Bishal Kumar Panda: Navigating the Path to Success

I'm Bishal Kumar Panda, from Rourkela, Odisha and pursuing PGDM at GIBS Bengaluru, and I'm motivated by an unwavering enthusiasm for business and creativity. I have a strong foundation in business management thanks to my academic career, and my participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates my leadership abilities. In challenging situations, my adaptability and problem-solving skills shine.

Q1. How did you choose your course of study in school (class XI-XII)? What made you choose PGDM at GIBS?

I completed my 10th and 12th from Sri Aurobindo's Rourkela School, which is affiliated with CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations), New Delhi, specifically the Indian School Certificate Examination. In class 10, when given the opportunity to choose a specialization—Commerce, Science, or Art—I opted for Commerce and continued with it due to my keen interest in business and my aspiration to become an entrepreneur. This interest in business led me to pursue a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) with a specialization in marketing at Rourkela Institute of Management Studies (RIMS). Currently, I am pursuing PGDM at GIBS (Global Institute Of Business Studies), Bengaluru. I was drawn to GIBS primarily because of its flagship curriculum under PGDM, namely Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship (IRE). The specialized trainers of IRE assist students in developing innovative business ideas, conducting research on these ideas, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. I have greatly benefited from this program, as it has molded my mindset and prepared me for the world of entrepreneurship.

Q2. How you cracked admission at GIBS? What all entrance test(s) did you give? Any coaching classes that you took for preparation? Any other colleges that you were trying out for? What challenges did you face while opting for this college?

I gained admission to GIBS (Global Institute of Business Studies), Bengaluru, by successfully passing through the initial stages: the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and then the Personal Interview. Following my interview success, I became eligible for admission. My sole entrance exam was the CMAT (Common Management Admission Test), qualifying me for the PGDM Course at GIBS, Bengaluru. Although I began coaching with Career Launcher, I discontinued for personal reasons. Despite exploring numerous options, my preference was firmly set on admission to this college, largely due to its exceptional IRE and Business Mastery programs.

Q3. How you spend your time at college? Which classes do you like to attend? Which extra-curricular activities are you a part of in college? If given a chance, what else would you want to do? How has your college experience changed you as a person? What opportunities do you see in future?

My classes typically run from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, occasionally ending at 4:30 PM on certain days. Consequently, I dedicate approximately 8-9 hours to college each day, encompassing class time and any additional assignments or tasks that may arise. While I make a point to attend all classes, I have a particular fondness for marketing sessions. Marketing intrigues me, and I aspire to specialize in it during my second year or fourth trimester. Beyond academics, I actively engage in extracurricular activities, often volunteering for various roles such as organizing events, maintaining discipline, extending hospitality, among others. Moreover, I am an active member of the marketing society. Given the opportunity, I am eager to delve deeper into market dynamics, customer behavior, and sales strategies. This knowledge is crucial as I harbour ambitions of becoming an entrepreneur or CEO, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these domains.My college experience has profoundly impacted my personal growth. I now exude greater confidence, relish social interactions, and eagerly seek advice from others. Looking ahead, I envision further enhancing my public speaking skills and developing the ability to navigate diverse situations with confidence and composure.

Q4. What do you plan in future?

Currently I'm pursuing PGDM after that I would like to work in the domain of marketing & sales so, that I can gain more knowledge about the market and the customer behavior and after working for years, I would open my own company become a entrepreneur or else I would like to work in the corporate world and become the CEO of the company, I would. it's not easy to get the position but I will work hard and dedicated myself to the company and one day I will become the CEO of the company.

About the Author:

Bishal Kumar Panda, PGDM student at GIBS