My background
I completed my BBA Hons in 2018, followed by 4.5 years of work experience with Kantar in the market research domain.
Entrance exam Prep
At one pivotal moment, I confronted the choice of becoming either a Small Fish in a Big Pond or a Big Fish in a Small Pond. Eventually, I made the decision to take a leap and embark on my CAT preparation journey. Balancing my work commitments while committing to intensive study proved to be quite challenging. However, with unwavering dedication and a structured approach, I successfully carved out specific study hours and made the most of online resources and mock tests to track my progress. Since I couldn't spare time to join a physical institute for preparation, I relied on various free online resources to aid my studies. I found the Rodha YouTube channel invaluable for Quants, Shweta Arora's channel provided quick tricks, the marathon revision series by Byju's was incredibly helpful, and I practiced with mocks by Cracku. Throughout the process, I firmly believe that consistency is the ultimate key to cracking CAT.
Pre-Interview Prep
In preparation for my interview at BITSoM, I conducted extensive research and sought insights from students of both the Co'23 and Co'24 batches, who shared their MBA experiences at this emerging business school. Given that some of these students were part of the founding batch, their perspectives proved invaluable in understanding what qualities the interviewers generally seek in a BITSoM candidate. Furthermore, I dedicated time to familiarize myself with the courses, professors, and specializations offered at BITSoM. In addition, I engaged in self-reflection to identify the unique contributions I could offer as an individual to BITSoM. To ensure comprehensive readiness, I thoroughly prepared myself to address any potential questions related to my curriculum vitae and the essays I submitted as part of my application.
Interview experience
I underwent an interview conducted by Mr. Uday Virmani, the Assistant Dean at BITSoM, along with a distinguished alumnus of BITS. From the outset, they they prioritized my comfort and conveyed their intention to engage in a conversation aimed at exploring my background and journey, rather than conducting an intense interrogation.
Our discussion commenced with an examination of my college experiences and the factors that led to my transition from finance to marketing domain, despite having completed my CMA degree. They inquired about my responsibilities and achievements in my current job, prompting me to provide a detailed account of my project and the specific role I played within it. Furthermore, I emphasized the business significance of my role and the valuable lessons I acquired from it. Expanding upon my expertise in consumer insights, I expounded on its relevance to my aspirations for pursuing an MBA. Additionally, they questioned me about the advantages of my present employment and my motivations for pursuing an MBA five years after completing my undergraduate studies. I shared insights on both the benefits and drawbacks of my job, while also outlining my career trajectory and how an MBA aligns with my long-term goals.
Subsequently, they expressed interest in my extracurricular activities during college and the valuable lessons I derived from them. When I mentioned my leadership of a small team at work, they probed into the challenges I encountered in that capacity, presenting hypothetical scenarios to gauge my responses. Leveraging my personal experiences, I provided candid answers and suggested areas for improvement in hindsight.
Moreover, they expressed interest in my involvement with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as mentioned in my essay, prompting me to primarily discuss the valuable lessons I gained from those experiences. They also discussed the various specializations offered by BITSoM and inquired if I had any specific preferences. Recognizing my interest in understanding the immersion program and live projects, they ensured to address all my queries on the topic.
Overall, the interview was a comprehensive process, lasting approximately 45 minutes. They meticulously examined each aspect of my curriculum vitae and application, demonstrating a genuine effort to comprehend my character and capabilities.
Why BITSoM?
Making a well-considered choice, I have decided to pursue an MBA at BITSoM, placing it above alternatives like XIMB and IIM CAP conversions. The program's comprehensive curriculum perfectly aligns with my interests, making it the ideal option for me. Several factors contributed to my decision, with the multitude of advantages offered by BITSoM's MBA program being the most influential. First and foremost, BITSoM's emphasis on practical learning, case studies, and industry interactions resonates deeply with my preferred learning style. This hands-on approach ensures I gain valuable real-world experience during my studies, preparing me for the challenges of the business world. Moreover, the distinguished faculty's extensive industry experience and the college's strong industry connections were significant factors in my decision-making process. Knowing that I will be learning from experts who have made a mark in their respective fields gives me great confidence in the quality of education I will receive at BITSoM. The impressive placements for the founding batch further strengthened my belief that BITSoM will pave the way for a successful career transition after completing the program. It is reassuring to see the institution's commitment to helping students achieve their professional goals. Lastly, one of the most enticing aspects of BITSoM is the London Business School immersion program, which promises invaluable global exposure. This opportunity to learn and interact in an international business environment is something I couldn't pass up, as it will broaden my horizons and enhance my understanding of the global marketplace.
Final tips
When aiming to crack CAT, it's crucial to create a well-suited timetable and tailor your preparation strategy to focus on your weaknesses and strengths. At the beginning, you might feel stressed while juggling work performance and CAT preparation, but don't give in to the temptation of giving up. As you progress and refine your strategies, you'll likely find it easier to manage both aspects. Moreover, the work experience you gain leading up to CAT can prove to be highly advantageous during the selection process. On the interview front, remember that an interview is not just about your credentials but also about how well you fit into the school's community and how you can contribute to it. Be yourself, be genuine, and let your passion for the program shine through your essays. Good luck!