BNM - Business Solution- Corporate Guest Session on Building a Successful Career in Sales and Interview Process

The Centre for Placement and Career Guidance (CPCG), in collaboration with the School of Business and Management – MBA, School of Business and Management – BBA, and the Department of Commerce, organised a corporate guest session titled “Building a Successful Career in Sales and Interview Process” on 7 October 2026 at the Auditorium, Central Block, CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The session aimed to provide students with practical insights into corporate sales careers, industry expectations, and effective strategies for navigating recruitment interviews.

In today's competitive corporate environment, sales professionals play a vital role in business growth, client engagement, and revenue generation. Modern sales careers require more than product knowledge and communication skills; they demand consultative selling, client relationship management, problem-solving abilities, and a data-driven approach to business development. Recognising the importance of these competencies, the programme was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical requirements of corporate sales roles.

The session was led by Mr. Praveen Hariramani, Director at BNM Business Solutions LLP. An alumnus of the advanced marketing programme at IIM Calcutta, Mr. Hariramani brings a decade of cross-functional experience in operations, finance, and business development. His professional expertise includes strengthening organisational processes, managing transactions from initiation to completion, and promoting enterprise-wide automation and the effective use of digital technologies.

The interaction focused on the functional responsibilities, performance expectations, and career progression opportunities associated with business solution sales. Students gained an opportunity to understand the evolving nature of sales roles and the importance of building strong client relationships. The session also highlighted the distinction between transactional selling, which focuses primarily on individual sales, and consultative selling, which emphasises understanding client requirements and offering solutions that address specific business needs.

A key component of the programme was corporate interview preparation. Students were introduced to structured approaches for answering competency-based and situational interview questions. Particular emphasis was placed on the STAR methodology—Situation, Task, Action, and Result—as a framework for presenting experiences, demonstrating relevant competencies, and communicating achievements effectively during interviews. Such structured preparation helps candidates provide clear, evidence-based responses that reflect their problem-solving abilities and professional potential.

The session also encouraged students to approach career preparation strategically by understanding employer expectations, identifying relevant competencies, and developing a structured roadmap for professional growth. Through industry interaction and practical insights, participants were encouraged to connect their academic knowledge with workplace expectations and prepare more effectively for corporate recruitment processes.

The programme aligned with the Centre for Placement and Career Guidance's mission of empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate their career paths successfully. It also supported the Centre's objectives of creating awareness about career opportunities, developing industry-relevant competencies, and facilitating engagement with potential recruiters.

Overall, the corporate guest session provided students with valuable exposure to the realities of sales careers and contemporary recruitment practices. By combining industry perspectives with interview preparation strategies, the initiative contributed to enhancing students' professional awareness, communication, and career readiness.

The programme also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, reinforcing the University's commitment to industry-oriented learning, employability enhancement, and successful transitions from academic life to professional careers.