In conversation with Karishma Govil, Batch 2008-2013. In this interview she talks about her new position at Dell and her time at AIL. She is also an avid traveller, who travels at least once every month. She loves baking and also writes for LBB in her spare time.
The Blue Pencil: What was your reason behind studying law?
Karishma Govil: Numbers were never my thing, I’d get nauseous, have nightmares and fall sick before every math exam. I knew there were only two things that I wanted to do – Mass Communication or Law. Mass communication fascinated me for the creativity and Law for the fact that I would be the fifth generation law graduate in my family. After messing up my interview for Mass Communication at Symbiosis and a long career talk with the family I knew it had to be AIL.
TBP: How was your experience at AIL? Are there any particular memories that you would want to share with us?
KG: AIL has and will always have a special place in my heart for this place has made me the person that I am today, given me some wonderful friends for a lifetime and taught me so much more than just law. My experience at AIL has been a big bag full of crazy moments like 10 minute power naps right before an exam, claiming the pillion seat of a friend’s bullet, ordering a double cheese burst extra cheese margarita pizza, talking about everything under the sun till 3 in the morning but sneaking out just to be at Gilbert Trail to watch the sunrise was the best of all. Of course, there was much more to it than the sunrise!
TBP: What is your take on the role of academics and extra-curricular activities for a law student?
KG: I vehemently feel that academics and extra-curricular activities are important for the development and growth of any student, not just law students. But I have always been biased towards the extra-curricular activities. Academics help in scoring good internships and jobs but extra-curricular activities prepare you for the next phase, the working life. Moots and debates help you hone your communication and research skills, moots give you an opportunity to study subjects that do not make it to your curriculum. I feel extra-curricular activities should not be restricted to only moots or debates, it could be anything from organising an event to playing on the field. Extra-curricular activities teach you how to work within stringent deadlines, handle pressure and work in big groups. So, as long as you get the opportunity, participate.
TBP: Prior to working as an Associate Commercial Counsel at Dell EMC, you’ve worked as Assistant Manager at HDFC Limited. How would you describe your work experience so far?
KG: I feel that every organisation that I’ve worked with has made me more competent as an individual as well as a professional. Every organisation has played a vital role in shaping my career path. I started my career in the outsourcing industry. I was in the industry for almost 3.5 years where I handled international commercial contracts for a major IT Company. Recently, when I moved to corporate, it was a very big move for me, I had to deal with a different work culture, new work and a lot of pressure. HDFC being a housing company, I had an opportunity to work on RERA and understand the basics. Dell, so far, has been really good. In my current portfolio I am handling negotiations and drafting for the US and UK region, where I get to interact with counsels across the globe.
TBP: What role do you think has studying at AIL played out in your career? Is there any additional information that you would like to share with our readers?
KG: I think AIL gives a plethora of opportunities to students to participate in events and competitions which help in developing legal skill set along with an overall personality enhancement. During my five years at AIL, I completed 2 diploma courses, around 10 internships and worked in an NGO, all this helped me in building connections along with building a strong CV. Internships helped me in deciding what I really wanted to do after graduating.
TBP: What advice do you have for our readers and the students of AIL?
KG: Remember, these five years are crucial and are going to shape you for the years to come so make the most of it and work really hard. But also remember five years is too short a time, so have no regrets, give it all you’ve got, go crazy and most importantly make wonderful memories.
To Read Karishma’s work at LBB, visit https://lbb.in/users/karishma/
