Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in, day out.
The mantra, though known to most, is hardly ever followed. But look around, and you would find those who live these fundas, and personify inspiration. Yes, among us are the gems, the ones who make the best of what time has offered to them.
Today, we bring to you a conversation with the topper (yes, Rank 1) of the 31st batch at IIM Lucknow,
Arzoo Jain. So let us hear it from the man himself and
lament at our GPAs try learning from his experiences.
Aastha (A): Hello Arzoo, and thank you for your precious time. Our readers would love to know, aapko kaisa mehsoos hota hai topper hoke!
Arzoo Jain (J): Ahahaaha! Now come on, don't make a 15 seconds celeb out of me!
A: So coming to the first question we would like you to tell us. What is the difference between the institute as a place to study, and a place where you live?
J: Staying in the campus, I feel that we can't really separate the institute as a place of study and place where you live. Formal education is one big component of the learning which happens through interactions and discussions with the profs and classmates in the academic area of the campus (place of study). But a lot of learning also happens from peers through group studies in hostels (place of stay). Apart from that, a lot of activities happen on the campus at any time which helps in a well-rounded development of students here leading to learnings that can't be attained in academic sections. Thus, the institute combines both aspects to deliver a holistic experience.
A: True, true. So coming to your educational background? And how do you manage to do it, I mean, what is your motivation to top every time?
J: I did my schooling in Ghaziabad in science stream and graduated in 2015 as an Electrical Engineer from IIT (BHU), Varanasi. I was never a topper in my undergrad. If I have to talk about my motivation, the motivation to top will be much lesser as compared to the motivation to learn about new things as well as the desire to gain an in-depth knowledge about subjects and topics of my interest.
A: Was it an initial plan to be among the toppers, or did it just happen?
J:It was never a plan to be among the toppers. I developed an interest in the subjects taught here as the program progressed. The focus on the application of concepts learned really intrigued me. It was just a lot different from the undergrad education. The focus on excellence and the rigor here added that extra element that helped me in performing well. But I would again say, it was never a strategy
A: Keeping your cards close to your chest, eh? Anyway, what is the basic strategy of studies you follow? Work - life - party - sleep balance?
J: Haha, no keeping any card anywhere! I am telling you all that I know!
While maintaining a strict balance in IIM life is difficult, I made it a point to at least not fall behind on the courses being taught. Listening in class attentively reduces a lot of burden later on while self-studying. I made it a point to not spend all the time studying. I participated in various activities happening on campus throughout the year. I won a few, lost many more but I think the purpose of these activities was to get to know other people in which they succeeded. “Partying” is part and parcel of a B-School life and I attended parties too, just for having fun.
A: Love that term, 'part and parcel'! But parties aside, how do you cope up with so much extra curriculars happening? Clubs/committees/case competitions?
J: It is said that an MBA is an endless struggle between deadlines. But if we manage our time well and prioritize on things that matter most to us, we can cope up with the pressure that is put on the students during the program. Though I took interest in academics, I also participated in extra-curricular activities, I am a member of a committee as well. The key was to find things in which I had an interest.
A: Would you suggest anything to our readers, and to the juniors?
J: I would advise the juniors to enjoy their life at Hell and take full advantage of the different activities happening. These 2 years at Lucknow are too precious to be wasted. I would suggest to at least find one or two things that interest you and focus in that direction. Finally, I would suggest that in pursuit of the destination, don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
A: Wiser words have not been said! Thank you so much, Arzoo, for your time and patience. I hope our readers get useful insights from your example.
J: The honour was all mine. I am glad I could be of help.
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About the interviewer:
Aastha Sneha Pathak is a 2nd year student at IIM Lucknow. Besides living the hel(L)ish life, she loves to read. She is also a member of Forty Two, the literary and debating club on campus, as well as, Team Disha, the committee of placement mentors.