Through the course of this article, I’ve tried to present a not-so-glamorous side of the MBA programme. I clearly had no such idea before joining this course and spending an year at HelL (IIM Lucknow).
Hence, I hope this article helps some of you fellow ignorants (oh wait, that sounds harsh, let me put my euphemism cap on - which essentially comes down to thesaurus-ing it) - the poor “benighted” souls out there who’ve been diverted on this MBA-is-the-one-stop-solution-to-everything path, in making a significantly more informed decision.
Abstract
Looking outside at the blissful afternoons of spring-filled March, makes me ponder how weather perfectly fits as an analogy. Our life as MBA students is best described by the dynamic seasons in the North. Most of it is the scorching heat accompanied by sweaty turmoil - just like our never ending quizzes, submissions and exams. On a few days we feel like everything’s falling apart - like leaves in autumn, but it’s only the build up to an even harsher winter. But how do we still manage to survive? How do IIMs still get the best of the lot around the country?
The answer, lies in the perspective of what you intend to gain from an MBA degree.
For you, what makes blossoming spring days like this possible? What makes the struggle worthwhile at the end of your course?
For a closer look (and to make it look like I’ve sat down and thought this through), let’s break down the MBA journey into 3 parts (See what I did there? The magic of numbers and chronology?
This is how you do well in GDs and WATs - take note, suckers!)
Part 0 : The Decision Making
For freshers, especially the ones who hold good placement offers from their respective institutes, it’s a tough choice between beginning to earn 20+ Lakhs in the next 2 years or spend the same amount for a degree! For those without such offers, and a shot at any good MBA college, the choice is much simpler, so to speak. Nevertheless, all freshers face a dilemma of drifting away from their core engineering learnings (Still more than 70% engineers here!) into the world of managerial “globe”.
For working people, taking a break from work and looking forward to 2 years of rigorous academia is a thought they can’t fathom. It essentially boils down to looking short term v/s long term. If they don’t see themselves progressing well enough the way they are right now, most of them end up thinking of this degree as the one stop solution to all their future problems. Sadly, that isn’t the case.
Once you join the workforce back after two years, the office politics will still be there, the nagging bosses will still be there, the rat race will still be there. As someone wise once said - “Same sh#t, different day!”
Part 1 : The First Year
Sadly, expecting a similar-to-graduation experience, I came here with high hopes of chilling with friends, having “bulla” sessions (that’s what they call random endless conversations in UP), exploring the city (Lucknawi food and heritage), etc.
What I ended up doing for most of my first year was submitting assignments and projects at 23:59:59 (Yes, that’s how time works here), attending pre-placement talks, rushing for CV reviews & HR answers, preparing for internship interviews, screwing up my sleep schedules, ignoring family for days, giving 6-7 exams in 3 days, not going home for more than a week in the entire year, and the list goes on. These are the thorns which we choose to overlook while admiring the rosy picture of an MBA degree.
I did end up making great friends, getting a reputed internship offer, and passing all my courses (maybe learning a few things too on the side), but was the immense stress I went through, worth it? Were the classes on Sundays really needed? Was there really a necessity to schedule an exam the next day of Diwali, Holi, etc? We’ll find out soon enough.
Interval : The Internship
This is just like the work experience you had (or wish to have), only significantly less paid, and hopefully less stressing. This is the part where they extract the max out of you - like shearing a sheep, at the same time feeding it well enough to come back later.
Part 2 : The Final Year
Before I try to generalize the life of a 2nd year student, please allow me to showcase this beautiful flow chart I just hand crafted (this is what MBA courses are all about - structures, matrices, and jargon):
For the “Prepare to Burn in Hell” category, life is the most depressing and extremely difficult over the 2nd year. They end up spending most of the time worrying and envying (read : abusing on a daily basis) the “Party like there’s no tomorrow” category. The coursework does no help. On one hand they try to handle their dwindling academic performances, on the other trying to glorify their CV as much as they can, alongside preparing all there is to prepare for any and every firm that’s going to visit the campus - that’s right, most of us are not as fortunate to have a clear goal (read : guaranteed shortlists).
They end up jumping through hoops they didn’t even know existed. The struggle to not end up in mediocrity is real.
The Conclusion
Final placements happen in January and every institute somehow manages to achieve 100% results and fairy tale packages. Let’s not get into the realities of that.
Let’s not look at happiness or the content %age of these students with their offers. Let’s not ask questions we can’t handle the answers to - like do you think this MBA degree served you good in achieving the goals you wanted to achieve before coming here? Are you happy with how your life has shaped up?
There’s a scare in my heart. I can hear the loud thumpings even as I write these questions - for I am a mere mortal, preparing for the interval, and wishing for a gratifying ending (I wrote “happy ending” and deleted it for obvious reasons).
P.S. There won’t be a proper ending to this article, because I’m still figuring out how life will shape up for me! For those who seek a definitive answer, it simply doesn’t exist.
It’s like answering how many thorns will you let cut through your fingers, to enjoy the aesthetic delights of the rose you desired; or perhaps everyone in your surroundings hyped up, which made it seem desirable to you too.
Comments
Pratik Ranjan
Pratik is an MBA candidate at IIM Lucknow. He is an ardent aspiring marketing strategist. His passion for marketing multiplied multifold post his internship with Unilever, where he was conferred with a PPO. Bitten by the entrepreneurial bug & seized by afflatus to read, write & explore, this twenty-something believes in the power of dreaming with his eyes open. He is a columnist in various newsletters and is up for any discussion that involves the nuances of marketing and strategy. P.S: He's charged by the fuel of caffeine.
Loved the flowchart.
23 Mar 2019, 10.54 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks My Lord. You do see how you still manage to break the flowchart and create your own line? #SomeMenJustWantToWatchTheWorldBurn #MeToo
23 Mar 2019, 11.52 PM |
yatin sharma
Nice Article
23 Mar 2019, 12.18 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks for the appreciation man!
23 Mar 2019, 11.53 PM |
Archana Mishra
You have written this with utter honesty !! Nice !!
23 Mar 2019, 12.42 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Archana, we do need a dose of honesty from time to time :)
23 Mar 2019, 11.57 PM |
Nikhil Sinha
Iitiimshaadi.com
23 Mar 2019, 12.58 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Hahaha is that your favourite part of the article? :p
23 Mar 2019, 11.57 PM |
ANKIT MAGGO
True saying.
23 Mar 2019, 01.19 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks for the support Ankit!
23 Mar 2019, 11.59 PM |
Sukanya Bhatia
Very nice and helpful article.
23 Mar 2019, 01.58 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thank you so much Sukanya. Glad to help.
23 Mar 2019, 11.59 PM |
Prateek Saini
Nice work brother.... Thumbs up
23 Mar 2019, 02.14 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks bro for your support. Appreciate it :)
23 Mar 2019, 11.59 PM |
Nilesh Srivastava
Nice article
23 Mar 2019, 03.04 PM
chetan dua
This is so relatable Great article!
23 Mar 2019, 03.20 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
If it's relatable then I'd say mission accomplished. Thanks Chetan.
24 Mar 2019, 12.00 AM |
Minakshi Gogna
Great!
23 Mar 2019, 03.32 PM
Minakshi Gogna
Amazing!
23 Mar 2019, 03.33 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thank you so much Aunty, it means a lot coming from you!
24 Mar 2019, 12.00 AM |
Divya Jain
I am an engineering student working in IT firm.
Geeat work!!
23 Mar 2019, 03.33 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Divya! :)
24 Mar 2019, 12.01 AM |
Siddharth Singh
Lawyer
Nice article. Keep up the good work.
23 Mar 2019, 03.34 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Siddharth bro. I'll try my best.
24 Mar 2019, 12.01 AM |
Aaushi Agarwal
Superbly written anuj!!!
23 Mar 2019, 04.23 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
It's so nice to see some support from Lucknow :) Thanks Aaushi!
24 Mar 2019, 12.01 AM |
Saloni Mittal
Powerful writing! Kudos!!
23 Mar 2019, 05.54 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Waiting for yours too. Thanks nevertheless. Inspired from #MagnoliaTrees
24 Mar 2019, 12.02 AM |
Apoorva Singh
Impressive ! Your article is so amzing and well written. You’re doing a great job man :) Keep it up
23 Mar 2019, 06.20 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
And you're doing the best job in bringing immense support! I'm truly indebted. Thanks!
24 Mar 2019, 12.03 AM |
Rakesh Kukreja
I think everyone should read this once before considering for MBA. Some harsh truths well covered!
23 Mar 2019, 07.28 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Respect. Thanks a lot.
24 Mar 2019, 12.04 AM |
Vidusi Saraf
Putting the harsh reality forward
23 Mar 2019, 07.38 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Some things needed to be said. Thanks Vidusi!
24 Mar 2019, 12.04 AM |
Abhinav Dixit
Very well written Anuj.
23 Mar 2019, 08.55 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thank you so much Abhinav.
24 Mar 2019, 12.04 AM |
Parikshit Yadav
Nice
23 Mar 2019, 10.20 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Parikshit!
24 Mar 2019, 12.14 AM |
AKASH AGARWAL
What a article...Such a beautiful piece of writing and i can very my relate it to my thoughts. Thanks Anuj for highlighting stereotype.
23 Mar 2019, 10.35 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
I'm glad I could reach your thoughts in that way! Thanks Akash.
24 Mar 2019, 12.14 AM |
Shubham Awasthi
Very well written Anuj. All the best man.
23 Mar 2019, 10.36 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Shubham for your kind words :)
24 Mar 2019, 06.27 PM |
Shreya Bhardwaj
"Does your CV shine bright like a Diamond?" :P You've explained the harsh realities with a tinge of humour. Very well written article.
23 Mar 2019, 10.43 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Sher! You're saved from this trouble anyway.
24 Mar 2019, 12.15 AM |
Yatin Mohan
That's definitely a good article. Kudos n more power to you mate!
23 Mar 2019, 10.47 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Yatindra! May the force be with you too.
24 Mar 2019, 12.15 AM |
Swati Segwal
Na
Wow!nice article,impressed by your eloquence :)
23 Mar 2019, 11.01 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Shabdo ka kya hai, bhaaw achhe ho toh khud-ba-khud piroye jaate hain.
24 Mar 2019, 12.16 AM |
Anita Kukreja
This is indeed helpful to make an informed choice for the MBA aspirant readers of insideiim. Must read.
23 Mar 2019, 11.45 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Happy to help! Thanks.
24 Mar 2019, 12.16 AM |
Nancy suri
Good job. I loved the flowchart, and thanks for putting a honest picture forward :D
24 Mar 2019, 12.04 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
The power of flowcharts and "please" is evident.
24 Mar 2019, 12.17 AM |
Anu Verma
Something every MBA Aspirant must read
24 Mar 2019, 12.05 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks a lot! Much appreciated.
24 Mar 2019, 12.17 AM |
Nikita Kukreja
Great work !! I think every student pursuing MBA can relate his or her life with each and every line written in this article. Moreover, this article will open the mind gates of MBA aspirants and will help them in setting right goal of life which is reality based. Keep up the good work! Waiting for your next input too
24 Mar 2019, 01.39 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks so much for the best comment I've received on here! Glad to help people in any way I can.
24 Mar 2019, 06.27 PM |
Vibhor Sahu
Its a beautiful article. Loved it and it didn't at all scared me.
24 Mar 2019, 04.47 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
It's good to be prepared rather than scared! Thanks for the appreciation Vibhor.
24 Mar 2019, 06.28 PM |
Vimi Gogna
Absolete mere facts, which can also be aligned with overall Indian Education System. Looking forward to read your next blog.
24 Mar 2019, 06.44 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Hope to fulfill your expectations soon. Thanks!
24 Mar 2019, 06.41 PM |
Mradul Yadav
Well written. Loved the way, you described the journey. Kudos!
24 Mar 2019, 03.02 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Coming from a senior, your words mean a lot! Thanks Mradul.
24 Mar 2019, 06.28 PM |
Anushka Chadha
Just perfect !
24 Mar 2019, 03.09 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Anushka!
24 Mar 2019, 06.29 PM |
Vibhuti Sharma
Having completed my MBA I'd say it doesn't get any better. It's just a rat race society wants you to be a part of. Well for your writing, I've never seen a better structured article with perfect element of humor.
24 Mar 2019, 03.17 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
The humor is something I can't live without. Glad to get your approval.
24 Mar 2019, 06.30 PM |
KRISHNAN J ACHUTH
Couldn't have been more accurate brother!
24 Mar 2019, 03.22 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks FinGod.
24 Mar 2019, 06.30 PM |
Tanuja Das
Well written
24 Mar 2019, 03.54 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Anuj Kukreja
Thanks friend!
24 Mar 2019, 06.31 PM |
Manoj Bansal
awesome :P
24 Mar 2019, 04.14 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Manoj bhai :)
24 Mar 2019, 06.32 PM |
Namita Pandey
Very nice article
24 Mar 2019, 05.50 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Anuj Kukreja
Thank you so much Namita!
24 Mar 2019, 06.33 PM |
Shubham Gupta
Good one!!
24 Mar 2019, 06.57 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thank you sir!
24 Mar 2019, 07.28 PM |
Vikas Jha
First year student at IIM Lucknow. Will be interning at Cloudtail India Pvt Ltd. Previously worked in Gas business unit of BPCL. Love writing, singing and playing chess.
Nicely written bro
24 Mar 2019, 07.01 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Vikas bro!
24 Mar 2019, 07.28 PM |
SHREYA VAISH
True and crisp...
24 Mar 2019, 07.02 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Anuj Kukreja
Keeping it real. Thanks Shreya!
24 Mar 2019, 07.28 PM |
Monika Upneja
I must say, this is one good article. Everything Realistic nothing dreamy. Straight head on. Rare people have the courage to write such piece, most people write what others want to listen, all that gloomy shit. Also, I would say this will really help many, though I know it doesn’t have that end, but it still answers many questions. It did answer my questions.
24 Mar 2019, 07.08 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Most of the times reality is harsh, and some things needed to be said. I'm glad it struck a chord somewhere with you and answered some of your concerns. Thanks for the detailed opinion.
24 Mar 2019, 07.51 PM |
Swapnil Ingle
Pursuing MBA from IIM Lucknow
This article perfectly sums it all we have been through..Well written
24 Mar 2019, 07.12 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
I'm glad it appealed to you that way. Thanks Swapnil!
24 Mar 2019, 07.29 PM |
Chetas Sinha
Insightful article.
24 Mar 2019, 07.19 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Chetas!
24 Mar 2019, 07.31 PM |
Payal Sharma
Really liked the article, especially the flow chart. Keep up the good work!
24 Mar 2019, 10.05 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thank you for your appreciation Payal!
24 Mar 2019, 10.17 PM |
Agnese Kindo
It was a great and brutally honest article. It's totally relatable..... Considering the amount of sacrifices you have to make to get to the top :P
24 Mar 2019, 10.39 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Agnese! I'm glad it felt relatable to the brilliant performing, most sacrificing senior at HelL :p
24 Mar 2019, 11.02 PM |
Manika Bhatia
Good work ladke.. proud always ✌️
24 Mar 2019, 11.18 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks ladki! Der aye, thik thak hi aye :p
24 Mar 2019, 11.28 PM |
Shreyash Gupta
Hard truth...Softly written
25 Mar 2019, 12.02 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Shreyash! Means a lot.
25 Mar 2019, 12.05 AM |
Amandeep Singh
I hope you soon route yourself to the category of “Party like there’s no tomorrow” and then will add one more flow to the diagram “Khe k lunga (to life)” Great efforts and writing!!
25 Mar 2019, 12.08 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Hahaha I wish the same man! Nice perspective coming from you. Thank you so much Amandeep.
25 Mar 2019, 03.27 AM |
Aastha Agarwal
HelLite | IITian | Delhiite
Quite intricate and brutally honest! Effort appreciated! :)
25 Mar 2019, 01.29 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Appreciation duly noted. Thanks so much Aastha!
25 Mar 2019, 03.27 AM |
Chirag Bhandari
Apt and to the point. Couldn't agree more!!
25 Mar 2019, 11.31 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks a lot Chirag. You were right, you should've co-authored this with me. Maybe next time!
25 Mar 2019, 05.38 PM |
Jatin Mendiratta
You got me at That Flowchart! :p :p What an amazing way to grab the reader's attention with humor and realism!
27 Mar 2019, 11.28 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Jatin. Much appreciated :)
28 Mar 2019, 12.16 AM |
Arghadeep Saha
I guess the iitiimshaadi website is where like minded people who went through this "burn in hell" connect and relate to. Just another perspective
30 Mar 2019, 12.19 PM
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Anuj Kukreja
Hahaha I like that perspective
7 Apr 2019, 10.44 AM |
Abhaya Nand
For how long you worked at Infosys?
4 Apr 2019, 10.30 AM
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Anuj Kukreja
I've worked for 3 years at EXL, as I mentioned in my bio. Happy to take any questions around that.
7 Apr 2019, 10.44 AM |
Divya Aggarwal
Could not relate more to it. Well Written!!
6 Apr 2019, 01.54 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Anuj Kukreja
Thanks Divya! Much appreciated
7 Apr 2019, 10.43 AM |
Khushboo Chopra
.
Loved the article!!! Somehow have put me back to questioning myself if mba is worth my 2 years and 20 lacs. Ps: I have already taken the admission. And ur article have put me in major dilemma and deep thinking :(
21 Apr 2019, 07.30 PM
Poushali Nandi
Doing MBA from a low ranking college (Christ University) but nevertheless we feel it too. I can only imagine how much harder it will be in IIMs. God bless you for the final year. Well on the brighter side, you guys will be earning so well so soon that at the end it will be fine. Real struggle for us though :-P
22 Apr 2019, 10.04 AM