TRY AGAIN.
FAIL AGAIN.
FAIL BETTER.
This quote from the Irish poet Samuel Beckett can be found on the left forearm of Swiss tennis player Stanislas Wawrinka. At Australian Open 2014 he became the first player in 20 years to beat both the top seeds en route to the trophy. It was his 9th season on the tour and his first Grand Slam title. But why am I talking about a tennis player on a community for management students you might wonder well that’s because throughout my life I have failed multiple times and each time it was this quote that kept me going.
Interviewer: Why is your graduation percentage so low Mr. Singh?
Me: Pune University parsimonious in handing out marks, tried too many things, new place, didn’t like engineering (Truth :p) etc etc
This was the question that haunted every interview I ever sat for. The 30% gap between my 12th and graduation scores was the first thing that caught every interviewer’s eye. I tried various combinations of the reasons stated above but to no avail. I wrote the XAT 4 times scoring 99+ in 3 of them and appeared for a combined total of 6 times for the interviews (BM+HRM) before I finally converted the BM interview call last year. Every year I prepared a new answer and every year it got shot down and I finally realised that nothing but the truth would work so I told them that I did not make the required effort and that is why my marks are so low. But, telling the truth is not enough one has to show that they have tried to overcome these failures. That’s where the Fail Better part comes in, sometimes when the going gets rough one just needs to put their head down and get to work. That’s what I did, I concentrated on my job and received 2 awards for my efforts, these awards helped a lot in convincing the panel that my engineering marks were not a permanent indicator of my ability and that I had actually tried to mend my ways. I also read up on business and kept tabs on the happenings in the corporate space which came in handy during the interviews.
So, what can you take away from my struggles?
Firstly, no obstacle is big enough. It’s just that the bigger the obstacle more is the effort required. People will tell you that you can’t do it and it would come from those closest to you not as a criticism but as a concern, concern that failure might destroy you. When you are that heavily invested in something the ones closest to you are the first to realise that it might end up hurting you. But, it is you who has to decide whether the fight is still worth fighting or not. If you still have the fight in you after getting a sound thumping my advice would be to listen to the naysayers but ignore their advice. The only way to be sure of a result is to not enter the competition at all, so why not give it your best shot who knows you might get lucky, I know I did!
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Comments
Shamik Bandopadhyay
RBS-PPO | SAC - XLRI | ABG Scholar Nominee | Quora Enthusiast
An amazing story of endurance. I hope it gets the reach it should.
20 Mar 2019, 03.58 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Thank you :)
21 Mar 2019, 03.23 AM |
Abhishek Panwar
Amazing
20 Mar 2019, 04.11 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Thanks :)
21 Mar 2019, 03.24 AM |
Chittabrota Ghar
Firstly, I would acknowledge the privilege given to introduce myself. Hailing from Kolkata, I have got within myself a few popular traits of a Bengali like being liberal,a gourmet and an enthusiast newspaper reader. My stellar communication skills and updated knowledge on various topics have enabled me to take part as well as lead many debate competitions in school and college. I am an engineering graduate in the year 2016 from an institute of national importance and have work experience of 20 months in reputed consultancy firms like Musigma and PwC. Overall I am a peace-loving and helpful guy and my hobby is teaching where I have ample experience both in social as well as commercial sectors.
really mesmerised by your patience and tenacity to achieve your goal and finally attaining self actualisation!! Hats off to you!!
20 Mar 2019, 04.16 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Thanks Chitto :)
21 Mar 2019, 03.25 AM |
Manglam Joshi
I am a big data developer willing to join good management institute.
Brilliantly written, thank you for sharing your experience, you are an inspiration buddy.
20 Mar 2019, 06.58 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Thanks bro
21 Mar 2019, 03.26 AM |
DEBOPAM GHOSH
Mechanical Engineer at Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles. Poet, bibliophile and left handed opening batsman by choice.
Genius is more about sweat than talent and you are a living embodiment of that. More such successful tales to come!
20 Mar 2019, 10.14 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Hopefully, Thanks :)
22 Mar 2019, 12.17 AM |
Umesh Kumbhekar
Amazing story bro ..... U always motivated to me through your knowledge
20 Mar 2019, 10.16 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thanks :)
22 Mar 2019, 12.18 AM |
Yogesh Kumbhekar
It's hard to beat a person who never gives up. all the best for future brother..!!
20 Mar 2019, 10.18 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thanks :)
22 Mar 2019, 12.18 AM |
Aditya Maheshwari
Loved how you have put thought on ' fail better '.
21 Mar 2019, 12.22 AM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
that's the most important part of the process, which, I am sure you are already aware of Maheshwari Ji :)
22 Mar 2019, 12.20 AM |
Rajan Bhave
Very Inspiring !! Needed some food for thought and came across this.. Just made my day !! Thanks !!
21 Mar 2019, 12.34 AM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
glad to have been of help :D
22 Mar 2019, 12.21 AM |
Abhilash Nandy
Finally someone said it: it's the truth that takes you places, not any cock-and-bull story; something every aspirant should keep in mind! Nice story!
21 Mar 2019, 01.10 AM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thanks bro :)
22 Mar 2019, 12.21 AM |
Roshni Dasgupta
@Abhilash Nandy not necessarily.. sometimes the truth is the cause of your rejection in the interviews. It all depends upon the interviewers, how they perceive your answer.
25 Mar 2019, 10.21 AM |
Prashant Gupta
Amazing and very inspiring, keep it up buddy...
21 Mar 2019, 09.03 AM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thanks :)
22 Mar 2019, 12.22 AM |
vickram kumar
Nothing
Its really inspiring.I highly appreciate & admire your determination & positive attitude that accelerated u to keep trying wid positive attitude.
21 Mar 2019, 01.55 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thanks :)
22 Mar 2019, 12.22 AM |
Hari Haran
I am an MBA aspirant
Wow you are truly inspiring bro
21 Mar 2019, 02.34 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thanks
23 Mar 2019, 12.37 AM |
Abhirup Datta
BREAK THE ODDS
Amazingly inspiring
21 Mar 2019, 03.38 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thank you
23 Mar 2019, 12.38 AM |
Sayangdipto chakraborty
I am the best
Inspiring to say the least. A must to read for every aspirant in all walks of life
21 Mar 2019, 04.35 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
thanks a lot :)
23 Mar 2019, 12.38 AM |
Sibaji Dey
<i>Justin Bieber, Darshan Raval, Niall Horan & Zayn Malik fan Forever <3</i><br>
Very Relatable for me. I too have a gap of 25% between class 10 and class 12. (Currently Pursuing B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering, 3rd Year) & this always demotivate me whenever I think of preparing for any MBA entrance exam because I always have that felling back in my mind that no matter what I do, I won't land in a good premier b school. You story gave me a hope and will serve as a motivation for me. Thank You so much ❤
25 Mar 2019, 11.31 AM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Glad to have been of service and thank you for the kind words.
25 Mar 2019, 06.14 PM |
Shruti Ganesh
Well earned ! Congratulations ! All the best for the course :)
15 Apr 2019, 09.14 PM
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Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Thanks
17 Apr 2019, 04.32 PM |
Dehit Garaga
Really looking forward to your future endeavours at XLRI. Truly deserving.
16 Apr 2019, 09.48 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Parminder Singh
XLRI(BM), Batch of 2018-20. A Himachali Army brat who has lived in 10 different cities and studied at 5 different schools. Love Quizzing, Reading and Watching Movies. Electronics and Telecommunication engineer from the University of Pune.Software Developer for 3.5 years before coming for an MBA.
Thanks bro ☺️
17 Apr 2019, 04.32 PM |
Sai Teja.R
passionate about business,finance,cricket,books.investment banking or finance aspirant
Hi parminder, I graduated in 2018 and enrolled in Acca but unable to complete. So i decided to gain work experience but rejected in final rounds. Should i prepare for mba this year with this gap? I have 60 +throughout the academics. I am interested in finance and how should I make my profile better?
22 Apr 2019, 11.10 AM