Consulting & Finance Didn't Interest Me, Marketing Was The One For Me, ft. Urvi Ved

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the speaker reflects on their career journey from engineering to pursuing an MBA, emphasizing the importance of finding the right job rather than just any job. They recount their experiences with various entrance exams, the pressure of final placements, and the realization that personal interests should guide career choices. Through candid anecdotes about their internship and job interviews, they highlight the value of persistence and self-awareness in navigating the competitive landscape of business education and the professional world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't let stress drive your job search; focus on finding the right role that aligns with your interests.
• 😀 The decision to pursue further education, like an MBA, should be informed by your career aspirations and role models.
• 😀 Exam preparation can improve your percentile, but individual aptitude and exam conditions play a significant role.
• 😀 Engaging in internships is crucial for gaining real-world experience and confirming your career interests.
• 😀 Patience in the job application process can lead to better opportunities; don’t rush into accepting the first offer.
• 😀 Authenticity and strong communication skills can set you apart in interviews.
• 😀 Explore various fields during your education to better understand where your interests lie.
• 😀 The first year of business school is about exploration, while the second year should be more focused on specific career goals.
• 😀 Networking and learning from peers can provide valuable insights into potential career paths.
• 😀 Prioritize your personal interests over societal or familial expectations when making career decisions.

Q & A

What is the primary lesson learned about job applications?

The primary lesson is to avoid applying under stress for the sake of just getting any job. Instead, focus on finding a job that aligns with your interests and goals.

What were the three career paths considered after engineering college?

The three paths were working in an IT company, pursuing a master's in engineering, or obtaining a management degree.

What influenced the decision to pursue an MBA?

The decision was influenced by observing peers who had successful careers after attending business school, as well as the desire for a lifestyle associated with finance and consulting jobs.

How did the speaker feel about their preparation for the CAT exam?

The speaker felt that while some preparation could improve scores slightly, there is a limit to how much one can prepare, and personal performance would largely depend on the day of the exam.

What was the speaker's experience with mock CATs?

The speaker found mock CATs helpful for gauging their expected performance and understanding where they might fall in percentile rankings.

Which exams did the speaker take and what were the results?

The speaker took the CAT, XLR, NMIMS, and SIBM exams, achieving a high percentile in CAT but did not receive a call from XLRI.

What was the speaker's initial career goal after completing their MBA?

Initially, the speaker aimed for a job in finance or consulting but was open-minded about exploring different fields during their MBA.

What did the speaker learn during their internship at Colgate-Palmolive?

The internship provided practical experience in understanding consumer behavior and the dynamics of retail marketing.

How did the speaker approach final placements at their MBA program?

The speaker approached final placements with a mindset to wait for the right opportunity rather than accepting the first offer, emphasizing the importance of aligning with personal interests.

What was the outcome of the speaker's placement process?

The speaker successfully secured a job at ITC, where their interview style and energy resonated with the interviewers, leading to their hiring.