ABG (Aditya Birla Group) is one of the largest Indian conglomerates with a strong workforce of 120,000 reaching out to 133 Crore Indian and 35 countries. It has grown continuously since its inception in 1857. It’s hard to not be touched by its vast, versatile and diversified business in more than one way. ABG has been a part of my family’s daily requirements from fashion to kitchen aluminium foil to even the cement that went to build the strong foundation of my father’s home. I, personally, have been a frequent customer of ABG Brands, especially after I started working. My favorite ones are Peter England, Van Heusen and Louis Philippe. Shopping and fashion aside, even after I’m done with all that, there is one way ABG will always remain close to me; it’s through the Vodafone network, the same network that connected me to my family and dear ones when I go for small mountain trekking in secluded areas where no brand reaches, except for ABG’s Vodafone. So no matter what you do and where you go, ABG is so big and diverse that it will always be a part of your life in one way or other.
I remember preparing for CAT in 2016 and in the middle of preparation I started my job which effectively meant leaving my coaching I had joined just a couple of months back at that time. I got engaged so much in my new job, with zeal to prove myself in it, that I completely left my CAT preparation and as expected didn’t score good enough, thereby failing to shortlist for most colleges. The following year I again tried but I didn’t want to spend money on coaching and decided to prepare myself. I did better than before but not good enough to crack Top B-School. It was high time for me to gear up, I decided my next attempt would be my final, a Do or Die situation. I joined weekend coaching classes. With 5 days at office and rest 2 days at coaching center, it was tough to manage time as I had no room for any leisure.
After months of hard work, and a nervous few weeks, results came and I did very well scoring above 99 percentile. But the journey was only half done as now I had to gear up for the interviews and the dreaded Group Discussions. I started preparing for that while still continuing with my job. Though it was difficult managing both work and coaching for one of the toughest exams in the country, I succeeded through my perseverance and with the help of my parents. I got continuous support from them; they help in reducing my household chores so that I could focus on studying only. They provided me moral support every time I felt low or stressed. I myself let go of my leisure activities and social outings to just focus on work and studies.
All of that sacrifice and hard work paid off when I got through to MDI Gurgaon. That was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had, finally getting through to top B-School on 3rd attempt.
Today, I’m here at MDI Gurgaon, working on paving the path for the next stage of my life.