From An R&D Engineer To IIM Lucknow - One Hel(L) Of A Journey

After I had gained a little confidence in the preparation, I decided to enrol for mock test series. It is advisable to sit for as many mock tests as possible before CAT, as it provides a stimulatory environment and trains the mind to work in a time-constrained structure with varied difficulty levels. I was expecting bad results for my first mock, but surprising I got around 90 percentile (I considered that good enough for my first attempt). That motivated me to prepare in a more focused manner. Around a month before CAT, I dedicatedly studied for at least 3-4 hours each day (even if it meant compromising on leisure time and sleep). And finally, all the effort paid off and I got admission in the prestigious institute I had always wanted.

But resigning from a position of such high responsibility was not easy. I expressed my desire to pursue higher studies to my manager who was gracious enough to support me, but wanted me to be sure of my decision, as I was an essential contributor in my organisation. Eventually, he was convinced. Parting with something you have been a part of, for so long, is not easy. But, nothing comes easy in life. My team threw me a wonderful party and gave me a parting gift with a collage of the team members and me. It is sitting on my study-table here in my hostel room, as I write and grow nostalgic. But that’s the beauty of life I guess. It lets you grow, and growth is never easy, growth requires you to stretch and strain. But the end result ought to make it worthwhile. Well, here’s hoping.