Am I Really Suitable For This Prestigious Institute? - Student Team 2020

At some point or the other in the life-changing two years, every student in a B-school must have had some self-doubt or at some point or the other, you might have felt why are you even here? Are you even suitable to be a part of the prestigious institution? What should you do now that you are a part of a B-school?

Getting Overwhelmed is completely natural. I faced a similar situation some time ago when I was starting my journey at IIM Calcutta. I have a habit of journaling when I'm in a dilemma, so that's what I did. Here are some of the answers I found. Hope they help you too!

1. WHY MBA?
   It is one of the most popular questions in a B-school interview. If you have this figured out, that's amazing! All you need to do now is to stay focussed on your path and you'll be good.

   For the folks who prepared a good answer for their interviews but they're still clueless, here is what MBA will give you and here's the reason why you're here - MBA will help you train for a leadership role in the future and that includes taking initiatives, fulfilling them and most importantly, enjoying and learning from the outcomes. MBA has to be something you do because you "want" to or "chose" to do it, not because of "luck" or "turn of events". but the bigger question still remains unanswered.

   It is in your control to make the most of the two years that you have and become who you want to be two years down the line when you become an Alumni of the institute from a Student.

   So, this pretty much sums it up: You're doing an MBA because you want to receive a formal education in the field of Business and get into a leadership position in a reputed firm one day. You'll be able to achieve this goal through - Case studies you take up, Summer Internship and ultimately a job (or Startup if you are a startup-enthusiast).

2. IS THE FEE EVEN WORTH IT?
   If you doubt whether it is worth it, make sure you MAKE IT WORTH the fees you pay. Engage, interact, utilize the time and resources you have because you are not going to get them later. Grab the opportunities and Go for It!

   An MBA college, in my opinion, is a simulation of the real world. MBA will teach that there is "no one answer", it is okay to make a decision in an ambiguous situation.

3. WHAT IF IT IS ALL A MISTAKE?
   I'm going to be really honest. If you strongly feel that doing an MBA is a mistake, then please drop off and do something you are really passionate about. If you think the two years didn't add any value to your life, You have TIME. It's never too late to restart until you die.

   Just sit down for some time and think of what you really want. And if you can't seem to think of anything, it's okay. You're not supposed to have it all figured out. If you don't know your passion yet, give yourself a chance to experience MBA life. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the change or we are afraid of the uncertainties.

4. AM I THE ONLY ONE LEFT BEHIND? DOES EVERYONE ELSE HAVE EVERYTHING SORTED? AM I THE ONLY ONE CONFUSED AND NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO?
   The answer to all three questions is a BIG NO. No one has it all sorted. A lot of people join B-schools because they need 2 more years of college life, 2 more years to figure out what they actually want to do for the rest of their lives, a better job, because everyone is doing it, or because they didn't want to settle in their previous field of expertise.

   And even if they do, it has nothing to do with you. Everyone is on their own journey which has nothing to do with us. Someone else getting a good placement or a good career in NO WAY reduces your chances of getting one. Some people are really active in class. So what? you'll learn too. You have academics and CP's pressure but you can't let that tiny 20% affect the remaining 80% of your subject.

5. IS CONTINUING WITH MY JOB AFTER COLLEGE PLACEMENT BETTER THAN AN MBA?
   Everyone has different goals in life that can't we can't judge. There are people who have worked in one or more companies that are walking beside you and those who know nothing but are still willing to give it a try owing to their interests. There has got to be something in an MBA that made them choose it too, right?

   You have now chosen to invest your time, energy and money in yourself for the next two years to become an asset for yourself, your family, the organization you will work in and the society and country overall. Feel proud to be in a place where a lot of applicants want to be in. You have created a path for yourself and have at least ONE direction to move now. Walk this path well. Have patience and hold on.

6. WHICH SPECIALIZATION SHOULD I GO FOR?
   There are different approaches to it. Some people may apply for all Summer Internships and choose their specialization on the basis of the field in which they got an internship. You get to study a bit of all specialization in the first year. You can choose whichever subject interests you more.

   And if you're unable to figure out your interests, choose something that you're doing well in. Your natural talent is sometimes the way to go. Whichever field you choose, remember you'll have to work hard.

   Please feel free to contact me anytime at amrita.mishra98@gmail.com for any other questions. Do like and share this post if you found it useful. Stay Safe!