Having scored more than 99.2%ile in my first CAT attempt during the last year of my engineering, I thought that I can easily get into IIM I, S, Ranchi if not the other senior IIMs. But, then, the normalisation took place and I failed to perform decent in my interviews. I had lost all hope of doing an MBA last year and I didn't fill any private B-school forms, because IIM!
My final exam was going on and I wasn't able to study because I was engrossed into the idiot box because of the elections. I had wasted half of the day because of it and then, suddenly, a popup appeared - "Congratulations! You have been shortlisted for the PGP programme at IIM Bodh Gaya."
I was happy for securing an IIM but, on the other hand, I had never thought about the very same IIM which gave me my first call. Soon, calls from Jammu, Sambalpur and Sirmaur followed. I had an IT job in my hand which I never really wanted though I could have used it to gain some experience and I am glad that I didn't go with the job. So, I joined IIM Bodh Gaya after my analysis and I was all inquisitive about the world in an IIM.
At first, I was a bit skeptical to go to Bihar as I had lived all my 22 years in peaceful Maharashtra and Gujrat, but thought of it as an adventure. The outset of looking at Bihar is pretty negative, but my experience was completely different. First of all, the pollution is very less and the transit campus is situated in a very peaceful place. We have a perception that the lack of a permanent campus must have its shortcomings but that is not the case. I was happy to have my own room and my desk that I put up a story on Instagram. But, with that happiness came a feeling of belongingness and entitlement that I belonged here, here in IIM Bodh Gaya!
The induction along with the prep classes were going on in full swing as the seniors ensured that we hardly get a sleep of 3hrs and the rigour started from day 1. We used to sleep at 3:30-4 AM and had to get ready for the 9AM induction in blazers. But, it became a habit and now, it doesn't feel like a hard task.
The classes started after the induction week and we received books and materials of all the subjects. The faculties have pursued their doctorate from IIM A, FMS, IIM C and other reputed institutes and moreover, they always encouraged fruitful discussions. The curriculum is designed in a way that it impedes theoretical and practical erudition of different functional areas of Management endowing the students with an overall approach to management functions and managerial skills. We follow a case study approach and the Harvard case studies help us to develop a strong awareness and knowledge about the socio-economic environment both at national and global level. And, it helps us to do well in the live projects or win the national level competitions.
Right after the induction, the committee selection process began. First came the Placement Committee, then the Media PR, International Relations Committee and I got rejected by all of them. I was not able to sell myself to the committee work. Another setback? I think - "No" as I didn't lose my hope and got selected in the Admissions Committee (AdCom). Being a social media influencer for food and a marketing enthusiast, I have a knack towards branding. Although, AdCom was never a first preference for me, it came as a blessing in disguise. With a formidable team of 6, this year, the AdCom achieved new heights and became the first committee at IIM Bodh Gaya to have a sponsor (YONO, by SBI). And, the committee work taught a lot of valuable lessons.
Not only the academics, we fare well in sports as well by bagging medals in cricket, chess, table-tennis, football, futsal, volleyball and basketball. And, yes, we host CS and PubG competitions as well. We have various clubs and committees to work on our further development and the selection of different committees start from the second week itself. Meanwhile, I enjoyed living with my peers who are from different parts of the country and to share and celebrate each other's culture makes it more beautiful. We study hard and ensure that we party hard as well.
We also host our annual cultural and sports fest in the second term. A lot of cross functional activities (like marketing, sponsorship, hospitality) lead to a big ruckus, but it taught me a lot about how to stay calm and composed while taking right decisions in tense situations. Our contingent also goes to different IIMs or XLRI for participating in various events and competitions.
In January, we had His Holiness Dalai Lama to unveil our institute logo and standing upto him to ask a question was a dream come true.
A lot of events like Leadership Summit and HR conclave takes place in the mean time where we see the top level management of reputed companies (like Tata, JSW, ICICI) talk about the industry expectations and its functioning.
The summer placements started around the mid of the second term. I was fortunate enough to be picked up by the first company that came to recruit. Well, that is another story in itself!
So, I feel all you need is hunger, determination and patience to go through all this, no matter in which IIM you go. Do you have it in you? :)