly executed plans, but through the courage to take imperfect steps forward. And perhaps, that is the true power of moving beyond comfort zones.
Author Bio:
Dr. Shahid Amin is an Associate Professor, Department of Management, President, Institution’s Innovation Council, ITM Gwalior, and an IIMA (43rd FDP) Alumnus.
He is a certified Business Consultant by AIMA (All India Management Association) and can be reached at fdp23shahidb@iima.ac.in
