After scoring a 730 in GMAT, Kaushik moved onto the next stage, which was the selection process. To identify which b schools he would be a good fit in, he began communicating with alums and current students from those b schools, asking to meet and getting to know the culture. He calls b-schools abroad as cults, where the culture and traditions are very strong. Of the ones he got in touch with, INSEAD was where he felt most at home. Ultimately, the people you are surrounded by make up for a very big part of your b school experience.
He takes us through his selection process at INSEAD, which included writing essays, and personal interviews with alums from the b school. One of these interviews was with a recent alum, and it ended up being a chill evening. However, the other was with an older alum, and was more formal than Kaushik had expected. He then talks of his time at INSEAD. He says that the b-school only functions 5 days of the week, making the course more intense. He emphasises on the networking aspect of b-school, telling us how companies do a lot of campus outreach at these international b-schools. These outreach programs include dinners and parties, where you get a chance to network with industry professionals.
He then talks about his placement at McKinsey, and how it was a chance meeting at a party that bagged him the position. He even talks of his projects at McKinsey, and how he slowly came to realise that a consultant’s job is extremely taxing. He tells us of one particular incident, where he had to spend a 12 hour flight working on a deck that they would have to present the next morning. He says that you should keep challenging yourself if you want to move ahead in your career. Watch this video and see Kaushik’s inspiring journey, and valuable insights.
This is Part 2 of Kaushik’s full interview. Stay tuned for Part 3.
Watch Part 1 here:
I Wanted To Quit My First Job Within 10 Days Of Joining, Ft. Kaushik S, GMAT 730, INSEAD Alum
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. Make sure you enjoy the company of the people you’re with at b school.
2. The top 5 -10 b-schools around the globe offer similar roles/jobs during final placements.
3. All international b schools require you to write essays as part of your selection process.
4. Interview rounds are perhaps the most important part of the selection process.
5. Networking is a good way to land your dream job. Companies abroad do a lot of campus outreach activities, where you get a chance to network.
6. Make yourself uncomfortable by taking on challenging projects. It will push you to develop your skills further and grow as a professional.
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