We know, it doesn’t help that each university has their own timeline of declaring results and confirmation fees. And waitlists can really test your patience.
The unfairness of forcing your choice, blocking funds and the risk of losing everything you’ve worked for in case you want to wait for a better convert can be frustrating. Having been there and done that, we know it’s also equally scary and a feeling of helplessness settles in as some of your family and friends question your decision either way: if you choose to settle for a particular institution or you choose to wait for a better one, thus letting the options in hand go. For this, we can only tell you to introspect and take a decision you can live with if things go wrong.
You could get help from the current students in institutions, provided you ask the right questions, you would be surprised with the amount of data you could collect at city meets and by personal messaging a few seniors your queries in a comprehensive manner. Reasonable curiosity will lead you to platforms where useful nuggets of information can be found. And honestly, it is purely your choice at the end of the day because A) An MBA costs a pretty penny B) You’re not going to a B-School again. Most people choose to go to a B-School to get them a different career path, so the weight of choosing right this time is all the more paramount. But it may also be true that you don’t feel assured that you know the taste of what is on the table before you are being asked to pick one dish and eat it for the rest of your life.
It’s a common confusion and one that you’ll vaguely question even after you’ve decided: Your stream/domain. One aspect of it is that should your research not fit what you’re actually being taught, you’re trapped in a specialized field and it’s going to be extremely difficult to switch. The other is that you could have a deeper knowledge in an institute with a reputation for a defined stream. The easy way out tends to be generalized institutions (where you could study subjects of all domains for the first year and choose your domain in your second year) but of course, the real answer is…you. Only you can read up on the internet about various streams, talk to relatives or mentors who are in the field, maybe take an online course or browse YouTube- the bottom-line is, you’ve got to stop worrying and try to get as much information as you can to see what you like. As a convert, you will be privy to more information than the regular aspirant so make use of it.
However, a pinch of caution is advised when it comes to Placement Reports and the fact that it is never advisable to make a decision about a B-School solely on the basis of that report.
Getting placed in a good company is not an unreasonable expectation to have out of a B-school; you know you have toiled like crazy for it. But consider the following: How many Top B-Schools exist in India today? Does this country need this number of B-School graduates every year?
So does the above answer mean that life is not “set” even after getting into such a glamorous B-School? Contrary to what people believe, the answer is no, and yes. Let me explain: Business school is very definitely a magnificent place to be, but it is the people who make it so. It is the opportunities you try, the risks you take, the mistakes you make, the times you bounce back after a let-down (there will be many of that). It is easy to become complacent once the routine is established, but you’ll have to earn your place, whether it is a job, a club/committee, competitions, and the thousand opportunities that will be available to you, if you open your eyes and keep your brain in your head and your heart in your chest. Network with elegance, if placements keep you up all night. Do you have no work experience? Take up live projects, or even better, bring them on campus yourself. Show them that you can take up leadership positions in a way people senior to you have not. You have the power, if only you know how to use it with maturity and tact. Because in the long run, these twenty months will be the most memorable but you have to sacrifice a little sleep.
Of course, the first few weeks are going to be hard, there will be an endless number of things you’ll have to do. You may feel drained, physically, mentally, emotionally. But most of what you do in the hallowed grounds of B-school is worthwhile, and it is important to keep the upward momentum. This is the path you have chosen and you take the good parts with the exhausting- if you’re smart, you’ll eventually find a way to make even that enjoyable. This is the pride of most IIMs (as well as B-Schools of the same league) and also their cross to bear.
We say so, because it’s quite a transition for us as well, to step into the shoes of a senior. Having seen our campus (IIM Trichy) grow every day alongside us, like a living thing, we’ve shared the naturally challenging phase like when a butterfly breaks out of a cocoon. We are in love with what you’re going to see in July 2018, because some of us know what had to pass for it to have this effect on you, Class of 2021. We are proud of how much has happened over the past year, and now we place the mantle in your hands to take this institute to the heights it is intended to. We believe that the Class of 2020 has potential beyond us, and that brings with it your burden of fulfilling our expectations, beginning with the promise of mutual respect and shared perseverance.
Looking forward to welcoming you into our family,
Yours Truly,
Class of 2019
Comments
Pavani Kavala
Very well written Riddhi.
17 May 2018, 11.51 AM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Thanks Pavani!
18 May 2018, 11.31 PM |
Rutul
Rutul is a PGP student at IIM Trichy (Class of 2019). He has done his under graduation in Commerce with prime focus on accounting. A finance enthusiast, his areas of interests are : corporate finance and capital markets. A voracious reader, he also likes to write in his free time. Currently, he is a member of External Relations Committee and FinvesT, Finance and Investments Club at IIM-Trichy.
A refreshing read. :)
17 May 2018, 12.01 PM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Thanks :)
18 May 2018, 11.32 PM |
Rohan Daftary
PGPM Student | Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy)
Wonderful read!
17 May 2018, 12.30 PM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Thank you!
18 May 2018, 11.32 PM |
Rama Subramanian
other side of the Looking glass is inspirational, content,supportive , deep thought process.very well done Riddhi Keep up the good work and looking forward for the next one... I feel the context is not restricted to college life it is applicable in real life as well.
17 May 2018, 02.54 PM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Thank you for your words of encouragement
18 May 2018, 11.33 PM |
vijay chauhan
.........Donnooo.....if u knw smthng let me knw :P
Nicely put
17 May 2018, 04.48 PM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Thanks, Vijay
18 May 2018, 11.34 PM |
IPSITA BISWAS
I am a 2017 BSc passout currently working in a startup and preparing for 2018 CAT. I believe getting an MBA will give me the necessary exposure to business world as well as shape my future. I hope I can make it to a good B school after this hectic but exciting year.
Amazing article!
18 May 2018, 10.05 AM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Glad you liked it :)
18 May 2018, 11.36 PM |
Sushmeeta Das
Pretty well written.. thoughtful..and motivating. Especially at this stage of life when we are waiting for results and time seems like forever. Thanks.
18 May 2018, 02.37 PM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
I'm pleased to know that this helps ! All the best :)
18 May 2018, 11.37 PM |
Raghav Jain
Nice read.
24 May 2018, 10.34 PM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Thanks :)
24 May 2018, 11.38 PM |
Seshagiri Vempati
Do you have no work experience? Take up live projects, or even better, bring them on campus yourself. Reading these lines putting confidence for us.
6 Jun 2018, 08.53 PM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
No, I do not have work experience, but I believe in what I wrote, that opportunity comes to those to know to honour it.
8 Jun 2018, 01.03 PM |
Dipti Madan
Dipti Madan AVP HR & Quality, Graduated with Marketing Management, Certified Six sigma BlackBelt Indian statistical institute Bangalore, won president quality award on improving customer satisfaction with Bharti Airtel. I come with 19 years of experience and have worked in various functions starting from front office to sales& marketing, operations, business excellence -quality team,HR and quality.currently undergoing executive course with IIM Lucknow Advanced Program in Leadership Business Excellence.
Hey Riddhi.. thanks..good read. I come with 19 yrs of work experience which I know is not just enough..and still such a letter motivates me. Currently pursuing MDP with IIM Lucknow..
21 May 2019, 11.38 AM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
Thanks for your kind words, Dipti. They mean a lot to me. I wish you the very best and hope you have the most enriching experience at IIML.
24 May 2019, 07.35 PM |
Aman Rathod
Sharing this stuff really motivates a whole lot of people (including me). Thank you
21 May 2019, 11.53 AM
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Riddhi Kalra
Likes to appreciate the brilliance in mediocrity and the beauty in humility. A banker by the week and writer by the weekend. Alumnus of IIM Trichy (Class of 2019)
It is heartening to hear that, Aman. I wish you the very best for all that is in front of you this year
24 May 2019, 07.33 PM |