It is possible to do everything you want in a span of 24 hours…

Bhavya Agarwal, an engineer with a degree in electronics and electrical communications from PEC Chandigarh was a good student - always - winning 100 percent scholarship in the form of fee concession in the first year in college. But was it the academic edge that saw her getting through to IIM-Shillong? She does not think it's that simple. Hear her talking candidly about her experiences during the selection and the insights that she gained on the way. Interviewed by Satarupa Bhattacharya-

Tell us about your decision to go for an MBA - when and why did you decide to study management? You had completed your engineering degree and had even got a job with a preferred employer on campus. Did you not think of working for a few years before you went to an MBA institute? Do you regret that decision?
The decision to go for a post graduate programme in management came after the six-month internship during our sixth semester of engineering. This internship gave me a good exposure of the corporate world and it was then that I decided that a course in management is what I would like to pursue after engineering. And I don't regret my decision of joining this course as a fresher. I think this gives me an open mind, making it more receptive to new ideas; I can explore more without having any pre-conceived notions about workplaces. Moreover my internship provided a good foundation on which I could build upon easily.

How early did you start preparing for the MBA entrance exams? Was CAT the only exam that you took?
My preparation started with full throttle in July 2008, which was after the completion of my internship. Other than CAT, I took XAT and FMS.

What was your weakest area when you started preparing for CAT? How did you work on improving your performance in that?
Initially, my scores in the verbal section used to fluctuate a lot and to improve consistency of performance in this section, I practiced individual verbal sectional tests regularly and brought about a change in my strategy to attempt the paper. I started attempting reading comprehension questions first and then the other questions in the verbal section. This worked out well for me.

Was IIM Shillong the only institute where you appeared for an interview? If not, what were the others and how was your experience in the various GD-PI sessions? Was there any particular incident that has left a mark on your mind?
Besides IIM Shillong, I got interview calls from IIM Bangalore, NITIE, SP Jain and MDI. My first interview was at IIM B and it followed the set procedure which was communicated to us earlier. The GD had 8 people discussing a caselet based on ethical issues and the interview went on for about 25 minutes. The GD at NITIE involved around 12 people and was on a current issue. The interview at MDI was more on the lines of a stress interview. SP Jain followed a different pattern and there was no individual interview. My interview at IIM Shillong was pretty long and exhaustive, with questions ranging from academics to philosophy and sociology (this was one of the subjects I had studied during engineering).
One particular incident I still remember is that I had answered "No" 8 times in a row in one of my interviews, and that too as soon as I entered the room. All the questions were on current global affairs and quite obviously, I am not good at that. And after that, the ninth question was "do you ever say 'Yes'?" and I answered "Yes" with a smile. The rest of the interview proceeded on a very easy note and finally I did get through this one.

What, in your opinion, tilted the balance in your favour in IIM Shillong?
For this, I cannot single out one factor. I believe it was a combination of various reasons. Everything counts at the end of the day -- starting from tangibles, your academic performance in senior and senior secondary school and graduation records, along with your CAT score, co-curricular activities and even intangibles such as your opinion on issues, approach and attitude. I believe it was all these and that 40 minute ordeal called the PI that brought me here.

In general, what were the most important insights/lessons that you gained in the course of the various selection rounds at the different institutes?
All the selection rounds were enriching in their own ways. Every experience added to the learning and over the course I realized that every interview takes a different course but the tone and pace of the interview more or less depends on your state of mind. If you are relaxed and calm, the interview most probably would go calmly. By the end of all my interviews, I also realized that giving more and more interviews takes away that spontaneity in your answers.

IIM Shillong is a relatively new institute, even though it does have the IIM stamp. But did you, at any point in time, have second thoughts about joining the school given its yet-to-be-established track record?
When I compared IIM Shillong with other options I had (which were NITIE and MDI), I did consider all the pros and cons. And yes, the point about it being a new institute with a yet-to-be-established track record did cross my mind. But then this very fact turned in favour of the institute. I felt that being the seventh IIM, this institute has to live up to the name and the efforts put in towards achieving that would entail that extra zeal and enthusiasm. In fact, it is that which makes life here at IIM S so much fun.

What are the most important learnings that you have had from your stint on campus so far? Did you face any difficulties or challenges with the rigour of the course initially?
Even though I had prepared myself for the hectic life that lay ahead, still the rigour caught me by surprise and awe. Surprised at the fact that whatever definition you held for hectic needed a re-defining and awed by the fact that you were enjoying it all more than you ever thought you would.
Everyday is a new learning experience here and learning never stops. This place teaches you a lot and you get a chance to explore new avenues. The more you interact with people the more you learn and with a small bunch of 130 people here, it has been a very comfortable and congenial environment. And yes most importantly, I have realized that it is possible to do everything you want in a span of 24 hours and still find time to stand and stare at the beauty of the place.

Finally, what is the most important piece of advice that you would give to any MBA aspirant?
Well, all I would like to say is be sure of what you are doing and why you are doing it because you will face this question a number of times in your life and it's better to know the answer NOW. And don't forget to sleep well and sleep all you want in all the time you have. I wish all aspirants good luck.