Exploring the Journey of Sai Sandeep: From Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru's GIBS Business School

I am Sai Sandeep and I was born in Andhra Pradesh and brought up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. I completed all my education till UG in Chennai and presently I'm pursuing PGDM in GIBS Business School Bengaluru, Karnataka. I am a person with an adjustable mentality. Handling every situation with patience in mind. About my extracurricular activities, I am a district-level & state player in my schooling and I have a certification for a Diploma in Accounting which includes tally and Microsoft Office. My hobby is to chit chat with my friends and family directly not through social media or in any other platforms.

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

Until my 10th standard, I struggled with academics and lacked interest in pursuing higher studies. However, one day, while perusing my elder sister's textbooks, I discovered a newfound passion for the subject of "Accountancy." Regular visits to my father's business acquainted me with concepts like profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and daily tallies. Simultaneously, my proficiency in mathematics prompted me to enroll in a course combining Business Maths with Accountancy. Choosing a group in higher studies rooted in the arts but with a shared interest in Accountancy led me to pursue a B.COM in Accounting and Finance. Unfortunately, the college I intended to join had already filled its vacancies for this program. They suggested BBA instead. Eager to join Vivekananda College, I accepted the BBA course offer. Upon discovering the curriculum at GIBS, particularly the IRE, CPMP, and BMP courses, I was pleasantly surprised. These were entirely new to me, and upon experiencing them firsthand, I realized the value of the fees I had invested in GIBS. Furthermore, the PGDM intake of 180 students at GIBS facilitated more personalized interactions with trainers and faculty members, enhancing my learning experience.

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?

Before completing my undergraduate degree, my college guided us through various aspects such as business, higher studies, jobs, sports, etc. My inclination was towards pursuing an MBA, and I began preparing for CAT-2022. Despite scoring around the 40th percentile, I remained determined. Researching MBA institutions, I gathered information about several options but ultimately applied only to GIBS. Contemplating whether to retake CAT-2023 or explore other institutions, I faced the challenge of many institutions setting entrance eligibility at 60-70 percentile. However, GIBS didn't have such strict eligibility criteria, only requiring candidates to pass the institution's entrance exams and personal interviews. Following these assessments, GIBS approached me with an offer letter based on my overall performance. Gratefully, I accepted the offer and enrolled at GIBS, feeling blessed by the opportunity.

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?

The timings of our institution are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, encompassing 40% of the day within the college premises. Within this time frame, I am immersed in various fields such as human relationships, marketing, corporate finance, international business, applied operations research, and supply chain management. Having pursued BBA as my undergraduate degree, I find myself well-versed in these topics, which fuels my energy and concentration towards my studies. My passion for the future drives my interest in every field, rather than focusing solely on one. Additionally, I hold the position of coordinator in the CSR society, a role that fills me with pride due to the societal impact it brings. Through our society, we have organized numerous significant events within our institution, funded through donations, and aimed at supporting orphanage children among other initiatives. Moreover, our institution offers two major courses under PGDM, namely IRE and CPMP, both of which have significantly impacted my personal growth. IRE has provided insights into establishing businesses amidst diverse landscapes, while CPMP has equipped me with essential life skills and facilitated overall personality development. These experiences have primed me to excel in interviews and thrive in the corporate world.

Q4. What do you plan in future?

My aim is to earn a well designated position in a reputed company. After getting successful in my career with the help of my experience I would like to start a business.

About the Author:

Sai Sandeep M, PGDM Student at GIBS