Preparing for the MBA has not merely been an academic journey; it has been a series of transformative learning experiences. I was never a particularly patient person, but this journey has taught me the value of patience, time management, and a host of other essential skills.
My aspiration to pursue an MBA began when I chose Marketing Management as an elective during my undergraduate studies. I completed my Bachelor's in Technology with a specialization in Information Technology. However, when I graduated in 2023, my job offer was revoked due to unfavorable market conditions. I began applying for software development roles but faced multiple rejections. Filled with doubt and skepticism, I continued applying persistently.
Eventually, I secured a job in sales—a field I was initially hesitant about. However, taking up this opportunity turned out to be a turning point. It provided me with valuable knowledge and insights into the world of sales, reinforcing my interest in pursuing a career in business and aligning well with my future goals.
In the same year, I began preparing for the CAT exam and enrolled in a nearby coaching institute. I attended the classes diligently, although I struggled to maintain consistency with mock tests. Unfortunately, I couldn’t perform well on the day of the exam.
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Looking back, one of my key mistakes was a lack of consistency in my preparation. Additionally, I didn’t get adequate rest in the 2–3 days leading up to the exam, which affected my performance. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that consistency is crucial—and in the final days before the exam, it’s equally important to stay calm and get sufficient sleep to perform at your best.
That same year, I also appeared for other exams such as the NMAT, GMAT (Focus Edition), etc. I performed decently in some and even received a few calls. However, deep down, I wasn’t fully satisfied with my performance.
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That year, I applied to only a small number of colleges because I became overly selective. In hindsight, I realized the importance of applying to a broader range of institutes. Not every exam day may go in your favor, so it's wise to keep your options open.
I decided to give it another try. This time, I chose to self-prepare, as I didn’t find coaching very effective. Instead, I relied on YouTube, previous years’ papers, and other online resources. I also purchased a mock test series to strengthen my preparation. My mock scores used to be on and off. Along with full length mocks, I used to give a lot of sectionals also to analyze each section and find out my weak and strong parts. Unfortunately, this time things didn’t go as planned—I fell ill just before the CAT exam and couldn’t appear for it.
I was heartbroken. I cried, I lamented, but I knew that nothing could change what had happened. The only option was to shift my focus to what lay ahead, as I didn’t have the luxury of time to dwell on it. Fortunately, I was shortlisted by several reputed colleges, including XIMB-BM, BITSoM, TAPMI, NMIMS, IMT-G, and a few others.
I began preparing for the GDPI process with full vigour. I found an affordable online GDPI preparation course and decided to enroll. My goal wasn’t just to passively absorb what was being taught, but to become part of a community—one where people shared their experiences, where we were guided on how to prepare effectively, and where I could learn from others’ journeys, including their mistakes, so I could improve my own approach.
Alongside the course, I prepared wholeheartedly on my own. I made it a habit to read a physical newspaper every day and dedicated 5–6 hours reading it.
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During this time, I dedicatedly self-prepared also. And I find that YouTube is such a beautiful resource to learn and broaden your mindset. Also, Instagram is not just for scrolling, rather it has a pool of excellent pages that can help you not just for interviews but for your whole MBA journey.
Also, one more thing that I discovered was that networking has such a great power. Earlier I used to think that I may be bothering someone and used to get hesitant, but as I build this power slowly and gradually, this has so much in it. You’ll find that though not all but people out there are so kind and ready to help you out. You tend to get fresh perspectives.
If I summarize my whole interview preparation and experience journey, the following are the important pointers-
- Whatever you are doing or have done in the past, especially if you're mentioning it during interviews, you should be thoroughly familiar with every detail.
- During my undergraduate studies, I was initially skeptical about joining student societies, as my friends believed they weren’t worthwhile. However, I chose to follow my instincts and joined two societies. This experience helped me become more confident and brought out my leadership skills, which I was able to highlight effectively during interviews.
- I have always been inclined toward social work, which led me to join a social club. This became a strong talking point during interviews, as it reflected my intent to contribute to society and my mindset of giving back to the community.
- Another initiative I took, driven by my interest in marketing, was starting an Instagram page where I posted about business strategies and market trends. This aligned well with my career goals and allowed me to explore marketing in a practical, engaging way.
The Result:
I converted a few B-schools, which are XIMB-BM, Tapmi, KJ Somaiya, BITSoM, Fore School of Management, and Great Lakes.
I chose BITSoM—where I applied through the GMAT Focus Edition and scored 665—after thorough research and conversations with current students and alumni.
While a part of me felt disheartened for not making it to the big, prestigious IIMs I had always dreamed of, I chose instead to focus on gratitude and growth. I was genuinely proud of what I had earned through resilience and hard work, knowing that every step forward is part of a much larger journey.
Also:
- Always believe that prayers do work—it’s just a matter of time. What truly matters is showing up every single time, even when all the odds are stacked against you.
- Ignore the unnecessary chatter around you; stay focused on your goals and keep moving forward.
