Sunday, November 23, 2014
The frenzy over Consulting Case Competitions!
Major chunk of 'it' is over!
After braving 2 grueling weeks (Microsoft Case Comp - people did win XBox'es!!, McKinsey Case Comp - this was about elegance and 'class', and of course - every significant event packed right into any breathing time that you thought you could get - slept for an hour or two on most days) , it's finally time to get that well deserved sleep, and get back to focusing on the extremely neglected classes.
Term 1 almost felt like a breeze. It's still on, but exams are here like in two weeks. And there's almost no time yet again to read through and practice everything. But I am not complaining - all I'm saying is, it's now or never!
I got to admit, case comps ('it') were super fun and exciting experiences. Working with different groups of people, is what I value most. Case comps to me were more about extracting those diverse experiences and insights - how do individuals from different backgrounds think about and approach a given problem - I must admit - it was phenomenal to go through that process. More than what you learn from your peers in class, you learn via case comps in those action packed weeks.
If you do get to come to Rotman, be ready for some amazing fun times - the delight of those late night pizzas when all you had in the day was a cup of coffee, those discussions about - this idea definitely does not feel right; this is not the right data to back up the hypothesis, use all those time crunched hours to discuss about every other aspect of life that you shouldn't be discussing about, but you only end up doing because you have so had it with the process of creating that 'beautiful deck'. It's worth every second. Whether you win or not, it will still make you a better 'Consultant'! It's all about that experience.
Good luck to my class and good luck to all you guys out there, who look forward to coming to Rotman!
After braving 2 grueling weeks (Microsoft Case Comp - people did win XBox'es!!, McKinsey Case Comp - this was about elegance and 'class', and of course - every significant event packed right into any breathing time that you thought you could get - slept for an hour or two on most days) , it's finally time to get that well deserved sleep, and get back to focusing on the extremely neglected classes.
Term 1 almost felt like a breeze. It's still on, but exams are here like in two weeks. And there's almost no time yet again to read through and practice everything. But I am not complaining - all I'm saying is, it's now or never!
I got to admit, case comps ('it') were super fun and exciting experiences. Working with different groups of people, is what I value most. Case comps to me were more about extracting those diverse experiences and insights - how do individuals from different backgrounds think about and approach a given problem - I must admit - it was phenomenal to go through that process. More than what you learn from your peers in class, you learn via case comps in those action packed weeks.
If you do get to come to Rotman, be ready for some amazing fun times - the delight of those late night pizzas when all you had in the day was a cup of coffee, those discussions about - this idea definitely does not feel right; this is not the right data to back up the hypothesis, use all those time crunched hours to discuss about every other aspect of life that you shouldn't be discussing about, but you only end up doing because you have so had it with the process of creating that 'beautiful deck'. It's worth every second. Whether you win or not, it will still make you a better 'Consultant'! It's all about that experience.
Good luck to my class and good luck to all you guys out there, who look forward to coming to Rotman!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
What's new - well old enough by now! (A tad bit of Consulting!)
There have been some really fun events that have taken place over the past few weeks!
Bain Super Saturday: Some invaluable insights into what consulting giants such as Bain look at when they interview you!
Deloitte Distinction: Awesome 2nd session about case interview best practices and how to rock case competitions!
Promeo Case Consulting: An ex-McKinsey consultant gave his insights into the best practices for acing case interviews!
MCA Internal Consulting Industry reception: About 17 of the major internal consulting firms graced Rotman with their presence, and helped students like me gain an insight into what the internal consulting industry looks like!
Forthcoming:
Career Center initiative: ex- ATK consultant will help us with our case interview and behavioral interview preparations
MCA External Consulting Industry reception: All major consulting firms (including MBBs, ATK, Monitor), will grace us with their presence!
Keep a lookout for more insider information about the ever so happening life at Rotman!!!
Cheers!
Dranzer
Friday, September 26, 2014
That time of the year...
GBC Orientation camp seems like a time in a different era. Things just got real after the Pre-MBA 's fairly "chilled-out" life.
Managing time: That's the biggest challenge that I'm facing as of now. It's not that I do not get to complete things - many a times even before time. It's just that some things are far more important to me and I would like to have more time for those aspects of my Rotman life.
It's that time of the year when you have literally everything that you want to do on your plate. Right from overload of assignments, homework, presentations, reaction papers, to application to your prospective firms to creating application packages including videos for their special programs and attending innumerous info sessions to starting with the case competitions! All of a sudden, 24 hours are just way too less. Oh and BTW, coming Monday we begin our Foundations term exam.
So if any of you are considering doing an MBA program at Rotman, make sure you have your priorities sorted beforehand. That will definitely give you a head-start when you begin your program here! While you are certainly "allowed" to be confused about what you want to do post MBA, do make sure that you have clear options laid out in your mind, instead of "I'll see what I want to do when I get there" approach.
P.S. I was and I still am very sure about what I want to do - strategy! Whether its internal or external consulting- time will tell, and whether its not consulting at all- time is still the best judge. But you need to have your options open - if you don't have a high GPA, things might just get tough for management consulting jobs (pure strategy as many often say). Almost every external consulting firm values GPA quite highly as an interview selection parameter.
I hope this helps you get a hint of what the first few months of a full time MBA would look like at Rotman! All that said - it's an exciting phase of life! And despite busy schedules, it sure is a great learning experience! One of the most practical MBA programs out there in the "market". ;)
Managing time: That's the biggest challenge that I'm facing as of now. It's not that I do not get to complete things - many a times even before time. It's just that some things are far more important to me and I would like to have more time for those aspects of my Rotman life.
It's that time of the year when you have literally everything that you want to do on your plate. Right from overload of assignments, homework, presentations, reaction papers, to application to your prospective firms to creating application packages including videos for their special programs and attending innumerous info sessions to starting with the case competitions! All of a sudden, 24 hours are just way too less. Oh and BTW, coming Monday we begin our Foundations term exam.
So if any of you are considering doing an MBA program at Rotman, make sure you have your priorities sorted beforehand. That will definitely give you a head-start when you begin your program here! While you are certainly "allowed" to be confused about what you want to do post MBA, do make sure that you have clear options laid out in your mind, instead of "I'll see what I want to do when I get there" approach.
P.S. I was and I still am very sure about what I want to do - strategy! Whether its internal or external consulting- time will tell, and whether its not consulting at all- time is still the best judge. But you need to have your options open - if you don't have a high GPA, things might just get tough for management consulting jobs (pure strategy as many often say). Almost every external consulting firm values GPA quite highly as an interview selection parameter.
I hope this helps you get a hint of what the first few months of a full time MBA would look like at Rotman! All that said - it's an exciting phase of life! And despite busy schedules, it sure is a great learning experience! One of the most practical MBA programs out there in the "market". ;)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Why MBA? This question is not just for you to concoct tales to the recruiters.
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| Are you that guy?? |
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| Is MBA just another degree for you? |
The other side of the MBA coin
If you are reading this, either you wish to know more about my life than you already do, or you yourself are interested in pursuing a career via the MBA route.
For the former ones, I hope this post does serve the purpose (and I'm forever thankful to all my well-wishers - thank you for being there always - lots of love, Akz); for the latter - I wish to congratulate you on taking this important next step in your lives - be it you, just starting your research, or you, trying to take that decision of our very own 'to join or not to join' dilemma.
So where do I begin... Hmm.
For starters, I have always been passionate about pursuing an MBA abroad (I'm from India, and you all know how many options we do have here, pun intended: hint - the very versatile Quota system, and the undue importance to the 10th and 12th %age).
India no doubt has some great colleges that are successful in making you win your bread and butter (well lots of it), if you relatively do well in those colleges. And I'm glad that our colleges are enjoying much more limelight than before at the international level.
But here's the catch - the education system - 'that' gets to see no change. You still have those hankerings for that 1 grace mark. You still are less practical. You still are more inclined to be theoretically adept. You still do not wish to share much and silently learn at another's expense. There is that 'buttering' that still works at an MBA college in India, and then there are a few of us, who take less interest in what other people perceive us as. We wish to do well, and we wish to make our mark: without fighting for that impression based last mark ( oh well GPA is still important at any college, pun not intended at all); or without that careless attitude that it's yet another college, where we get to secure a decent enough placement; and without an attitude that screams 'not a care in the world about the actual learning, as we are so intelligent that we can just think on our feet when the need be'.
Now you might say that I'm a hypocrite - if I get selected by a prestigious college would I not do the same things?
Again, here's the thing. The sentiments shared above are just the surface emotions - the ones you say to yourself and to others to prove that MBA abroad is the right decision. Now whether it's true - I will only know when I actually study at one of the top Indian colleges.
My passion to study abroad is fueled from the simple fact that I get to inculcate a global perspective on business - which I will never get at any Indian college - let's face it, most of the students are from India and have an experience on how things work in India: but most firms have an origin outside India and the Indian offices are mostly the technical divisions of much global, varied industry related, firms.
I wish to grow, and not just have a limited growth - I wish to spread my invisible wings that simply cannot be put to use here in India.
While I sit here implementing the solution proposed, the actual solution is brainstormed and proposed at some US or UK or Canadian office ( considering the major clients, in general, in a consulting firm for the Indian offices). While I sit here and perform more complex tasks at my job, a fellow employee at the same level as me, has a more valuable job than me in the Americas - in terms of responsibilities, in terms of superiority and in terms of returns.
A business technology analyst or a consultant, or a manager or anyone for that matter, in the US still gets to dictate his terms on his Indian counterpart - Why? I'm afraid I really don't wish to attack that notion.
That said, I really wanted to get out of this cycle once and for all, and actually understand what happens and why, by self indulging into the business world abroad. After all, I cannot sit here in India and keep judging why something happens when it happens.
Why do I wish to convey this other side of the reputed MBA coin on this blog? Because nothing is ever as smooth and shiny as it appears to be.
Bottom line - you need to know why you really want to do an MBA and why from that particular college? Mere rankings on FT MBA or simply following your peers - 'well what the heck - everyone else is doing it, so will I' : just won't work. Without the soul searching - an MBA is just another degree that gets you a decent job - you still won't like your work, coz you never spent time on yourself to really understand what you would have liked to do.
This was just the beginning of the long journey ahead of : taking the GMAT, shortlisting the colleges, applying to those colleges, getting shortlisted for the interviews, receiving the offers from the colleges, securing scholarships, accepting one offer, and then breaking the news to your family that you are yet again ready to drain their valuable resources, part of which they might have set aside for your marriage by now (esp. If you are a girl), or part of which they intended to use to buy their own house.
This post was just a trailer to what you can expect from this blog in future. (hint - do count 'stark reality' and 'the world as I see' amongst a few)
Stay tuned to 'The life and lies of MBA served hot!' for more juicy bits of my MBA life as I chronicle my thoughts and experience in the upcoming posts.
P.S. After much research and my needs and my finance capabilities ( read my family's ), I narrowed down Rotman School of Management, Toronto - which is where I'll be heading for my MBA this fall.
For the former ones, I hope this post does serve the purpose (and I'm forever thankful to all my well-wishers - thank you for being there always - lots of love, Akz); for the latter - I wish to congratulate you on taking this important next step in your lives - be it you, just starting your research, or you, trying to take that decision of our very own 'to join or not to join' dilemma.
So where do I begin... Hmm.
For starters, I have always been passionate about pursuing an MBA abroad (I'm from India, and you all know how many options we do have here, pun intended: hint - the very versatile Quota system, and the undue importance to the 10th and 12th %age).
India no doubt has some great colleges that are successful in making you win your bread and butter (well lots of it), if you relatively do well in those colleges. And I'm glad that our colleges are enjoying much more limelight than before at the international level.
But here's the catch - the education system - 'that' gets to see no change. You still have those hankerings for that 1 grace mark. You still are less practical. You still are more inclined to be theoretically adept. You still do not wish to share much and silently learn at another's expense. There is that 'buttering' that still works at an MBA college in India, and then there are a few of us, who take less interest in what other people perceive us as. We wish to do well, and we wish to make our mark: without fighting for that impression based last mark ( oh well GPA is still important at any college, pun not intended at all); or without that careless attitude that it's yet another college, where we get to secure a decent enough placement; and without an attitude that screams 'not a care in the world about the actual learning, as we are so intelligent that we can just think on our feet when the need be'.
Now you might say that I'm a hypocrite - if I get selected by a prestigious college would I not do the same things?
Again, here's the thing. The sentiments shared above are just the surface emotions - the ones you say to yourself and to others to prove that MBA abroad is the right decision. Now whether it's true - I will only know when I actually study at one of the top Indian colleges.
My passion to study abroad is fueled from the simple fact that I get to inculcate a global perspective on business - which I will never get at any Indian college - let's face it, most of the students are from India and have an experience on how things work in India: but most firms have an origin outside India and the Indian offices are mostly the technical divisions of much global, varied industry related, firms.
I wish to grow, and not just have a limited growth - I wish to spread my invisible wings that simply cannot be put to use here in India.
While I sit here implementing the solution proposed, the actual solution is brainstormed and proposed at some US or UK or Canadian office ( considering the major clients, in general, in a consulting firm for the Indian offices). While I sit here and perform more complex tasks at my job, a fellow employee at the same level as me, has a more valuable job than me in the Americas - in terms of responsibilities, in terms of superiority and in terms of returns.
A business technology analyst or a consultant, or a manager or anyone for that matter, in the US still gets to dictate his terms on his Indian counterpart - Why? I'm afraid I really don't wish to attack that notion.
That said, I really wanted to get out of this cycle once and for all, and actually understand what happens and why, by self indulging into the business world abroad. After all, I cannot sit here in India and keep judging why something happens when it happens.
Why do I wish to convey this other side of the reputed MBA coin on this blog? Because nothing is ever as smooth and shiny as it appears to be.
Bottom line - you need to know why you really want to do an MBA and why from that particular college? Mere rankings on FT MBA or simply following your peers - 'well what the heck - everyone else is doing it, so will I' : just won't work. Without the soul searching - an MBA is just another degree that gets you a decent job - you still won't like your work, coz you never spent time on yourself to really understand what you would have liked to do.
This was just the beginning of the long journey ahead of : taking the GMAT, shortlisting the colleges, applying to those colleges, getting shortlisted for the interviews, receiving the offers from the colleges, securing scholarships, accepting one offer, and then breaking the news to your family that you are yet again ready to drain their valuable resources, part of which they might have set aside for your marriage by now (esp. If you are a girl), or part of which they intended to use to buy their own house.
This post was just a trailer to what you can expect from this blog in future. (hint - do count 'stark reality' and 'the world as I see' amongst a few)
Stay tuned to 'The life and lies of MBA served hot!' for more juicy bits of my MBA life as I chronicle my thoughts and experience in the upcoming posts.
P.S. After much research and my needs and my finance capabilities ( read my family's ), I narrowed down Rotman School of Management, Toronto - which is where I'll be heading for my MBA this fall.
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