Pankaj Kumar

Growing up in Patliputra, Patna, Bihar, India, my journey began with schooling and a diploma in my hometown. To support my education and aspirations, I started providing home tuition to primary school students, using it as both a source of income and a means to prepare for competitive exams and purchase stationery.

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Graduating from NIFT Hyderabad, I embarked on a career in the retail sector and design studios in Chennai. Working with renowned brands like Lifestyle, Foodhall India, and Naturemania, I specialized as a handicraft designer, collaborating with artisans to develop unique collections. Additionally, I served as a visual merchandiser and designer, honing my skills in retail presentation and design aesthetics.

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Upon my siblings' completion of their studies, I relocated to Bengaluru, joining Foodhall as a visual designer. Determined to pursue further education, I saved diligently for my full-time master's degree at MITID Pune. Despite hesitations about the timing, driven by a clear vision for my future, I proceeded with the decision.

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During my final semester, I seized an opportunity to work with Shahyadri Farm, a startup in Nashik, specializing in agricultural logistics and FPOs. Immersed in this venture for eight months, I made the most of every moment to deliver impactful results.

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While I received a placement offer from my college in Bengaluru, I chose to join Mindtree's design team, where I spent three enriching years. Concurrently, I dedicated my weekends to mentoring and counseling students, sharing my knowledge and experiences. This included teaching classes at esteemed institutions like VIT Vellore and serving as a jury member at NIFT Bengaluru.

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Presently, as a Team Lead UI/UX at THIS, I oversee a dynamic team and focus on POC projects and product refinement. Embracing the importance of decision-making, I live without regrets and maintain a positive outlook, continually exploring and contributing to society.