Never say never: how passion, perseverance, and working at Quest Global fulfilled a lifelong dream

From a young age, I dreamed of earning a Ph.D. and becoming a Doctor. However, my journey was far from straightforward; at times, it honestly seemed like a pipe dream.

The urge began during my younger student days while completing my graduation in Physics. Over the course of my studies, I started enjoying it more and more, and that’s when the idea of pursuing a Ph.D. crossed my mind. Yes, I was young and naive, and I hadn’t the faintest idea what a huge commitment or challenge it would be. I was fascinated with devoting myself to the subject of my choice and making a difference. However, I was still learning and exploring, uncertain about the career path I wanted to take.

Later, I developed an interest in computer programming and chose my career as a software engineer in 1998. During this period, while working at different companies and being involved in multiple projects and organizational activities, I started understanding how the corporate world worked beyond academia. My interest in management grew, and I began my MBA from the College of Engineering Trivandrum as a Part-Time mode, aligning my quest for a Ph.D. with management discipline.

Beginning doctoral studies is one important step; however, completing a doctoral program is quite another! I quickly realized that earning a Ph.D. is not to be taken lightly. It’s extremely challenging and requires pushing the boundaries of knowledge and commitment over many years. If I were to finally achieve my dream to finish my doctoral dissertation, I needed a realistic topic, a deeper understanding of the subject, and a supportive environment. Not forgetting copious amounts of determination and time management.

Thankfully, my involvement with Quest Global provided the exact environment I needed to pursue my learning and growth. The team helped me gain immense practical insights that allowed me to identify potential problems most IT companies face related to employee attrition and pinpoint my Ph.D. research problem. Managing my research work alongside a hectic project schedule was challenging, to say the least. But this was my dream, and I was determined to see it through. So, I set myself a strict routine of waking up at 4:30 a.m. every day to dedicate 2+ hours to managing my research work.

I’m delighted to report all of the hard work paid off when I finally received my Ph.D. title. Looking back, I’m grateful for all the different paths I took and choices I made, as they all played a vital role in my journey. But my journey was made even more special because my son Dhankrish had the opportunity to work alongside me in Quest Global. It was a proud moment to see my son carve his own career path in a company where I learned and grew so much.

Working with my son in such a supportive and encouraging environment is a unique experience for us both, and I am grateful to Quest Global for the opportunity. My journey towards earning a Ph.D. may have been challenging, but it was incredibly rewarding. It taught me that anything is possible with passion, perseverance, and dedication.

I hope my story inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem, and never give up on them.