Imagine being so used to failing the CAT that you reach late for your CAT exam, and are perfectly okay with walking away. Imagine getting a single call after your CAT, and that single call being IIM Bangalore. Well, all this is absolutely true in the case of Praveen Gopal Krishnan. Watch this video to hear his unique, interesting, and (in many ways) strange MBA story.
Praveen begins by talking about how he landed one of his earliest stints at Economic Times. A chance encounter at a bus stop led him to the Economic Times, getting to work as a journalist. He talks of how during these times, he had eventually found his way to the CAT exam, converting the IIM Kozhikode call in his very first attempt. He rejected the offer, thinking he would do better next time. What followed was what he calls a yearly ritual of taking the CAT with no success.
He talks of how ISB had begun to rise the ranks back in the day, and he had converted that call. However, that same year, luck was by his side. Despite a 75%ile in Quants, he got a call from IIM Bangalore. Not only was IIM B the only call he got, it was a call that he managed to convert. It is a strange, yet very inspiring tale.
Lastly, he talks about his b school experience, and how b school is the best place to be in times of economic crisis. He talks of his seniors who had landed jobs with the Lehman Brothers right before the economic crisis of 2009. He talks about how back then, b schools didn't pay much attention to media companies and how he had a very short list of companies that he would've liked to work in. Lastly, he talks of his biggest learnings from his b school experience. If you are planning on taking the CAT this year, or even if you've already converted your calls and are waiting for your b school journey to begin, this video is certainly for you!
This is Part 1 of Praveen's full interview. Stay tuned for Part 2!
What's This?
This is a new series of talks that we are doing amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the lockdowns and the curfews, we are making all the efforts to ensure that you keep getting insightful and relevant content. So sit back and make the most of your social distancing with this episode of ‘Konversations in Quarantine'!
Key Takeaways:
1) Success does not correlate with grades.
2) Having a good group of friends is important to make the most of your b school experience.
3) Don't let yourself be stuck in a b school bubble.
4) As a student in an elite institute, you are among the best of the best. Understand that privilege, but don't let it pull you down.
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