Advice From The IIM Lucknow Grad Who Won The Director's Medal, Ft. Sauhard Gupta | Top MBA Achievers 2021

Q2. Please tell us about your journey from preparing for CAT to finally joining IIM Lucknow.

I was working while preparing for CAT. I used to regularly give mocks and analyze them - which was all that I did. The interview day wasn't the most ideal I remember having fever somehow managing writing it, hopefully, it wasn't a scoring one, and hence despite my slow speed, I was able to get a decent percentile.
My interview preparation involved focussing on three elements:
1. Education (primarily Under Grad)
2. Work experience (about my job)
3. General Knowledge (reading newspaper daily is a must)
4. HR Questions (why do you want to MBA)
The interview was more of a discussion on why do I want to do an MBA and the interviewers tried to understand my work at Goldman.

Q3. When you entered IIM Lucknow, did you expect to win the Director's Medal? What did you expect from the program?

It was certainly a dream.. I still remember my first day at IIML when I saw the board with the names of the medal winners and hoped to have my name on that list when I graduate.
But I never really studied or slogged with that aim, I trusted the process, used to listen to professors in class, and make my own notes. The result, I was Institute Rank till year 1 and ended as Institute Rank 2 at the end of the program.
Before joining IIML, I came with the aim of networking, learning from my diverse peers, and developing a holistic mindset of viewing and solving problems... I tried to learn and practice this during my MBA which helped me extract a lot from the program.

Q4. Given that only the crème de la crème of India makes it to IIML, could you give us an idea of the degree of competitiveness at IIM Lucknow?

Typically students do MBA to get better placement - this naturally makes it more competitive. Also, you end up getting the best profiles from diverse backgrounds - who are used to being toppers in their undergrad. This overall results in cutthroat competition at every point - whether it is academics or placements. I wouldn't say that it isn't healthy but it isn't easy for everyone to survive in it.

Q5. Please tell us about your Summer Internship Experience. How will that experience help you in the future in your career?

I interned at McKinsey & Co. The project involved running a digitisation effort for an Indian bank. The internship was completely virtual, but the support we received from the entire system was commendable. There were frequent check-ins to ensure we aren't facing any issues. My team was very nice to me, and with their assistance, I ramped up my skills and knowledge and was able to deliver decent impact, and received a Pre-Placement Offer.

Q6. What did you do differently and how did you study differently at IIM Lucknow that helped you win the Director's Medal?

My approach to studying has been fairly constant ever since I prepared for IIT-JEE. I try to attend all lectures, pay attention in class and make my own notes. The same process is what I trusted at IIML too. Although, B-school has so much going on, so it wasn't easy to balance acads with other elements. but I somehow ensured they were a priority.

Q7. How does an MBA student balance studies and extra-curricular activities at b-school? Is it possible to balance the two, or must one be sacrificed for another? How did you bring about a balance?

Balancing studies with extracurricular isn't easy and it's simply because studying isn't attractive and ends up getting pushed to the end. MBA is a fast-paced course - even if you loose track of what's happening in class once, you become lost... Hence, being consistent helps.
My mantra is to have your priorities straight. You can't have your feet in multiple boats. I didn't involve myself in everything that was happening on campus. I chose my interest areas. I knew acads is going to be one and ensured that I allocated it time in my everyday schedule.
Time management and smart work are important aspects of managing an MBA life.

Q8. What were your, your family's and your friends' reactions when you won the award? How did you celebrate?

My entire family was extremely proud and ecstatic. My extended family at the campus (close friends, members of Disha) were extremely happy. I don't think it would have been possible without their constant support and encouragement.
There wasn't a grand celebration (thanks to covid and restrictions & even the convocation was a virtual one).. but we did cut a small cake and ordered my favourite food.

Q9. Regarding b-school life and academics, what are three crucial pieces of advice you would like to share with the incoming class of 2023?

Having been part of a team that is a mentor to new joiners and helps in their placement journey. I have taken countless gyaan sessions.. a few top things that every student must take care of are:
A. Focus on what you want and not on what others desire. (avoid FOMO)
B. Be aware of your journey.. don't just go with the flow. (try to set small goals and work towards them and always focus on the ultimate one)
C. Leverage all resources (faculty, seniors, batchmates & Juniors - there is a lot to learn from everyone)

B-School is an expensive place to be in (~20 Lacs ) experience it fully.
Lastly, interact with as many people as possible - the bonds made here last a lifetime!

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