On December 6th, 2022, I successfully defended my master’s thesis at Indian Institute of Science (IISc). While I had considered pursuing an MBA, I chose to focus on my thesis and didn’t take the CAT to avoid overloading myself. During this time, I was also exploring data science through an online course, honing my technical skills in math, programming, and computer science. Despite my technical proficiency, I felt uncertain about navigating the corporate world.
In February, my dad informed me about an upcoming MBA program entrance exam at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. Although the Business Analytics program was relatively new, I decided to apply. Receiving the offer letter presented a pivotal decision: continue interviewing for jobs and retake the CAT next year, or embrace the MBA opportunity. With strong ROI and my family’s support, I saw the MBA as a chance to transition from academia to the corporate realm, retaining my technical edge while enhancing my interpersonal skills. I chose to join the program. Connecting with peers before arriving on campus eased my transition, and a month into the course, I was nominated as a Core Member of the Student Faculty Council by popular demand.
While I found the management courses challenging, I excelled in the technical ones. Unexpectedly, I formed close friendships with two peers who provide honest feedback and encourage my growth. One friend, in particular, emphasized the importance of networking, leading to my off-campus summer internship. Shoutout to Kirti Bhushan Ganguly and Abhinav Kathuria for being incredible friends and mentors. Your support and constructive criticism have been invaluable.
A professor once told me that an MBA teaches frameworks that structure your thinking and benefit you throughout life. Reflecting on my journey, I wholeheartedly agree. Although I still have much to learn, I am grateful for the experiences and growth over the past year. This journey has been a blend of perseverance, learning, and invaluable personal and professional development.
If I had to describe my MBA journey so far in a word, it would be ‘flexibility’—adaptability to challenges, openness to new experiences, and resilience in learning.