From Manufacturing to MBA: How Ankit Sharma is bridging both at Jaypee Business School

Ankit Sharma, a Jaypee Business School MBA (Marketing) candidate, has more than five years of manufacturing and techno-commercial work experience. Digital marketing, business analytics, and marketing strategy are his areas of interest. Learning new things, taking part in academic activities, and using strategic thinking to solve practical business problems are some of his interests. 

Q. How did you choose your course of study in school (class XI-XII)? What made you choose your current college/course (undergrad/post-grad)?

A. Both practical and self-aware factors were studied while deciding on my plan of study. I have always been interested in knowing how systems function, whether they be in daily operations, businesses, or academic settings. I was more interested in subjects that blended application, logic, and practical significance than in memorisation. This led me to a stream that would allow me to establish a solid base for my professional development while maintaining a variety of job options.

My interests became more apparent as I advanced in my studies and acquired professional experience. Working in operations gave me a better understanding of how companies operate on a day-to-day basis and how strategy, personnel, and procedures work together to produce outcomes. I also started learning how important marketing is in influencing consumer perception, adding value, and for company expansion. This insight inspired me to supplement my operational expertise with a master’s degree in marketing.

I carefully considered academic curriculum, industry exposure, faculty competence, and peer learning opportunities before deciding on my present college and MBA program. My career ambitions were greatly aligned with the program to give me hands-on learning, case-based discussions, and engagement with current industry needs. I am confident that this course will help me to gain a well-rounded viewpoint by fusing strategic thinking with practical skills.

Q. How did you crack the admission in your current college? What entrance test(s) did you give? Any coaching classes that you took for preparation? Any other colleges that you were trying out for?

A.  It was planning and well-defined objectives that got me accepted into my current college. I started by looking into admission requirements and shortlisting universities that matched my educational background and professional goals. I was able to arrange my preparation by being aware of admission scores, interviews, and overall profile.

In order to be admitted to the MBA program, I took the management entrance exams, which assessed verbal skills, logical reasoning, numeric aptitude, and data interpretation. I took a balanced approach to preparation, preparing frequently through mock exams to increase accuracy and speed while concentrating on refining the foundations. As a result, I can efficiently organise my time and deal with my exam pressure, thanks in large part to mock exams.

I also picked my present college for its practical learning method, industry-focused curriculum, and compatibility with my career goals. The admissions process helped me to solve my doubts about maintaining my career in the management area.

Q. How do 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?

A. I balanced my academics, peer learning, and personal growth during my time in college. My days are organised around classes, group projects, and independent study with a strong emphasis on acquiring real-world information. I have been able to maintain my discipline and goal-orientation because of the campus environment, which promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and ongoing learning.

Note: The views expressed in this article are of Jaypee Business School and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.