College experience has changed my way of thinking: Rahul Arora

IBS, Gurgaon

It was really difficult for me to choose the stream after 10^th as both Science and Commerce are very different lines. Choosing one means following that path for the rest of your life. I discussed about these with my elder siblings, family and teachers to take a decision. The main issue was my interest area. After some discussion I came to a conclusion that taking up Science in class 11th and 12^th would be the best as I have a logical mind and interest in Chemistry. I thought I could do very well in Science and I really did good in my school days.

I chose MBA after BTech to have a growth in my career and to gain managerial skills because now-a-days there is a lot of requirement of persons in corporate world who have MBA degree. I have done BTech in Computer Science and being an engineer I have technical knowledge so also having knowledge of managerial skills will make me more successful in future.

I am currently pursuing MBA, facing different challenges day by day and learning what can be best for me. It is going to enhance my personality as a person and of course a number of learnings associated with it will help me.  As a person, I am interactive and likes to connect with people. MBA in Marketing is surely going to give me a platform to connect with people and develop my worth in corporate world.

How I cracked college admission

Taking admission in any college is a very difficult task. First of all selecting some colleges according to our score, interest and expectations and then give exams in order to get selected.

So some colleges even I had in my mind, I had many in my list like the IIMs, FORE School of Management, Indian School of Business (ISB), SCMHRD, etc. so I appeared in some entrance exam such as CAT, MAT, SNAP. I also took coaching from TIME where there are classes and several workshops which introduced me to the many career opportunities that MBA provides.

I basically did a lot of research, studied, practiced and gave entrance exam to be able to get admission in to these MBA colleges. Currently, I am pursuing post-graduation (Marketing) from IBS, Gurgaon. To get into IBS, I took their own customized entrance exam- IBSAT. I gave the online exam which was conducted in the month of December. I was able to crack it and moved to the next level of Group Discussion and Personal Interview which was conducted at Hyderabad. IBS gave me an option of 9 campuses in 9 different cities (Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Dehradun) and I was up for Gurgaon. Another reason for this choice is that it is near to my place of residence that is Delhi. Here I can use my personal vehicle for travelling or public transport like metro, cab, bus whichever is economical.

How’s life like at IBS

MBA life is not easy as we all know, a lot of pressure, assignments, presentations, live projects (either individually or in groups), exams and studies are to be done within a short span of time. These all basically takes up all of our time in college. Studies are to be done in proper and efficient manner in order to score well and achieve good grades or maintain better CGPA for better placements and better internship. Rest of the time is usually spent in some of the fun activities in college to deviate our mind from normal routine.

Also, there are lots of clubs in the college where different competitions organizes in which various number of students participate and are rewarded with certificates and some prizes.

I am in first year and just completed my first semester exams, so on the basis of subjects which I have understood in first semester marketing, quants and ism is interesting according to me. I like marketing because I want to specialize in marketing to make a career in marketing. I have interest in ism because being a computer engineer I have some technical skills and ism helps in developing that skills. And I like math or quants because I like doing math.

Talking about extra-curricular activities, I have taken part in dance, sports. A lot of clubs will also organize their fests and events.

If given a chance, I would like to be a successful entrepreneur and have my own company. I would like my start-up to be on top, make profits and grow, and see myself as a better man.

College (graduation and post-graduation) experience has changed me a lot. Basically in college, I am able to develop confidence, stress management, focus, and leadership qualities. I learnt about my strengths and weakness, my goals in life, my weak areas on which I need to focus. Basically college life has provided me a lot of experience and changed my way of thinking and expressing thoughts. It has helped me develop confidence to be able to express myself to others. It has helped me in grooming my personality so that I can do well in future.

About the Author:

My Name is Rahul Arora. Currently I am pursuing MBA from IBS, Gurgaon. I have done BTech in computer science. My hobbies are playing sports, dancing and travelling. My interest area is basically in adventure sports, dance, exploring new things, making new friends, and learn something new from people and experience. I want to be successful in life and for those I am willing to work hard with focus and dedication.