Mystory@Nitin Deshmukh: How I chose my course and college

Mystory@Nitin Deshmukh

Facing the Xth board exams was altogether a new experience. I did not feel the pressure of scoring brilliant marks in Xth. I got a decent score in Xth and came to one of the important junctures of my life. My father working as Assistant Officer in Research Centre (i.e. Raja Ramanna Centre For Advanced Technology), I knew that Science is the option I must choose.

With the guidance of my parents and elder sister I took Computer Science as an elective. Two years later, I faced the Board exams again and this time I was a bit jittery and the reason was IIT-JEE. Looking at the importance of subjects of XI and XIIth, I joined coaching. Attending coaching with school studies was advantageous in clearing state engineering entrance exams and revising the important concepts for PCM. I tried IIT-JEE but my scores were not good enough to become part of IITs. Being in the vicinity of a great research centre, Nuclear Physics always fascinated me – the working of big electron/proton accelerators and automation behind its working. I was a bit convinced that my liking and interest is in the field of Science and computation.    

How I cracked college admission

Another important moment of my life was selecting engineering stream. Looking at my liking towards Science, mainly in automation and computation related field, I opted for Electronics and Communication in Medicap Institute of Technology and Management. Four years of engineering was full of learning and fun.

In second year, I along with two of my very enthusiastic friends started working on robotics. We made many robots (mechanical and automated) and earned laurels in various college fests. Though my interest was more towards core electronics but job opportunities in India were very few. Like many other engineering graduates, I was placed in TCS, one of the top recruiters in India. After getting placed in TCS and serving for two years, I felt that managerial skills along with technical skills will be helpful in becoming an asset to any organisation. I started preparing for CAT since May 2015 and joined test series. As mock tests were a good way to evaluate performance, I use to give tests only on weekend. At times, it was difficult to give time for preparation along with my job. I was scoring consistently in tests, but not good enough to get a chance in the IIMs. Based on CAT score I applied in IFMR and knowing the fact that it’s one of the premiere B-Schools for Finance, I decided to join Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR).

My college experience

College life at IFMR is different from UG college. It is the first time that I am experiencing hostel life, as I was a day scholar in my engineering days. Last eight months have been full of new experiences and as expected, hectic like any other top B-School of India. As management is all about real life experiences and applications of theoretical know-how, it makes an individual a perfect candidate for the role of a team leader who can build a team, provide guidance, set expectations, clarify responsibilities and provide feedback for team members in accomplishing the goals. These I experienced while working with students on various team presentations and projects. Culture of working in clubs, committees and competitions in IFMR gives you the experience of dealing with real life issues.

IFMR is known for working towards welfare of society and it is continuously working towards it. ‘Lakshmi Bal Mahotsav’ is a great opportunity provided by IFMR to contribute to the welfare of young school students. In this event college students arrange various events for nearby school children. Another major event is ‘Swachh Bharat-Run’ organized every year by IFMR, where participants are people from nearby industries and localities, students of IIIT-Chittoor and IFMR-staff members. This clearly reflects that you don’t need to fit into the society or reform in order to make an impact, be yourself and spread happiness – that’s what is important. I am doing very well on my part, as I am college representative of IFMR on Shiksha website. I am assisting admission committee with MBA-aspirants’ queries about college. At times, it becomes difficult to attend classes and simultaneously prepare for events and projects, so missing classes is obvious. But this hectic schedule is the right way to prepare students for unexpected problems.

Places to chill in and around IFMR are Pulikat Lake, Tada Falls, Tirupati (it’s a two hours journey). We also get opportunity to see rocket launch from the top of our institute as Sri Harikota is just 15kms away. PSLV-C30 is the recent one we saw in the month of September 2016.

Two years in TCS made me realize that decision making, allocating responsibilities and managing people working with you is more important than just working. An engineering degree teaches you how to apply your knowledge practically. An MBA degree will teach you how to manage people with engineering degrees, who are going to be working for you. 

About the Author:

I am pursuing MBA from Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR). I worked for 2 years as System Engineer in Tata Consultancy Services. I like to paint and sketch. I always look for an opportunity to travel to new places. Whenever I get an opportunity I try my capabilities on track and field sports events.