As I sit down, in my room, and begin to pen down my journey to a Business school, I look back and marvel at how life, through its winding roads, has gone by. Coming from a science background, I bounced to the dynamic world of fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and to start yet another chapter in my life, Xavier Institute of Management.
Most people hear the word "fashion" and immediately associate it with just the glitz and glamour the field offers. But as an insider, I vouch for the fact that it is much more than that. It is a rigorous and unforgiving journey which prepares you for the challenging roles ahead. I found my passion for fashion two years into my stint at NIFT and realized my calling in the business of garments. I enjoyed working in the production, merchandising, planning and quality verticals of the apparel industry. Therefore, pursuing an MBA seemed like the next logical step.
Soon after my graduation, I started my preparation for the competitive examination. The struggle was intense and demanding. I found it hard to sharpen my quantitative skills. My peers, who came from engineering and mathematical backgrounds, would often grasp concepts in seconds while I would still wonder what the question meant. Being a slow learner, I had to rely solely on my work ethic to get through the hours of focused preparation which was required for these exams. As the months passed, I got the hang of taking a mock test, took low performances in stride and celebrated my improved performances. Initially, I considered myself to be well-prepared for CAT and went in with confidence. But my excitement turned into disappointment as I came out. Exams came and went, and each time my performance was just not enough. I finally got through XAT, which, for all practical purposes, is the last competitive exam. I went on to take my GD and PI preparation with similar rigour and came out satisfied but uncertain about my performance. I breathed a sigh a relief when I got my result and took my time to enjoy my successful admission to the prestigious XIMB.
Now, fast forward to two months into the course, I have embraced the struggle of the constant ups and downs which one needs to face in a B-school. I am passionate about everything outside the classroom, which I am beginning to understand is the essence of being an MBA student. I aspire to re-enter the fashion industry and integrate my creative and managerial qualities.
Akshar Siruguri Jayarao
Batch of 2021
Xavier Institute of Management