Know the 'Why' before applying?
The preparation Journey has been very long and challenging but has been extremely rewarding because it was apparent what I wanted. I would also suggest aspirants become very clear in what they want and focus intensely. My motivation to pursue an HR course has been due to the dynamic nature of the role, the possibilities an HR role and the impact it has on people. COVID has fast-tracked the progress to the future, and the HR function as a business partner has never been more critical. HR and OD roles are among the fastest-growing job profiles. All these factors strengthened my desire to pursue an HR course. So, I think it is essential to know why you are applying to a particular course beforehand.
When I went through the HR course curriculum at TISS, I have to admit it was unclear and vague. I talked to a few people and all they could say was ‘HR from TISS is the best’. I had apprehensions and self-doubts to take up a research-based course as I had no idea, what I’ll be doing. After ending up here at TISS, I have realized that the curriculum trains us to work in a very unstructured environment. Businesses nowadays want people who work in unclear and unstructured areas, as anything clear and logical can be automated with software algorithms. So, I believe that courses at TISS are unique, unlike any other business school in the country.
My Preparation Strategy
TISSNET is a decent exam to crack for a person who has prepared for CAT religiously. The additional areas to be focused on would be general knowledge and current affairs. I would suggest following the free videos offered by different preparation institutes. Moreover, a decent memory of your school syllabus in all the subjects might also aid in GK. The preparation for the interview process involved deep introspection and writing about my experiences which came out to be close to 15 pages. I condensed them into short, interesting nuggets and focused on creating stories. The first question usually is about 'Yourself' and requires thorough preparation. I rehearsed that particular question before a mirror numerous times and would suggest the same approach.
My Journey
In early March 2020, I was recovering from an illness that needed hospitalization; that's when I decided to write TISSNET exams again. Then, I was working at an oil and gas firm and was unsure of my career trajectory in the middle of the Lockdown. By this time, I had already given management exams twice and did not convert to the colleges I wanted. Then, COVID created mental turmoil, and we lost a couple of family members. These rejections, my emotional state, and the pandemic were a grim phase in my life.
After CAT, again, I didn't convert to the colleges, I was expecting. I gave TISSNET with a confused mind. The only bright spot then was, I was decent in General Knowledge and current affairs. (That got shaken after I met UPSC folks here). The admission process of TISS changed following the second wave of the pandemic. I think the Cancellation of TISSMAT and introduction of extempore was a shock to me. I remained calm and prepared rigorously for the interview as it was one good shot to the College of my dreams. I had a sense of relief after a long time when I converted HRM&LR at TISS.
TISS allowed me to mingle with non-engineers for the first time. The discussions and diverse perspectives forced me to rethink and opened my mind in many different ways. Just in a couple of days, I realized the importance of diversity which, up until then, I used to avoid (GEM, you see :P). The foundation courses taught here gave us the deep social perspective that is very important for any Human Relations professional. Later, we had to be ready for the summer internship process in a matter of a week. We all scrambled our way to SIP. We owe a lot to our seniors who guided us through, as we were clueless on preparing and equipping ourselves for SIP. This Journey of TISS right from the time I decided to prepare for TISSNET has been an exciting roller coaster ride.
The TISS Factor
TISS is a beautiful place that gives hope to the underdogs. As an average student who has had average grades throughout, I think it is vital for me to address people's concerns who are in a similar phase as I was. The number of failures you have been through, does not matter because one success can cover up for many years of disappointment. A couple of hits like these in a decade can set us for life. Many people who have been rejected for multiple years (including me) have found refuge here at TISS HRM (in other courses too). I think this is something you don't see at other B Schools. TISS does not judge you for your academics and past mistakes or career breaks. . I am fortunate to mingle with very smart people who have had stellar ranks in the UPSC exams but were unlucky. The stories of my batchmates who struggled to speak English or about being clueless in life up until a couple of months ago continue to inspire me every single day.
So, if you plan to come here to TISS, be clear in what you want, put in the work needed, rehearse for interviews many times, and use all the resources available online. Looking forward to seeing you here at TISS. Best of Luck!
Read: A Letter To The Future TISSian!
About The Author
Yashodep S B has a Mechanical engineering degree and has taken up HRM& LR at TISS with aspirations of a career in HR. He likes to meet new people and loves listening to their stories. He also loves to read and explore new technologies.