Interview with Mrs. Girija Aathalye-Magarkar - Part of Series 'Know a Member'

For this week's interview as part of the series 'Know a Member' we have Mrs. Girija Aathalye-Magarkar. Please continue reading below to know what She has to say.

1. What was your biggest take-away from the training at IIT? 
Response. IIT gave me a platform to learn form the best mentors and students around. It helped me shape as an individual.

2. What is your dream? What do you want to be in 15-20 years from now? 
Response. As of now I can't think of 15-20 years ahead of me. But I do dream to start my own Design studio someday. 

3. In your nearly a year stay here in Korea, what has been your most memorable experience? Why? 
Response. I enjoyed the simple everyday life here. I think Korea is very well organized in terms of systems and process and people follow them. Enjoyed different seasons, as we do not get to experience all this in India. Most of all I enjoy my cycle rides form Home to Office and vice versa, along the river side. 

4. How is working in a Korean company in India and in Korea like? What are some similarities and some differences?  
Response. Samsung does carry little bit of its Korean culture in Indian office as well. But its totally different working in both places. I can just say in Korea office you have opportunity to make a difference but you don’t have the authority. Where as in India office you have the authority but no opportunity to execute. It’s complicated. But both experiences teach you to learn different ways of executing the same job.

5. What are your expectations from this alumni association? 
Response. People are hesitant to come to places like Korea with different language and culture. It is always good to know that there are many more like them who have been there, done that and survived. In my opinion the alumni association is doing a good job of reaching out to like-minded people, sharing experiences and carving new ways ahead.

6. Any other thoughts? 
Response. I think one should just live life. Go on the adventures of the unknown. Slowly things get unfolded and one knows the meaning of it. Till then it’s better to be lost.

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Girija Aathalye-Magarkar is a User Experience Designer. She is currently working with the Next Generation Interaction Lab, Software R&D center at Samsung Electronics. She is a post graduate form Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay and has a bachelor degree in Architecture. Her hobbies include travelling & observing people, writing & generating new ideas. She has designed board games for children which are sold by Funskool.

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