Yashodeep Mahapatra is a B.Com graduate from Nagindas Khandwala College’s Class of 2019. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB), Yashodeep has a keen interest in finance. His commitment to becoming a competent and socially responsible global leader coupled with his approach to the CMAT landed him the prestigious IFMR GSB. Let’s dive into a conversation with Yashodeep to learn more!
What would you say led you to a spectacular 99 percentile on a competitive exam like CMAT?
Though it was a massive achievement for me, in hindsight I think my approach before the exam was what helped me secure a high percentile. I would like to think it is not difficult to score a good percentile in CMAT. A positive mindset was the key factor for me. As I had taken many aptitude exams before, I was more or less prepared for it. Usually, the number of questions to be attempted or a particular score to target is in our minds at the time of the exam, which often clouds our learning process. It impacts our potential score to a great extent. Just giving your absolute best should be in the mind and nothing else.
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Out of the numerous colleges that you could have gotten into, what was your reason behind choosing IFMR Graduate School of Business at Krea University?
Before the start of my B-school journey, I always had an interest and fascination for finance. So, what better than to learn from professors who have rich experience in the industry and teaching finance. IFMR GSB at Krea University was always on my list of colleges owing to its strong legacy and the core finance roles it provides to its students.
What has your experience at IFMR GSB been like?
To be honest, it was quite challenging for me to adapt to the virtual mode of learning. The schedule was tough to manage at first. Managing time between quizzes, clubs and committee work, group projects, and presentations on a near-daily basis was a Herculean task at first. However, I thoroughly learnt how to utilise my time well.
Learning through case studies rather than just skimming through facts was a refreshing change for me - a stark contrast to my learning process during my Undergraduate studies. Apart from case studies, the eight-week Capstone business simulation in trimester 3 was what helped me mindfully apply the concepts I learned year-round in my first year.
How does IFMR GSB prepare its student body for the corporate experience?
IFMR GSB routinely organises mock interview sessions and CV screening sessions with experts to help us in our interview preparation. There are numerous guest lectures every week that help us connect and apply our academic learning with the real-world. Numerous esteemed guest speakers - from CEOs to our successful alumni - share their experiences and knowledge. I am a firm believer in the fact that one can learn more from the life experience of others. As information is only a click away, what makes you different are your experiences and how you approach the situation.
What are some things you would like to share with students preparing for CMAT or those targeting IFMR GSB to pursue an MBA?
Usually, students who prepare for these aptitude-based entrance exams are guided by a mentor or teacher for all subjects. Unfortunately, GK preparation is generally overlooked by most of them. The General Awareness section is the make-or-break section for CMAT test takers and it is not exactly predictable. The best approach would be to routinely refresh your general knowledge at least half an hour every day. One thing I would recommend is not leaving a single topic for CMAT. Because CMAT is not meant to test your expertise in a subject; it expects you to showcase a reasonable degree of proficiency in all its sections which would also be of help in your B-school journey.
My suggestions for aspirants who are targeting IFMR GSB - brush up on your communication skills, stay inquisitive, and prepare not just for the interviews in the immediate future, but for your overall MBA journey. To all the aspirants preparing for CMAT and targeting IFMR GSB, I wish you all the best!
Make an informed decision before you rope yourself in to this institute, which will be a life changer when you come out of it. To be part of the thriving b-school experience of IFMR GSB, click here:https://bit.ly/3g6XiGa