InsideIIM's Weekly Digest - 10 Life-Changing Articles That You Missed + Bonus Reading Material

Hi there! A busy week it seems? You missed out on some amazing articles that can help you build your career! Don't worry, we got you covered... In this article, we have compiled 10 life-changing and career changing stories that you must read this weekend. Essentially, your reading list for this weekend! Let's dive in, shall we?

InsideIIM Stories & Videos

1. 1. On Life After An MBA And Changing Careers – Journey From Being Average To Achieving Success
      This article is for those who are willing to pursue an alternate career post completion of their MBA (be it in academics or anything else) but are either not sure how to go about it or lack the courage to make a decision regarding the same. It is also meant for all those who are either about to embark upon their corporate journey but are now feeling that corporate jobs aren’t meant for them. Read the article here.
      
   2. Three Important Management Lessons You Can Learn From Harry Potter
      Unlike the popular opinion held by adults, Harry Potter is not just a children’s fantasy book. Just like we gradually grow older and more mature, the need for money changes from buying popsicles to buying a house or a car; similarly, the books start making more sense and become more relatable when reading at different phases of our lives. As a matter of fact, if we dwell deeper into the pages, the series highlights certain important managerial skills as well. Check them out here.
   3. Amazon, IBM, Microsoft – Top Tech And E-Commerce Companies For MBA Alumni
      Some of the world’s most valuable and desirable companies belong to the Technology and E-Commerce industries, and across B-schools, these companies have gained significant prominence amongst all MBA stakeholders who view the Apples, the Amazons, the Googles of the world as highly attractive career opportunities. In this part of the Alumni Report series, we take a look at the concentration of alumni of top B-schools across top companies in the Technology & E-Commerce industries and identify trends. Check out the detailed report here.
   4. Why I Chose To Step Away From Finance And Joined TAS – An XLRI Alumna’s Journey
      In this story, we have enclosed the transcript of the author's insightful talk on 5 questions to ask before choosing a career in finance. Miti Vaidya started considering a career in Finance when she was just 18; just after her 12th standard. And in the decade that followed, she spent eight years doing something or the other related to Finance. At the age of 28, she stepped away from Finance for good. In this post, she highlights the following: (1) Her journey in and out of Finance, (2) The realizations she had along the way, and (3) What questions you should ask yourself right now to decide if Finance is the right career for you. Check it out here.
   5. What Can An MBA Grad Do At Google
      If you’re aspiring to work with the giant brand that is Google, you want to watch this video featuring Aditi Shukla Tara, Strategic Partner Development Manager at Google, Ex-Investment Banker at Rothschild, Ex-Corporate Strategy at Cipla and XLRI Jamshedpur alumna. In this video, she talks about the skills an investment banker needs. She tells us why corporate strategy is a coveted role. She also gives insights on working at Google and what kind of opportunities an MBA graduate has. Check out the complete video here.
   6. From Investment Banking To Google – Journey Of A Mother Of Twins
      With her diverse background and experiences, Aditi is uniquely able to answer questions around a spectrum of topics. In this video, she answers your frequently asked questions about Google, corporate strategy and investment banking. She also shares her secret to a successful relationship and a balanced work life in this video.
   7. ‘I Nearly Failed A Subject At XLRI Jamshedpur’
      Curious about an investment banking interview? If you’re wondering what kind of questions you’ll get asked at an IB interview or questioning the shift to living alone, this video is a must watch for you.
      
   8. From Being Average Students At IIM To Flipkart
      Why two consultants from IIM Indore decide to take a pay cut and join a startup? Was MBA just a safety net? What happens when you join an IIM without any aim? In this video, find out how Harshil & Anusha, both product managers at Flipkart, arrived at their current careers. Watch it here.
   9. You Don’t Need To Be An Engineer To Be A Product Manager
      How does a PM think? What kind of skills must a product manager have? How to actually become a product manager? How to prep for a future career as a PM while at b-school? Find out how a product manager thinks and what are the skills he or she must have. Anusha talks of her passion for product management, consumer experience, etc. Harshil tells you about a couple of good books to read. They tell you what a product manager does and does not do. If you’re considering a career as a PM, this video needs to be favourited by you right now.
   10. IIM Tag Matters Only In The First Few Years Of Your Career
       Hear as Harshil and Anusha answer your questions about a career as a product manager. Find out about Harshil’s love story and the opportunities for romance at b-school, what matters more today, the IIM or b-school tag, versus work experience, what kind of qualities recruiters look for when hiring product managers. Is being from a tech background is required to become a product manager? What resources you can fall back on as a product manager? Watch this video to know more! 

Good Reads From Around The Web

1. The Happiest Introverts Avoid These Four Things
   Isn't introversion all the rage now? The positives introverts can bring to the world, and those around us are immense and well documented. However, there is a pitfall that introversion comes with - cancelling plans, long melancholic walks, deep-thought, and feverish, coffee-fuelled note-taking. If you are an introvert, you might want to avoid these 4 things to be one of the happy ones. Check it out here.
2. The Daily Routine Experts Recommend For Peak Productivity
   The Ivy Lee Method of prioritizing your to-do list seems deceptively simple. It’s also been working for more than a century. Find out what makes it so effective and how you can be more productive here.
3. How I Landed Offers From Microsoft, Amazon, And Twitter Without An Ivy League Degree
   If you are an engineer, this is a must read for you. If you are stuck in a job you don't like, this is a must read for you. If you HATE your college for the lack of academic rigour, this is a must read for you. Basically, whatever you do, you need to read this. It doesn't take fancy degrees to nail that dream job. It takes rigour. Read this motivating story here.

   Happy Reading and Happy Weekend!

   
    What would you like to read next week?