We are more than halfway to our one-year roller coaster MBA program but still not able to come up with a sustainable plan! Yes, it is MBA, which will prepare you to handle madness, chaos and success if nothing else.
I remember November Afternoon when I came for the interview. Being someone not from Mumbai and knowing the location is Andheri West, little did I imagine to have such a huge and serene green campus. Three rounds of interviews were lined up for us with different interview panel every time. It was difficult as expected, so there was no surprise element in that. I was asked about my dream company by one of the professors and I replied instantly without knowing what I was getting into. I was prepared with the facts and figures of that particular organization but never bothered to think how a day would look like if I work in their Silicon Valley office and which policy of that organization I would like to modify. The first part I sailed through but for the latter no clue. I rambled, tried to sound as much logical as possible but I was not quite hopeful. The day was long but made few friends. While going back, I saw a temple in the campus and was totally impressed. Next day morning I flew back to Delhi but my mind was stuck.
Before I really start with our journey so far, let me give you an overview of our batch. We are not college freshers here. We are a class of students with experience ranging from 5 to 15 years, coming from different backgrounds. So our expectations and apprehension were different. We were not looking for any quick-fix, we were all serious about upgrading ourselves to take the next leap in our career. We came for our induction in December for two days and we were given course materials on Managerial Accounting, Financial accounting and quants. We all religiously completed the assignments and quizzes but the real fun began from January, 2018.
Initial few days were relaxed, I guess that was the calm before the storm. As I said, after getting used to living in our own space, all of us were quite skeptical about sharing a room. We were paired randomly but worked well, no breaking news of killing each other yet, rather some bond which is popularly known as friendship is formed.
During our induction, it was mentioned that class participation (CP) was graded but not a desperate class participation (DCP). There were too many jargons around us and we were not even a month old. But still, things were pretty much under control till z- score and p-value associated with a different confidence level. We became confident using BINOMDIST, NORMSINV. We were taking it lightly but when it came to run a regression and interpret the result, we came to reality. We were loaded with truckload of subjects, assignments, group work, presentation, quiz, end term and a totally packed schedule. Our class starts at 9 a.m. and there is a threat of entry door being locked a minute prior. This was conveyed to us on day 1 and surprisingly it is followed. I live in B-29 and it is precisely seven minutes journey which includes brisk walking, running and climbing stairs to NCR-7. So, most of the time we are left with the only option of skipping the breakfast. There are folks who find it unimaginable not to take shower in the morning, so naturally, for them, drill is even worse. I am somehow lucky in that area.
Whether preparing for an end term, submitting an assignment, managing a long distance relationship or struggling to get used to sleep barely for four to five hours, we have it all. First two months were very difficult but from March we got used to it. We started thinking only about today, that’s all. That’s the best way to respond this crazy journey called MBA. During our PG lab, we got to know ourselves and our sweet spots and most importantly we crafted our very own unique action plans to overcome our weaknesses with the help of the professor. We celebrated Women’s Day and made some memories for life. We have had numerous role plays and brainstorming session. And, I am sure it’s not over yet!
But, life hasn’t only been hectic, it’s been a wonderful learning experience. After a long day, a walk by the lakeside with a friend, while discussing a guest lecture to the new concepts of Blue Ocean Strategy, is all you need to recharge yourself for the next day. In six months we had hardly stepped out of campus but a live Design Thinking project made us explore travelling by Mumbai locals. For people like me, it was a nightmare but then Mumbaikars of our batch helped us to win the battle of “getting into a local”. It is true that Mumbai makes space for everyone and welcomes you with a warm heart.
People say b-schools make you street smart but it's actually the hard work which pays. There came a time when I felt I was lost, I couldn’t visualize my future. I asked myself "Why am I here?" But there is something in the air, anxiety doesn’t stay for long. Goals seem to look achievable. Along with a rigorous curriculum, SPJIMR taught us to establish connections with professional individuals and professors. I share a very special bond with few of them which goes far beyond the arena of MBA life. I will write about that some other time.
It's been three weeks, we are doing our internships. Few of us are in Mumbai, few are not. One more week is left and again that same drill. This phase is going to be lot more challenging for all of us as it is going to be the placement season. The show is on and we are all thriving to come out as individuals with SPJMR's courage and heart.
I think, that’s all for today, let me keep it short and sweet (Hopefully). And my all-time favourite by Robert Frost.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."