I chose MBA over job after BCom (Hons): Saumya Gupta

Graphic Era University

"The only time you look back is when you see how far you have come.

That is when you realise, your life is more than a rule of thumb."

Life is not easy and we have been hearing this since long. At times we do not get what we wish for but we get what we deserve and is better for us.

The same happened with me which makes my career story.

After securing 92.4% in high school with Science in ICSE Board 2013, I was confident enough to get good grades in class 12th as well, but it did not happen.

To ensure good grades, I took the Commerce stream, having in mind the perspective that Commerce stream is easy and I could easily get admission into one of the top commerce colleges in Delhi. Moreover, I was sure that I would make my career in the Commerce stream because many of my elder cousins were from this background and they were doing well in life and earning a good income. Being a bright student since childhood in school, I never thought of engaging myself in any activity other than studying, although I actively participated in extra-curricular activities. I was in the same school since kindergarten in Dehradun, my hometown.

I was doing well in studies in class 11th and became the topper, but the negligence of studies in class 12^th dropped my grades and I scored only 79.4% in board examinations.

I could not get admission into my dream college or any other top college in Delhi University. However, I applied for Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Punjab University and went to Chandigarh on the counselling day. I was just one step back from taking admission but my mind changed and even my parents were not satisfied with the college I was getting according to my less marks, so I came back home.

After enquiring about different colleges, I applied at Graphic Era Deemed University for BCom (Hons) in the year 2015. The college was at a distance of 5 km from my home. Later, I came to know that many of my schoolmates had also taken admission there. Initially, I was not happy and satisfied, but I never knew that by the time I would pass out from this college, I would have achieved fame, made many memories and would learn so much. It was a kind of direct admission into the college based on merit via which I qualified.

I tried to make the most of my college in the three years 2015-2018. Surprisingly, I became the first semester topper and had an opportunity to dine with the President of the university, Prof. (Dr.) Kamal Ghanshala, along with my parents. My faculty members and everyone praised me for my hard efforts and I did well in studies in all semesters. Apart from studies, I actively took part in various different kinds of extracurricular activities that moulded my personality and built confidence inside me. I achieved many certificates of appreciation as well. I was also given an opportunity to work as an intern at the Internal Admission Cell during summer vacations in 2017.

I worked there for a month and earned a stipend of Rs. 13,333. This was one of the best experiences of my graduation days. I was in contact with the superiors and high authorities of the university. Not only this, I was also the brand ambassador of Paytm for 3 months as an intern.

That was the first time I went through any interview process and it was successful. With time, I was realising that my decision to take admission in this college was fair. However, the only mistake I committed was trusting people easily. My faculty members would give my examples in classrooms as I was a bright student who used to complete assignments on time and give good presentations. My communication skills also improved owing to the extracurricular activities that I participated in. I even won debates and other competitions. I had also given many stage appearances at many functions.

The biggest achievement was winning the second prize of Rs.50,000 in National Sustainability Case Competition in February 2018 held at Noida which was a team effort by me and my other partner. This competition made my name popular and I achieved good wishes from everyone. My college also was proud of me and that made me happy.

I felt that the dream of getting my name into the college prospectus and do something for my college and department was fulfilled by the end of the last semester. I had this thought in my mind at the time of admission and for me, it was turning dream into reality which suits the motto of my college, "transforming dreams into reality". I also mentioned it in the poem during my farewell speech.

Talking about placements, I got selected in two companies, Tech Mahindra and People Scout. However, I did not wish to join any company and do a job after graduation. I was clear with my objective of doing MBA as my post-graduation and then do a job. I just went through the interview process of these companies and I qualified all the rounds.

For me, my Graphic Era family was an integral part in my career life and I shall never forget the learning and experiences. In the second year, I took coaching for Common Admission Test (CAT) to get into a good MBA college, but I scored less percentile. I also gave other entrance exams like SNAP and NMAT, but scored less again. I could not manage regular college life and coaching together but without wasting time, I applied at Amity University, Noida for MBA and I qualified the entrance, the GD round and the PI session. Soon, classes will initiate in August and I am excited and happy to join Amity for my post-graduation. I hope to work hard like I did at Graphic Era and then get a good job in a reputed company.

In the end, you need to believe in yourself first, and every good thing will follow.

About the Author

Saumya Gupta

I am Saumya Gupta an alumni of Graphic Era University, BCom (Hons) batch of 2015-2018. I have currently enrolled to MBA programme at Amity University, batch of 2018-2020. My hobbies include writing poems and doing some creative work.