Here’s what happened to me, and maybe there’s a thing or two for you to learn as well, especially in what not to do. In my first term, I asked a placement committee member whether the United Nations came to recruit, because I wanted to work there. By October, any attempt to apply to them independently was forgotten. I applied to a lot of finance companies because I was told banks shortlist commerce graduates very easily, and my strong extra-curricular record helped this cause. It was such a warped time that I didn’t sit and think through what it would actually be like to work as an investment banker, on a day-to-day basis. The companies seemed prestigious, and so I applied. Of course, I applied to many consulting firms as well, with the usual, starry-eyed dream of getting into Mckinsey. Without, again, really thinking whether I would fit into an intensely competitive setup, or whether I would even like consulting. With every shortlist from a finance company, there was relief of an available option; with no Mckinsey, there was heartbreak (I should’ve known I had low chances because I was not an academic topper or a national level sportswoman). A shortlist from Bain & Co. was like my prayers answered, and I got cracking on practice cases.
Enter Day Zero. The day everyone in the world wants to get placed, even if the company of their choice is not around (and you’d have me believe there is no distortion). I made it to Citi global markets, with a trading-cum-sales role in Hong Kong. It was such a whoop of relief to get out of the system; I grabbed the offer. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was not made for the role at all, given that I was not particularly interested in the markets, let alone follow them for a living. I should’ve known this beforehand and not even applied, right? Right. But it never struck me, nor did anyone ask me that sort of a question. People just told me to apply, no one advised me to think of ‘what I really like/want’. It was a broad ‘What sector are you interested in?’ You are a Fin, Consulting, Marketing, General Management person, or if none of these, you must be an ‘Entrepreneur-type’ of person. You know what? I was none of those. I’m still finding out what ‘type’ of a person I am.
I played a dream on Hindustan Unilever (a concept we had at A where you could apply to any one firm even if you have accepted an offer on an earlier day, with the condition that if you make it to your dream company, you must accept it and sign out of the process) and made it. My two months at Unilever, Philippines were great – I loved the people, and enjoyed the creative work I got to do as a Sales and Marketing intern. But, I kept pushing aside my instinct to work in the social sector, my reason for doing an MBA in the first place, because HUL was a great place to belong, with smart, bright people, and a buzzing atmosphere. All well, only that I accepted the PPO, joined HUL, but left it in 6 months because I did not find meaning in my work. From then on, I have been working in the social sector, education specifically, in different capacities, with different organizations.
The statistics are startling. With every batch, the number of people who switch jobs in the first year itself is rising. It points to an anomaly in the system itself (not just the rules, but also the people in your own and the senior batch), which is not necessarily geared to help people make the right choices. Or there could be other reasons. If I was you, here’s what I would do first – understand my own strengths, inclinations, and constraints (an education loan, family responsibilities etc.). Then, look at the opportunities available (some institutes allow you to apply outside the system, to start-ups etc. as well), understand from people in that sector (not just the recruiters who come to campus) what working in that sector is like. Get objective views. Then find out about the company itself. What is the culture there like? Do you see yourself working there day in and out for longer than a year at least? Be honest with yourself here. You have the luxury of experimenting in summers, because it is not the same as finals. Many people will tell you to just go ahead and take up a firm even if you don’t see yourself there - ‘after all it’s just summers.’ But like I said, it is more significant a decision than it seems right now. Many companies are also viewing you from the lens of a potential long-term employee. And so, be honest.
It takes effort. But you will find the process worthwhile if you are looking for a job that truly fulfills your expectations and fits within your constraints as well. When I look at my batch-mates who love what they do, it feels great that they have chosen well for themselves. The best brands will also be the glitziest and most popular, but wouldn’t you rather find what you want consume, what you’d entered the marketplace for in the first place? You have your chance, now.
Akanksha Thakore
Comments
Lakshmanan
Wonderful read. Apart from the 'Getting placed on Day Zero' pressure, there are also those who don't have as many shortlists and interview opportunities. Here, it's a case of ' Put an end to the misery' pressure where just about anything that is offered is grabbed at.
14 Oct 2011, 08.32 AM
Jaimin
Thats a very simple advise everyone gives but hard to implement. Unsure what it takes to implement. Also, post 2008, the luxury for student to pick and chose has gone. Most are just happy to take whatever is put on offer. If nothing, a good back up created to start with. I aint no different but have realised this only through hard way by goofing up massively. But now, I am a peaceful person! Good stuff!
14 Oct 2011, 11.24 AM
Ankit
The major issue in my opinion is the massive batch size all IIMs have. Not a single of the first 6 IIMs is below 300 with 5 being above 350. XLRI has increased seats and so will others. I don't know if people have any choice left these days. It has led to people settling for odd jobs vis-a-vis their personality and hence the high drop out rates. Cost of MBA in India has gone up manifold. Almost all top business schools charge upwards of 10 lakhs for a 2 years programme. In this environment, I won't be surprised if people still find it difficult to apply the advise doled out above.
14 Oct 2011, 11.51 AM
Akanksha
@Lakshmanan - Thanks. :) I agree with your last line. @Jaimin - I never claimed it was easy to implement, in fact I say quite the contrary in the article. And no, haven't heard too many people give this advise. I wish they did when I was in my first year! Glad for your peace. @Ankit - Batch size makes choice difficult within the campus, but does not eliminate it. You always have the choice if you're willing to take the extra effort. Like I said, it's worth it. I'm warning against any choice made out of desperation or under peer pressure, without adequate thought, or consciously.
17 Oct 2011, 03.26 PM
Srinjoy
So what happened to that really eager Fin-experienced guy who desperately wanted a markets role at an I-bank and missed out because someone was confused between Marketing and Finance over two separate days of placements ?
24 Apr 2012, 08.15 PM
Lav
Beggars can't be choosers dear writer.The power of bargaining is now with the firms,we are purely price takers unless you have cracked JEE top 100/Gold medal in UG/Have the correct gender. It sounds great that "do what you like" but not practical to implement for the mango people
3 Aug 2012, 11.47 AM
anonomous
@lav- loved tht comment :D
3 Aug 2012, 11.37 PM