Mystory@Baljeet Singh: How I chose my college and career path

Mystory@Baljeet Singh

Since childhood, I aimed to be an engineer which motivated me to choose my subjects in class XI. I was interested in Computer Science engineering but due to my rank in the merit list, I could not get Computer Science. I had an option for Electrical and Electronics Engineering and opted for the same at UIET, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

During my engineering, I planned to go abroad for MS after engineering. I started preparations for GRE in my second semester of engineering but later in due course of time, I realised that it’s not my cup of tea and I should look at my best skills. I realised that I am good in the technical field but I did not want to settle with just doing core technical jobs throughout my life.

During my 4th semester of engineering, I made up my mind to pursue entrepreneurship and started studying about startups and how companies are registered and managed. I started reading about fundamentals of business.

I tried to start few ventures in my college days but could not focus on those because of exams and college assignments; also I didn’t have any person in my circle who could team up with me to take the risk for a new kind of venture and this was the biggest problem I faced.

During my last semesters of engineering I opted out of placements and started focusing on my aim to be an entrepreneur. To test my skills I started focusing on the concept of cooperative farming to help out farmers in my village with the help of my father and few other farmers, which worked well to increase revenue. These all factors motivated me to learn more about business and I chose to do MBA before taking my next step towards entrepreneurship.

How I cracked college admission

Currently, I am pursuing Master of Business Administration at Department of Management Studies, IIT Roorkee. Criteria for admission at this institute is good academics and a good score in CAT exam followed by group discussion and personal interview.  

I only appeared for CAT as my target colleges for MBA were only IIMs and IITs. Apart from CAT, I didn’t opt for any other entrance tests.

For my CATexam, I didn’t go for coaching classes rather I studied topics from YouTube channels like Khan Academy and few other channels of Indian tutors. I opted for test series to keep a check on my learning of concepts and tracking my rank amongst the other CAT aspirants across the country. I opted for Career Launcher test series, which I feel is good for practice and gives the feel of real test conditions and as many students go with this test series so it helps you to get the right prediction of actual CAT percentile.

I had the interest to do MBA from Manchester Business School and Anderson School of Business, but it was expensive and it also requires good profile which includes relevant work experience and good academics as the criteria. At last I can say that if you have the right attitude to learn something then college plays a secondary role.

My college experience: Tips on balancing work and studies

I believe that managing education and work simultaneously is not any rocket science, it just needs focus towards the right management of time. I divide my day into parts and assign some slots for my studies and other for work. As we have regular classes throughout the week days, therefore, I complete most of my work during weekends.

Our college focuses on overall development of personality of students and hence they motivate students to pursue co-curricular activities along with academics. The college organises various events apart from academics which helps students to develop other qualities which help them in a successful career in future.  

The college is not a place to learn only subjects and pass in them, it also helps us to solve real life situations that arise outside the campus. If I face any problem in my venture, I take consultancy from my professors at the campus. Subjects being taught with the live industry cases help a lot to solve real and practical situations that arise in business venture outside the campus. Apart from college learning sometimes brand of college also plays important role outside the campus as people trust more on your ideas when you deliver any business proposal before them.

As the strength of any structure is defined by its foundation, if a foundation is strong that will support a strong structure. Most of the subjects I studied in my college helped me a lot to run my venture in a planned and successful manner. Basic fundamentals learned in college helps at all stages, starting from concept building to marketing and launching any product. Sometimes practical situations in business are different than learning in college but basic fundamentals learned in college never change. I believe that if we clear our fundamentals in college that will lead to better decisions in our business or venture and other careers in life.

For time management, I can say that avoid wasting time during late nights which happens at most college hostels. Get up early in the morning, as starting your day early can help you focus on more tasks during the day. If we start our day with exercise it keeps us charged throughout the day and increases our efficiency. Division of day into various time slots and assigning each slot with specific task can help you manage your day effectively.

About the Author:

Born in Uttrakhand, I completed my schooling in my hometown. Later went to Panjab University, Chandigarh to pursue engineering and now pursuing my MBA at IIT Roorkee. I am a fitness freak and like to start my day with the gym. I love to read various blogs and articles on health and fitness. My aim is to be the fittest entrepreneur in India.