The End of an Era…as I know it
March 2009. Shortlists. Interviews. Exams. Uncertainty. Anxiety. Results. Celebrations.
March 2011. Peace.
2 years may not sound a lot when it comes to time, but taking a cue from the concept of relativity, these 2 years passed very differently when compared to another period of 2 years – eg. 1st 2 years of Engineering. It’s difficult to write about it since it is rather vague and experiential in nature. When someone asks me, “How has the MBA experience been”, or “How has the IIM experience been”, I answer nonchalantly “Its been good.” But it’s meant so much more than you can just pack in 3 words. So to do justice to those interested to hear, and my poor blog, I’ll pen it all down.
To start off, it is an opportunity not many get, especially if you consider the top 10-15 institutes in the country for an MBA. Many of us crib that placements and professors are better in the better institutes, but we fail to realise how bad the quality of education at other institutes can be and how relatively we are still better off. An opportunity is only as good as what one can make of it, so the onus lies on us to make the most of what we got and not crib about how things could have been better or how one’s friend at some other BSchool is doing so good.
An MBA education, according to me, has 2 components – the education, which I like to call the hard part, and the intangibles, which I like to call the soft part. The quality of education at a top Institute is definitely worth it, else the hype will cease to remain. But what many of us tend to ignore is the importance of the soft part, which in my opinion is very relevant to the MBA program. By the soft part, am referring to speaking, listening, making presentations, dealing with ambiguity, working with and managing people, motivating subordinates, taking initiative in group tasks, coming up with innovative solutions and so on. A lot of the terms I used are well abused in MBA jargon, but trust me, it is not pure hogwash. If you think – what’s the big deal about working in groups or taking initiative, you should do it to believe it. It does not come naturally to everyone, and the challenges you face will not be written about in textbooks or taught in classrooms. The hard part of the MBA is well documented, but it is the magnitude of the soft part which distinguishes the MBA program from other educational programs.
So as I look forward to joining the organization which recruited me, it is hard not to look back and ponder if all the time and effort was worth it. In my case, the answer is a resounding Yes. After Engineering, I had a mundane job offer, just like 150 others in a batch of 240. Today I have an offer which is more challenging, more interesting, better paying, and which only 2 in a batch of 240 have. I have learnt a lot in these 2 years, or rather 20 months to be precise. I was not very academically inclined these 2 years, but I did care to sit back and reflect on what I was learning, and look for the practical applications. I’m not shy anymore of taking initiative or of public speaking (though am still more confident of the former than the latter!). I have realised the difference between friends and professional acquaintances, which I had some difficulty with initially. I have understood the importance of having a few great friends, yet having good relations with everyone around. I have also understood it is impossible to keep everyone happy, so when difficult decisions have to be made, they have to be made, and no one can do anything about it. I have realised the importance of family and friends, and the importance of a stable personal life when it comes to difficulties in the professional space.
So, whether the MBA is right for you or not will depend on the other options you have got, and where you want your career to head. It is not for everyone, and despite the hype, it is not the only way to go up the corporate ladder. For the past 2 years, with the increase in fees across BSchools, there has been a rationalisation of expectations and number of applications. Even if you do decide to go for it, do choose a BSchool carefully, since What-You-See-is-definitely-not-What-You-Get. Talking to alumni and current students is the best way to get to know an Institute.
Lastly, I have become a staunch believer of the proverb – “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Whether it be your personal or professional life, this good old saying never fails to ring true. Cheers!!
March 18, 2011 at 12:32 pm
A very balanced description. Not just with the content but the language as well. I guess the insight from someone who has seen and done it all will definitely be of help to me soon.
March 18, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Thanks Pratiyush, all the best to you!
March 18, 2011 at 2:14 pm
liked the part where you mentioned that, you learnt the the importance of few great friends, and relations
liked the part that you emphasized on hard work and sowing what you reap.
and liked the part that it seemed an honest and lucid description, like a clear canvas painted with soft pastel shades.
basically, liked the whole part
March 18, 2011 at 2:15 pm
PS: i meant “reaping wht you sow”
hehe, i was expecting tht i wud mistyp it when i was typing it
March 18, 2011 at 5:17 pm
gr8 write up…….u sound wise!
all d best fr a gr8 career ahead!
March 18, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Thank You Di and wish you the same
I have more white hair now, so will agree with the “wise” part!!
March 18, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Loved the soft and lucid description of an experience we all will never forget. Not only does the article well explain all that you wanted to convey to the outsiders but also carries a soft emotional undertone that very well connects with the other souls who can say “Been there done that!”….
Great Job!!
PS: Write more often!!
March 18, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Thanks man! You too should write more often
March 18, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Arnav is one of the best leaders to have emerged from IIM Indore’s batch of 2011. Keep up the good work mate!
March 18, 2011 at 11:58 pm
After 11months you wrote something and seems someone is back into blogosphere with a bang!! The language was flowing literally, your true perception of your two yrs at B school put forth beautifully!!
And I agree with Naveen– Write more often!!
That reminds me I’ve not written anything on my blog since September!!