Aayushi Jaiswal is a MICA Ahmedabad student (Class of 2022), a final year student pursuing a master's degree with specialization in Media, Entertainment & Management, and Digital Communication Management. In this article, we will decode her secret sauce to winning so many National B-School competitions throughout her first year at MICA. She has won(been acknowledged in) the following competitions:
- National Finalist, Tata Steel-a-Thon, Tata Steel, India 2021
- National Finalist, Mi Summit 2.0, Xiaomi 2020
- Campus Winner, Bond with Pidilite Competition, Pidilite Industries Ltd 2020
- Campus Finalist, RB Global Challenge, Reckitt Benckiser 2020
- National Winner, SBI Business Challenge, IMT, Ghaziabad 2020
- National Winner, Marketing Chakravyuh, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Indore 2021
- National Winner, MarQ-Witty, Imperium, MDI, Gurgaon 2021
- Runner up, Micompass, The Marketing Committee, MICA, 24 Mantra Organic 2021
- National Runner Up, Samadhan 6.0, IIM Ranchi
Q1 ) Hi Aayushi, how do you manage time for preparing for competitions with your daily classes scheduled?
I maintain a task tracker where I prioritize my weekly commitments. It helps me plan my day, and I’m well prepared to extract a few extra hours to commit to these competitions. Also, managing time and multitasking are skills that one picks up while pursuing an MBA.
Q2 ) While reading the case study, do you have a straight jacket rule to decode the case? What’s your approach?
I’ll list down three things that have worked well for me so far. They are:
Start your research early. Each day counts.
Read your case study several times and refer to it again and again while you progress.
Once you have formulated a fundamental strategy or approach, connect with your faculty or seniors. Gather multiple POVs and then rethink your approach.
Q3 ) Based on your experience winning so many competitions, can you bifurcate the type of case studies into some major buckets?
Sure. Let me list the types of case competitions I participated in.
They would be in the domain of Marketing & Strategy, Corporate Communication, Branding, Ideation/entrepreneurship, and Simulation-based competitions.
Q4 ) Which subjects at MICA have been helpful while solving case study competitions?
Cultural Context of Communication, Research Methodology, Finance and Accounting, Strategic Communications, Supply Chain Management, and Operations Management.
Q5 ) What are a few things that you have learned from your mistakes?
Firstly, make sure you have strong research to back your solutions. Assumptions don't work, but insights do. Make sure your insights are powerful and know your sources.
Secondly, know your numbers well. I can't stress this enough! Finance plays a deciding role in your finale. Always try to cross-question your proposition as to why it would work and why it wasn't tried yet if the case be. At the same time, the time is limited try to present it in the form of storytelling and add an element of uniqueness. Lastly, try to run your final deck through your seniors or known industry experts.
Q6 ) Any additional tips for our readers?
Finding the right team dynamics is the most crucial aspect of cracking a case. Work with multiple people and try to identify people with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and mindsets. Stay focused, and there is no shortcut to research. Never go with the first couple of ideas that strike you with minimal research. Make your presentation visually appealing but don’t focus too much on it because, in the end, the idea and reasoning win the trophy!
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Team InsideIIM is excited to host The Aditya Birla Group Hotlist 2021, The JSW Challenge 2021 and Reckitt Career Compass on the Kampus App. Read the details below and participate in the same!
The ABG Hotlist 2021: You have the chance of getting into the hotlist of one of the most desirable companies. An opportunity to know more about the work culture, profiles, and growth you can experience and a chance to clear your doubts from the recruiters. InsideIIM is back with Konversations Cafe Online 2021. And the first company that we have for you is Aditya Birla Group! Take part in the ABG Hotlist 2021 and in case you're shortlisted, you stand a chance to be on the hotlist of the Aditya Birla Group, attend exclusive sessions with the ABG Team and get the opportunity to have One on one interaction opportunity with campus recruiters of ABG.
If you're using a web browser (Mozilla or Google Chrome), then you can take part through this link. Otherwise, please download the Kampus App (Android | iOS), and head over to Competitions.
The JSW Challenge 2021: The JSW Challenge 2021 is a unique case study competition for future leaders. Get a chance to work on a real-life business case and get mentorship from JSW leaders and interact one-on-one with them. This competition will help you land a PPO at JSW and win a cash prize worth Rs. 2 lakh.
You need to make a team of 3 with peers from your B-school. There will be three rounds to the competition. For more details, please click here.
If you're using a web browser (Mozilla or Google Chrome), then you can take part in the JSW Challenge 2021 through this link. Otherwise, please download the Kampus App (Android | iOS), and head over to Competitions.
Reckitt Career Compass: Planning your career compass has never been more rewarding! InsideIIM, in association with Reckitt, presents Reckitt Career Compass, the perfect opportunity for newly-inducted B-school students to identify the right launchpad for their career. Test your understanding of FMCG fundamentals with Reckitt, get all your questions answered by industry leaders and here’s the best part…stand a chance to win a fast-track ticket to a Sales & Marketing internship with Reckitt!
You need to make a team of 3 with peers from your B-school. There will be three rounds to the competition. For more details, please click here.
If you're using a web browser (Mozilla or Google Chrome), then you can take part in the Reckitt Career Compass through this link. Otherwise, please download the Kampus App (Android | iOS), and head over to Competitions.
Looking forward to your participation!
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Recommended Reads For You:
- Mantra To Crack MBA Case Competitions | Must-Have B-School Skill
- How To Crack Case Study Competitions | Guidelines By Finalists And Winners
You May Be Interested In Watching The Recorded Webinar On How To Win Case Competitions At B-School