Mystory@Mayur Mundada: What I gained from my college years

Mystory@Mayur Mundada

I chose PCM as my stream in 11th standard, majorly because I had scored very high in my 10th in these subjects. Biology did not excite me and hence I did not go for that. Post that, I had enrolled at Narayana Coaching for IIT JEE in my hometown, Aurangabad and got through JEE with a rank of 2113. I got Civil Engineering in IIT Madras. I wasn't that excited with Computer Science and other branches. Hence, I opted for Civil. JEE rank pretty much decides your branch. But of course you do get a choice especially with new IITs with my kind of a rank.

If given a chance, I would have chosen computer science in a new IIT probably!

My college years definitely were the most fantastic years! Almost all the classes were very boring. I felt as if I wasn't interested in Civil Engineering much but I made some really good friends and that made it fun! Bunking classes, putting in all nighters, watching movies, crazy bike rides and sleeping in classes made it an invaluable experience. The teaching at IIT is really good if you are interested in your branch. But most importantly the resources and network of IIT is what makes the experience worth remembering. There were many extra-curricular activities and inspiring lectures outside of classes/core curriculum that I participated in. That is what had a huge impact in the long run.

There were EML lectures, various workshops and conferences related to entrepreneurship, civil services, life after IIT, etc. There were many alumni who we got to interact with, who shared their stories and learnings. My interest in finance as well was triggered from these interactions.

I started a company by the name Neznox - Basics of stock market for college students while at college. It was growing really well but the team split and we had to shut shop. Later, the experiences led me to cofound http://ambitionbox.com/ after I graduated from IIT.

The startup – ‘Neznox’ I attempted, got a really good response from students and that encouraged me later on as well when I was quitting my job to start another company. Life outside of classroom is what really shaped a lot of my friends as well! The exposure, network and free weekends ensured you could really pursue anything in life!

After a small stint for a year with Deloitte and JP Morgan, I cofounded AmbitionBox.com. Ambitionbox.com helps people with their Job-Interview Preparation and provides access to in-depth authentic information about a company. We provide interview questions, experiences and tips from people who have already been selected at various companies - http://ambitionbox.com/interviews. Recently, we launched another product giving job-seekers free access to information about a company’s story, products and services, office photos, team, office locations and much more - http://ambitionbox.com/companies

I feel I made a lot of mistakes midway but I think making mistakes is part of whatever small success I have achieved so far.

About the Author:

Mayur is an alumnus of IIT Chennai and is the Founder & CEO of AmbitionBox.com. He enjoys brainstorming ideas, meeting new people, reading books, and getting inspired by founders of various great startups around the world!