Everyone knows of the mythical creature known as Placecomm. But what is it exactly? Introducing Akshay Goel, a placecommer from IIMK.
1. Tell us about yourself
I am Akshay Goel, an MBA student at IIM Kozhikode, class of 2020. I interned at the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs and bagged a PPO upon successful completion of the same. I was also a member of Students’ Placements Committee that witnessed all 4 successful placements season at IIMK. At the end of the first year, I managed a spot in Top 15% percent students based on academic CGPA of the first year.
Apart from this, I bagged National Finalist position for Ola case study competition and represented IIM Kozhikode in a team of 5 at National Round of CFA Research Challenge.
Prior to joining IIM Kozhikode, I was working with S&P Global Market Intelligence as a Research Associate for a couple of years. I completed my graduation from Delhi University in Management Domain and during graduation, interned at L&T (Cost Accounting) and Delhi Milk Scheme (Financial & Management Accounting).
I like to take up challenges and make the most of opportunities. In my free time, I like to read Mythological Stories.
2. How did you prioritize what work is to be done? You were clearly multi-tasking!
Well, I believe the 2 words that are always on my agenda are scheduling and time allocation. While this does not ensure that you would be able to do everything possible in the world, but you’ll certainly be able to make the most of time at your disposal. I keep a pocket diary with daily tasks to be completed (along with deadlines), even keep some ongoing tasks as sticky notes on the laptop – that ensures I am constantly reminded of the work to be done. Although the pocket diary is a very traditional way of doing things, it is very handy.
Basically, the mantra that I follow is what I studied in a Class XI textbook - “Failing to plan is planning to Fail”.
Although I stretch myself to continuously improve, I ensure basic necessities like sleep, proper meals are not neglected. This ensures that one is able to work at his/her full capacity (efficiency is the key!).
3. What is your advice to the first-year students on making the most out of the MBA program?
While academic excellence is one area to ace in a B school, a lot of learning happens outside the classroom too. Management is something that should also be learned by doing and not just via classroom-based learning. Peer learning, networking, group discussions (and debates) helps not only in broadening your thought process but also enhances one’s overall personality.
It is important that one makes the most of the time at B School as for many this would be the last college life – Enjoy yourself but also Extract the maximum possible learnings.
Joining certain Committees / IG / Clubs give you a platform to get to know various aspects of management depending on one’s interest. Apart from these, there are avenues like case competitions, etc. that helps in linking academia to the industry.
Do read the news daily – While I would suggest religiously reading newspaper, but various mobile applications can also serve as a good alternative.
For people who excel at sports / other activities – do ration out some time for this as well, it is important to pursue your passion.
To summarize, it is important that one learns the art of putting things into perspective.
4. What qualities helped you get a PPO at GS?
“Perseverance, Attention to Detail, and Quest to Learn” – I believe these 3 terms can very well summarize the qualities that helped me to bag a PPO from GS.
An internship is a crucial part of the MBA curriculum that helps you bridge the gap between academia and industry. An important channel to put your learnings to use. Understanding that importance will help in boosting performance.
For many students, internship also helps in clarifying career goals and deciding whether “This is what I want to do”! To display passion in the internship is also very important, which will flow if your learning aspirations happen to be in line with the company’s expectations.
While following an NDA, I would not be able to share any specific details pertaining to my internship experience, but one advice I would like to highlight for juniors is to actively seek feedback from Mentors and implement that in your deliverables.
Apart from that, I would like to advice juniors to make the most of the 2 months, meet new people, build connections, and probably catch up with old friends on weekends who might be in the same city as yours.
5. How has the placecom experience improved you as a manager? Would you recommend it to others?
Well, firstly I would like to start with the disclaimer that these are completely my personal views. If I have to summarize my MBA stint at IIM Kozhikode in one word, it will be “Placecomm”.
As a Students’ Placements Committee member, I probably touched base on all aspects of General Management at different points in time. Broadly, the work can be equated to that of a relationship manager between Corporates and Campus, and interactions with HRs, Business Leaders, and Alumni helped me develop and polish soft skills. Further, the team meetings can probably be equated with the Corporate Board Meetings setup that had a different set of learnings to offer.
Apart from that Analytical Thinking, you also learn how to tackle situations like Crisis Management and Damage Control, if any.
Further, the floor test is actually the placements week wherein you have to be on your toes 24/7 until the moment of completion comes.
For suggestion to others, I would say being a part of placecomm, definitely comes with a very high opportunity cost as you would miss on a lot of other things.
If you have a strong will and never give up attitude, and like to take up challenges, probably placecomm is the place to be.
6. CAT will be held in few months. Exams like XAT, SNAP too. Any tips for the aspirants on how to handle the pressure?
I believe it is important to have an exhaustive preparation of Mock exams specifically in online mode. Equal weightage is to be given to reflect back on what went wrong in mocks and the corrective action to be taken. Nonetheless, the last 7-10 days is to relax and just revise. Taking too much pressure in the last 7-10 days can be detrimental to preparations. I stopped the revision 24 hours prior to the exam.
If you feel stressed at any point of time, talk to your near and dear ones, as it will significantly reduce stress. Be confident about the efforts you have put in for preparation.
Apart from this, do take proper sleep on the night before the exam. If possible, visit and check your exam center in advance and DO NOT LISTEN TO MUSIC while you are going for the exam – this might hamper your VA/RC section. Take proper meal 1 hour before your reporting time. Relax and don’t let any externalities bother you. Ration your time well. No strategy is a globally applicable strategy. Do what works best for you!