Mystory@Sudip Maji: How I chose my course and college

Mystory@Sudip Maji

From the very beginning itself, I was a curious child. I had this natural inclination towards Mathematics and Science subjects. So choosing PCM combination for XI-XII was an easy decision. But when it came to choosing my course afterwards in undergrad and even here in NITIE, I had a pretty tough time deciding. While I was in the final year of school (i.e. class XIIth), I had a soft corner for Chemistry (Organic Chemistry to be specific) along with my dream of becoming an engineer. For once I even thought of pursuing my literary interests further and go for an English Honours.

At that point I sat down with a teacher of mine and tried to jot down the pros and cons of every option; that’s how literature got kicked out. And later when I got my rank in engineering entrance exam, I simply felt like this is the best shot I have. There was no looking back.

Even after graduating with Electronics and working for TCS, now that I came back to being a student once again – NITIE and Operations Management were almost an organic choice for me. These were the options which seemed the most relatable to me. And thus, I am here.

How I cracked college admission

I had to appear for CAT to qualify for NITIE, Mumbai. The cut-offs to become shortlisted were quite high as well. But to be frank I was not that keen on getting admission in some management course that very year itself. I was mentally prepared to wait another year. So, I didn’t appear for any other entrance examination. Preparing for CAT while working 10-11 hours a day was quite hectic in itself. Due to the same reason, I did not go for any coaching institutes as well. But I did subscribe to a few mock tests to check myself out. And that actually helped to a great extent. Towards the end, all I did was to appear for mock tests and analyse the solutions.

Apart from NITIE, I was also eyeing the institutes like IIT-KGP and IIT-Bombay (noticeably colleges where the fees was at least bearable) apart from the IIMs. I got calls from all the new IIMs and IIT-KGP as well. I somehow managed to convert almost all of them. But after I heard about getting selected for NITIE, I didn’t look anywhere else.

What I gained from my college experience

I have no idea how my time passes here. I mean maybe because I have never been in hostels before but there is something or the other to do 24x7. Being a part of an institution of this calibre had always been a dream for me, so concentrating on studies and attending most (if not all) the classes is a priority for me. Some of the teachers are so knowledgeable that even the ninety minutes’ sessions don’t feel that long at times.

After coming to NITIE, I have tried and managed to continue my blog. Apart from that I am also a member of Media Relations Cell of our college, which keeps me occupied. I have always thought of taking care of my fear of public speaking, the NITIE Toastmasters Club has been a perfect platform for the same. Apart from all these I like to contribute some of my time to the Rotaract Club as well, as their causes always touch a chord within my heart.

And when it comes to answering how much this college has changed me as a person even in this not-so-long a duration, I guess I would have to lie if I don’t agree. I mean even as a guy in his mid-20s many of these experiences have been completely unknown to me and each of them has shaped me in their unique ways. I simply hope that this stream of change or rather this happening part of my life continues even after I pass out of college next year.

About the Author:

I’m Sudip Maji, I hail from Kolkata and I’m the quintessential Bengali guy in every sense of the word. I graduated in the field of Electronics Engineering before joining TCS. Apart from studies, I also have keen interest in stuff related to literature, to the extent that I even have a weekly blog.