Mystory@Deekonda Venkatesh: How I chose my course and college

Mystory@Deekonda Venkatesh

I was always fascinated by machines and I wanted to pursue Mechanical Engineering, hence I chose MPC in my Intermediate. Later, I pursued BTech in Mechanical Engineering from CMR College of Engineering and Technology, which is one of the top 10 colleges in Hyderabad. I was placed in Larsen and Toubro Technology Services through campus placements. I have worked in L&T for 2 years after which I quit my job to pursue higher education.

Currently, I am pursuing my PGDM from Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad. This is the Number one ranked B-school in South India. The faculty, infrastructure, placements, and extracurricular activities that happen in the campus drove me to select this Institute. I have also interacted with alumni of Institute of Public Enterprise and most of them gave a positive response towards my decision to join this institute.

The lush green campus and world-class infrastructure make it one of the best B-Schools in India. The hostel facility is 5-star rated and is completely air conditioned. We also have all the sports facilities including completely air-conditioned gym.

The course I chose at IPE is PGDM-General as it is its flagship program. Also, this program is recognised by AICTE and is given the status of MBA equivalence by AIU.

How I cracked college admission

I have given my CMAT in January 2016. I did not attend any coaching sessions and prepared on my own with the books I had. I scored 93 percentile in my CMAT. I applied to various B-Schools with my CMAT score. I got admission into Institute of Public Enterprise, Christ University, Xavier’s Bangalore, IMT Hyderabad and Pune.

The selection process of IPE consisted of two rounds – Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The topic for Group Discussion was Startup India – Standup India, after clearing which I attended the Personal Interview, where they asked me about various current topics and personal details. In the GD each panel consisted of 12-15 participants and 2 jury members. Each participant was judged based on his/her communication skills and the knowledge about the topic. The jury was supportive and provided an opportunity to all the participants. Next was personal Interview, it started with the basic question ‘tell me about yourself’. Later, they asked me various questions related to government policies and my stand on various issues. Overall, the experience was good. Proper preparation and knowledge about current affairs is a must to crack MBA admission interviews. Though I got admission into several other colleges mentioned above, I chose to join Institute of Public Enterprise.

What I gained from my college experience

In our college apart from academics, we have several clubs which include cultural club, sports club, literary club and quiz club. We spend the time on campus in the ratio of 80-20, 80% for classroom study and 20% for extra-curricular activities. I am a member in our quiz club and cultural club.

Apart from these activities we are encouraged to participate in various inter-college competitions. Our team won the second prize in Nielsen case competition conducted in IIM-A. Apart from these clubs we have two flagship events Sanskriti our college fest and Startupedia – a national level B-Plan pitch. I am the core team member of Startupedia.

Since I am a mechanical engineer I love the subjects of Statistics, Operations Research, Operations Management and Production Management. We have a world class library at our campus which houses more than 15,000 journals. I love spending time in library soaking my mind in serenity provided by the books.

After joining PGDM in Institute of Public Enterprise, I have realised that the world of business is an ocean. There is a lot to learn in limited time. I have learnt to work in teams, work with deadlines, develop networks, research basics and develop competitiveness. There is no scope for complacency here. Institute of Public Enterprise has taught me to stay on my toes, always!

If given a chance I would like to participate in more number of competitions and interact with as many people as I can. Growing network is an intrinsic part of MBA education. By conducting events such as Sanskiriti and Startupedia, IPE facilitates students to meet like-minded peer group from various institutions across India.

Our college has acted as a platform to help me express myself and pursue my interests. I hope that Institute of Public Enterprise continues to encourage students to continuously pursue their dreams!

About the Author:

I am a dreamer, writer and a bookworm. I’m a travel freak and I love Illaiyaraja’s music. I am also an active quiz enthusiast. Prior to joining Institute of Public Enterprise I have worked in L&T Technology services as an Executive Engineer.

I have been an active participant in extra- and co-curricular activities. I support the cause of education for all and I have been a volunteer in Teach for India.