I hail from a Banking family, My father, his father and basically every second person in my family has worked in banks. One could say that my family is married to numbers, but I don’t seem to even understand them. I tried giving various bank entrance exams, which I had failed miserably. After these failures, I realized that I am focusing my efforts in the wrong direction and in fact my passion lies in the field of marketing. I then convinced my family and informed them that I am not cut out to be a banker and wanted to get into marketing. It was difficult for them to accept this as nobody in my family has ever pursued marketing.

Then I started preparing for one of the most competitive management exams, CAT. I worked really hard, gave it my all and attempted the exam with full confidence. I scored 53 percentile. My dreams were shattered. I was devastated. I was demotivated. I felt that I was good for nothing. The spark to become one of the best marketers had died and I had no guts to take any more challenges.

I eventually got a job and was fortunate enough to be working under a manager who always pushed me. He gave me lots of opportunities to prove myself. One day he came up to me and asked me about my future plans, I had none. I told him that I wanted to study further, but my capabilities did not support me. He told me that I was being unfair to myself and that I deserved the last chance. I had worked with the company for 2 years. I decided to give it a shot. I started preparing for my exam along with my job. It was a do or die situation for me. My family was happy to see the spark back in me.
This time the story did not end the same ways as it did earlier, this time I scored well and got calls from various institutions.

I had to fly to Mumbai for my college interview. I was pumped up with energy and was all set for the interview. But maybe the destination had something else planned for me. My luggage got misplaced at the airport, And the airlines promised to track it down by the end of the day. My formal clothes were in that bag. My interview was to start in 4 hours. Super scared I entered the nearest mall. I am not that great with fashion. I usually enter pantaloons and the sales representatives there help me. This time I needed proper formal clothes. I entered Van Heusen. The clock was ticking fast, and I had no idea on what I should buy. I went up to the store manager and narrated my story to her. She was from IIM and could very well understand my situation. She asked me just one question, "what is your budget", that's it. She got me lunch and asked me to relax. Meanwhile, her team got me a perfect dress. I had only 2 hours in hand now. All of her team were there for me. They got me dressed. She gave me lots of tips on how to crack the interview, And also got somebody to drop me at the venue. I made it just in time.

I am presently pursuing my MBA in marketing from the same institution, SPJIMR. If I would have not entered the store, I for sure would have missed my last chance. One thing is for sure that people at Aditya Birla group care for there customers. Irrespective of the businesses or brands.

Namita Keshava Bhat

My last chance, SPJIMR.