Hello Nidhi, it is rare that we find a lawyer at a B-school. Kudos for making it to IIM Ranchi, let’s know your journey that inspired you to take up MBA-HR after Law:
Q. What inspired you to choose a career in MBA?
My Brother is my inspiration in life. It is his wisdom that inspires me on every walk of life. His career as a successful HR manager at Aditya Birla Sunlife Mutual funds made me aware of the HR domain and how exciting a journey would be in this field. Following his footsteps, I took up an MBA in HR. This was one of the reasons, other being my stronghold on labour laws and Intellectual property rights. As every organisation requires a legal consultant while framing any policy, the idea of being an HR with a strong legal background drove me towards this course.
Q. How did you prepare for your CAT and GDPI process? Can you shed some light on your GDPI experience?
CAT and GDPI process was one of the most challenging parts of my life, yet an exciting one. The process taught a lot of things to me; some of those were – time-management, setting priorities, etc. So my journey towards cracking CAT started with joining a coaching centre for the preparation for CAT because this field was new to me. It was hectic juggling the preparation for CAT along with the regular college schedule, as it was my last year at LAW school and amidst my regular classes and exams, I used to rush to the coaching centre as soon as my classes got over. I used to attend my college lectures from 9 am to 2 in the noon, and then 3:30 pm to 5 pm was my CAT coaching classes, running 24kms every day for classes. It was a bit exhausting as there was a lot to study in a limited period.
Nevertheless, the hectic schedule did not weaken my spirit, and whenever I used to get time, I sat and solved previous year questions and practised. I also used to knock every door possible practising mathematics, as learning formulae was a bit difficult after losing touch on the subject for four years. Unsatisfied with my performance, there was always this uncertainty of whether I would be able to crack CAT or not. But my sheer perseverance, dedication, and maybe a bit of luck helped me succeed. For interviews and GD, I read newspapers and online articles and prepared some basic interview questions. But the key, which worked for me, was – to be yourself!
Q. What value do you think you can bring to IIM Ranchi culture through your diversity?
Being specialized in Intellectual Property Rights during my bachelor's, I think that this combination of IPR and HR will bring a newer perspective into any organization. My interest and hold in the IPR domain, along with HR, will open opportunities in front of me as a significant stakeholder in the company decision-making process. My fluency in the concepts of labour laws and industrial relation is also a new flavour that I add to the cultural diversity that persists in IIM Ranchi. My interest as a photographer and an artist, coupled with my strong disposition and the ability to handle situations with tact, also adds some spice to the entire diversity dynamics.
Q. Have you been able to help your peers through your domain knowledge personally or professionally? Can you illustrate with an example?
Professionally, yes. One of my friends was having a family issue related to property. I advised her on how she can take action in the case. Being under the obligation of secrecy towards my friend, as it is a matter of confidentiality and protection of the right to privacy of another party, I cannot share the details. On a personal level, I am always open to help my friends or juniors, be it an academic problem or a personal one.
Q. How do you think your varied skill-set or domain knowledge will help your future organization?
I think the law is something if you know, then you are someone who can make significant changes to society. The enactments are the bow, and the provisions are the arrows. You have to use the right arrow in the right direction at the right time. Knowing law can contribute to an organization's decision making. Following the famous quote- 'precaution is better than cure,' it is better to know the legal complexities before framing policies, to prevent unnecessary lawsuits.
LinkedIn:
Nidhi Minz