Blog
A Full-Circle Moment – My First Campus Hiring Experience
Talent Acquisition often gets boxed into a process of filling roles, a task-driven function that’s easy to label as monotonous. But in reality, it’s much more than that. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with talent, shape careers, and create meaningful moments that extend far beyond resumes and interviews.When I was tasked with organising my first campus hiring session, I realized just how powerful this role could be. For someone who does lateral hiring on a day-to-day basis, this felt like a great opportunity for my career growth, and being handed a crucial task that would be very different from what I’m used to made me feel privileged and I took it up with all the zeal and enthusiasm I could muster.The nervous excitement I felt wasn’t just about logistics, it was about ensuring our hiring efforts reflected Nineleaps’ vision, values, and culture. It was about crafting an experience that inspired students, offered guidance, and sparked connections that could shape their professional journey.That first internal meeting taught me that talent acquisition isn’t just about recruitment; it’s about creating impact, building relationships, and leaving a lasting impression, something I hadn’t fully grasped until I stood before a room full of eager students, reliving my own campus journey from the other side.It was a stone set in nostalgia. Flashbacks of my own placement days filled my mind with anxiety, the questions racing in my head, and the hope of impressing the recruiters. Now, I was on the other side.As I stepped onto the stage to deliver the pre-placement talk, my heart pounded in my chest. The faces in the audience, curious, eager, and slightly anxious, reminded me of my own journey. Taking a deep breath, I introduced myself and began sharing the Nineleaps story. I spoke about our values, our projects, and how we empower innovation. Slowly, I felt the tension ease as I connected with the students.The Q&A session afterward was slow but electric. Students eagerly asked about career growth, technical skills, and what made Nineleaps different. At that moment, it hit me hard, on how powerful this opportunity was to inspire the next wave of talent and guide them towards meaningful careers.Walking out of the hall that day, I felt immense fulfillment. The experience wasn’t just about recruitment; it was about creating an impact, sharing my story, representing Nineleaps, and building genuine connections with aspiring innovators.Only a few years ago, I had been one of those students hanging onto every word recruiters shared, wondering if I would fit the company’s mold. And now, I was here, delivering that very talk. It felt like stepping into a time machine, revisiting my younger self while carrying the wisdom and growth that followed. There was a particular view that caught my eye — a student scribbling notes with intense focus just like I used to. And right there it was a full-circle experience.The best part of the experience wasn’t just delivering the talk; it was the one-on-one conversations that followed. Students approached me, some seeking technical advice, some curious about the company’s culture, and others simply wanting reassurance that they were on the right path.This experience also made me appreciate the power of in-person interactions. Having conducted both virtual and offline campus hiring sessions, I can confidently say that nothing beats the energy of a live session. The smiles, the nods of understanding, the nervous laughter: all these human moments build a deeper connection that’s hard to replicate online.My first experience in organising and conducting campus hiring was far more than a professional achievement, it was a profound personal milestone. It reminded me of my own journey, reignited my passion for mentoring young talent, and strengthened my belief in the power of meaningful conversations. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade that surreal full-circle moment for anything. If you are interested in pursuing a career with Nineleaps, feel free to drop me a message on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakti-mishra-1307341a5/
Learn More >
