From Campus Hire to Director: Aashima’s Journey of Transformation

When Aashima Kumar walked into Publicis Sapient 17 years ago as a fresh campus hire, she didn’t know this place would become the canvas on which she’d paint her entire professional journey. As a former intern, Aashima quickly elevated her career to become the Director of Data Analytics, co-leading one of the most impactful practices in India.  Her story is one of bold reinvention, limitless ambition and an unshakable belief in growth through change.

Like many recent graduates, Aashima embarked on her career in a role that aligned to her specific skill set, Java development. But the culture at Publicis Sapient always encouraged curiosity, risk-taking and the courage to step into the unknown. After two years, Aashima made a pivotal, life-changing decision. She transitioned from core development to the emerging field of data analytics. 

It was a leap of faith at a time when data was not the powerhouse it is today. Nevertheless, she embraced the philosophy that has long been a hallmark of Publicis Sapient-to push boundaries and redefine what is possible. 

As a data analyst, Aashima embarked on projects that challenged conventional thinking. She vividly recalls her first major breakthrough in the data realm: devising a psychographics-based loyalty solution for a leading retail giant. By leveraging early AI models such as OCEAN to map customer personality traits and behaviors, she and her team were able to predict purchasing triggers, thereby enhancing loyalty systems for both customers and businesses.

Years later, her drive to push boundaries led her to explore yet another frontier—Generative AI. Captivated by the potential of GenAI to revolutionize insights generation, she collaborated with a colleague to develop a prototype that could interpret human intent, allowing users to "converse with their data" through natural language prompts, all while ensuring that sensitive data remained protected.

What began as a small experiment quickly grew into something far more significant. The prototype evolved into InsightsIQ, a robust product offering from Publicis Sapient, built on the Agentic AI framework known as Bodhi.

For Aashima, life at Publicis Sapient hasn’t just been about technology. It’s also been about building communities, nurturing inclusion and giving back. She’s been deeply involved with Business Resource Groups, hackathons, silent auctions, and mentoring initiatives—such as one-on-one (O3) managerial conversations—have all played a role in inspiring others to grow alongside her. These O3s are regular check-ins between a manager and their team member, designed to foster open dialogue, offer personalized guidance, and support career development.

“For me, Publicis Sapient is my 1, my 100 and all the numbers in between. It makes me feel whole.”

 From a campus recruit who boldly shifted her career trajectory, to a Director steering the future of data and AI at Publicis Sapient, Aashima’s journey embodies the possibilities that await transitioning from intern to professional.

“The best part about PS is the freedom to reinvent yourself,” Aashima shares. “You’re not boxed into what you were hired for—you’re encouraged to explore, experiment and grow in ways you never imagined.”

At Publicis Sapient, your journey doesn’t stop at your first role. You’ll find a culture that values curiosity, risk-taking and endless learning opportunities—backed by  technologies, real-world impact and a supportive community that helps you thrive.

If you’re ready to begin your corporate journey at a place that empowers you to learn, pivot and create what’s next, Publicis Sapient is where your story begins.

Explore campus opportunities with us here.