By Nandini Arora, Decision Analytics Associate at ZS Associates -

People often assume I must’ve been a topper or an extraordinary problem-solver to land a role at ZS.

They’re not entirely wrong. I always believed in being both smart and consistent. But what truly made the difference wasn’t just academic scores or raw talent.

What shaped my journey was a powerful trio:
Clarity, Consistency, and Ccommunity.

So, how can a student land a role at a top MNC?

There’s no hack but there is a strategy.

In college, I made a conscious decision to stop treating extracurriculars like mere checkboxes. Instead, I dove deep and took full ownership of the roles I took on from 180 Degrees Consulting to Enactus and TEDx.

These weren’t just resume fillers. They were high-impact, real-world experiences where I learned how to:

• Lead diverse teams
• Solve complex problems under pressure
• Drive outcomes, not just activity

Companies like ZS don’t just look for people with high scores.

They look for people who can:

• Think critically and structure their thoughts
• Communicate clearly and with confidence
• Use data to drive decisions that matter

And these are skills you don’t master by sitting in classrooms, you develop them by building, leading, failing, reflecting, and improving.

How I prepared for ZS?

I started by understanding ZS, their work, values, and what they expect from candidates. Then I reverse-engineered the process to align myself with those expectations.

Here’s what I focused on:

• Regular practice of aptitude and case-solving
• Strengthening my basics in Excel and PowerPoint
• Journaling experiences from 180DC, Enactus, and TEDx to extract real lessons and insights
• Mock interviews with friends for honest feedback and perspective

This reflection helped me show up in interviews with authenticity and confidence not just rehearsed answers.

And through all of this my friends were my backbone.

From mock interviews to last-minute pep talks, feedback, support, and belief from my circle played a huge role in keeping me grounded and motivated.

If you’re reading this and thinking,
“Can I do it too?”

Yes. 100%.

Not by copying someone else’s journey but by designing your own, with clarity, intent, and the willingness to grow.