I learned a lot from my Failures......!!!!!!!!!

Priyanka Saxena, who hails from Jabalpur is a focused folk who prioritize her work and believes in effective time management……… She believes CSC has a good career prospects and thinks LIFE@IMS gave her whole bunch of good friends and made her independent……. She is friendly, outspoken and is emotional about her family……. In her recent interview, I talked to her about her recent accomplishment…….Here are the excerpts………

Tell us a bit about your background and what this job means to you?

I belong to Jabalpur, born and brought up in a humble family. My father works as a supervisor in a semi-government firm. This was my first company in which I appeared and this job means a lot to me as I want to support my family as my brother is suffering from blood cancer. So this job came at a very crucial time for me.

What are the challenges you faced and how you prepared, overcoming those challenges?

Firstly, it became very frustrating for me when I wasn’t eligible for companies like Deloitte, S&P and I was very much concerned about the job as a lot was going around me and here I was, not even eligible for a job. Yet, I kept preparing and got to know a day before that CSC is coming for campus recruitment. I don’t have any laptop or any internet connectivity and to prepare myself I took the help of IT Center’s internet facility which proved a blessing for me. My friend Shambhavi gave a book to me and I prepared hard for every bit of the campus selection process. Few mock interviews that I did previously came as a rescue for me and helped me a lot.

Resources are never a barrier, barriers are your own efforts……….!!!!!!!

How much communication skills play a role in selection process and what you did to improve that?

Communication skills play a huge role in selection or rejection as one need to have strong communication skills to be a manager. I read an English newspaper daily and habitually, wrote on a particular topic daily which benefitted me a lot. 

Communication skills are the backbone of your existence………..!!!!!!!

How do you look at your failures and what have you learned from them?

I looked failures as a learning period for me which kept motivating me to work more hard and according to me the sorrow which failures give is compensated by happiness success gives to you. This period has taught me to always bend my back to do well and not get distracted by failures.

Nothing can run away from you……if you deserve it….it will come catching to you…..!!!!!!

A lot of doubts come to your mind while appearing for an interview due to high stress level and competition. How to manage those mood swings?

The most important stress that comes to your mind is when you think a lot about your competitors because you can see them everywhere, but, once you start believing in your strengths and concentrate on that, you can remain relieved throughout the process.

Last but not the least, talk about your LIFE@IMS and what are the changes it has brought into you?

LIFE@IMS changed me completely, it gave me independence, groomed myself, gave a lot of learnings, gave a whole lot of good friends and in the end, a good career opportunity.

Destination is always better if you have pursued the journey effectively……!!!!!!!!

BY-Ankit Vani

I was focused on my own preparations......!!!!!!!

Three students taking holy bath after Deloitte saga, but upstairs a new success story was about to be written. It was Ankita Shah- newly CSCian- who pledged to take the next round of holy bath and call it a destiny or a result of her abilities, she made it to much coveted Computer Science Corporation as a Business Analyst. 

     She was focused about her own preparations, determined, had an optimistic approach towards her competitors and is equally excited about working in her dream company. She believes LIFE@IMS has made her a different person and will cherish the moments forever........!!!!!

In a recent interview, i picked him up and asked few questions......here are the excerpts...!!!!!

1.       First company and u nailed it. Take us through behind the scenes of your preparations?

CSC was my dream company and I did not wanted to leave any stone unturned. I started preparing for it very diligently, going through each and every insurance terminology and basic concepts. I wrote down answers and went through them innumerable times. Yes that’s the reason behind my selection in the very first company.

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2.       It can naturally turn out to be quite frustrating when others are getting placements and you were not.How did you managed those emotional setbacks?

Actually I was never frustrated seeing others  getting placed as I was rather focusing more on my preparations. When I saw my friends bathing in the kund after getting placed  I told myself the very same day that I will be the next one getting soaked in the kund. The satisfaction I saw on their faces made me more determined to have the very same feeling and that too very soon. My hard work and my knowledge made me feel more confident rather than feeling frustrated.

3.       How do you look at your competitors?

 I do have a really optimistic approach towards my competitors. I believe that what’s in your   destiny will come to you sooner or later if you are thriving hard for it and that too fairly. I always concentrate on what I am doing being indifferent to what others are up to.

4. How do you look this company as a future career prospect and what according to you made you fit for this company?

I am looking forward to work @ CSC .I have heard a lot about its excellent work culture and chilled out atmosphere so I am quite excited (feeling goose bumps).I think they needed a candidate who was confident, compassionate, hardworking and a good at communication and I proved to be so.

5. Initially you were termed as an arrogant girl who keeps everything to herself. How did you overcome those perceptions of others?

Hahaha….I find it quite hilarious that people used to think about me that way as I was never so. To be candid I was never a garrulous kind of girl when I entered IMS(which in reality I am).But as time passed by I became friendly with most of them and those who know me well can definitely say that I was never arrogant.

6. What essentials of a good interview and how to curb the stress level in those moments?

First of all, be confident and do not panic in any situation. Secondly, have a hardcore knowledge of your subjects as that will keep you relaxed and confident throughout the process. I think if you have prepared quite diligently and persistently and you have good communication skills to express yourself you will never feel stressed.

7. How was the feeling when the news broke out and how much life has changed since then?

It is an indelible feeling and will always be. Although I was expecting the result to be in my favor but still when I saw my name in the final list I felt numb and elated at the same time. The feeling was “Yes I have done it”. I still can’t believe that  I am placed. Life has taken a completely different angle. Right now I am enjoying every bit of it n m extremely delighted.

8. About life @ IMS and a message to juniors?

Life @ IMS brought out a different person in me. I have become more subtle and positive towards every situation. I have learnt a lot from each and every experience be it with my friends, competitors or my faculty @ IMS.

For Juniors I want to add a proverb here which I find quite motivating

 “If you think you can then you can and if you think you can’t you are right”

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You people are very compassionate and  have a lot of potential in you so just be yourself and work hard and you will achieve what u deserve for sure,

BY-ANKIT VANI

My success mantra is my OPTIMISM.......!!!!!!!

For every night there is a dawn and this is what Rinku Sharma- newly placed in CSC- has followed throughout her life. A daughter of a Bank Security guard, who hails from a rural area, made her way- silencing every struggle and tough times- is an epitome of a pure inspiration for a lot of people who cry for lack of resources.

She firmly pitches for hard work, is emotional for her friends and terms this success as a result of determination, grit and the bulwark support that she had from her father and friends. In a recent interview, I talked to her about her recent feet and some more……….Here are the excerpts……!!!!!!!!

     Now you have achieved the feet you wanted. Tell us something about the struggle behind it and how you managed them?

For my family, at one point of time, it was very tough for them in terms of financial assistance to allow me continue my studies but I was able to pass off that struggle period which were testing times.

When I was in class 10^th, I asked my father to give me some money for joining English classes as I was the one who studied in Hindi medium throughout my schooling, but my father refused to give me the money. Next year, he gave me the money for that course and I completed 6 month course in 3-month duration and secured first position in a contest.

Later on, I came to know that my father saved 150 rs from his salary every month throughout the year so that he can give me the required money.

For me that period was not easy but I was optimistic, always thinking these times shall pass, thanks to kind support of my family and my friends.

     What was your frame of mind during interview and how did you managed the stress?

In interview, I kept one thing in my mind for sure that I can do my best to the extent of my knowledge and tried hard. I was very relaxed, positive and was focusing on good things which relieved my stress level.

You were not very active in terms of attending classes, but take us through behind the scenes of your preparation?

Yes, i missed a lot of classes throughout the whole course, but I am not a bookworm and hence focused on concentrated study. Kapil Sir’s classes were really helpful and notes of Ajay Chabariya sir helped me to a good extent. I studied Insurance principles from a book written by M.N.Mishra and S.B. Mishra and googled insurance glossary and HR questions which boosted my preparations.

I missed Diwali celebrations at my home and prepared hard for this company which actually reaped off good dividends.

   What is your success mantra and what makes Rinku Sharma different from others?

My success mantra is that I look at the better side of every situation and firmly believes in hard work.

What makes me different from others is that I am an optimistic person and doesn't burden myself with criticism. I believe in proving myself by my deeds not by words.

    You belong to a sub-urban place and there are many who come from different villages across the state. What are the difficulties you faced initially in Indore and how did you overcome those?

Well. I hadn't faced any such major difficulties but when students from small towns come here and expose themselves to a new culture, they can commit mistakes which can divert their career path. So self-control is necessary. Cheap thinking and communication is also a barrier which you need to sort out as soon as possible because everybody is there to grab the opportunity.

     A message to juniors?

I would like to say that enjoy your college days but make your way by working hard. There is nothing like impossible and always see the positive side of a situation. Take help from your classmates and help them too whenever there is a need. Brush-up the basics of Finance and start working on you communication skills as interview is nothing but selling yourself.

Now matter how much adverse the situation is, you can still reach to greater heights, just push yourself for that...........!!!!!!!!!

BY-ANKIT VANI 

My Positive attitude is my USP....!!!!!!!

First rejection in her life and she was devastated, but winning is always better when you fall and rise and this is what Shweta Pandey- recently placed in CSC- has learned from the last one month. She is bold, frank and will always cherish the memories he has with IMS.......

In an interview, I talked to her about her recent success.....here are the excerpts......

1) Que. Firstly a rejection in Deloitte and now a selection in CSC. How was the period between this and how you made up your way for CSC?

I still remember the date 13^th of October when I was rejected from BELIT round of Deloitte. That moment left me flabbergasted for almost 5 hours, I was in a complete trauma as I had never faced rejections in my life. This was my 1^st one so it was hard to come up with but I took that in an optimistic way and started focusing on my dream company “CSC”. I RAN FROM PILLAR TO POST to arrange the notes on insurance. I had gone through all the insurance glossary within 2 days, mugged up the notes given by Chabaria sir(those were really helpful) prepared for various HR questions and did every possible thing to crack this company.

2) Take us through your interviews in selection process and how you managed the stress?

Technical interview was not very tough to crack all you need is hardcore basic insurance knowledge and some important financial terms. Never try to manipulate the interviewer, stick to the answers, as they will try to bemuse you. After clearing the technical round, i was so relaxed and geared up for the HR round.

HR round-it was a sort of interactive session with d HR as he asked me about myself, my family background, and some situation based questions and was focusing on communications skills. What I have learn is “Be relaxed and confident “while giving your answers which will give you a judicial approach while answering the questions.

3) You said it was your dream company. How was the feeling when the news of your selection broke out?

When the news of my selection broke out, I was in a theater watching movie with my friend when I saw 5 missed calls from placement cell, it made me jittery. When I heard the news of my final selection I was blank, poker faced, no reactions, numb. Even though I was expecting this, candidly speaking I was on cloud 9 that time and a true feeling of ecstasy which is hard to explain.

4) What is Shweta Pandey’s USP?

My USP- positive attitude towards everything and my attitude of ‘’never say no to any opportunity that comes my way”

5) 10 girls out of 11 selected candidates. What do you think is the main reason behind recruiters’ increased inclination towards girls?

At first, companies focus heavily on communication skills which give girls an edge over boys as they are soft-spoken and presentable. Secondly, it also varies from company to company. Some companies do have more predilection towards girl as they want to maintain the ratio of girls from boys as Deloitte people have mentioned they are having 45% of women working in their company which creates a healthy work environment with gender equalization.

6) Talk something about your LIFE@IMS?

Life at IMS- this college taught me how to learn from rejections, how to enjoy every moment of life. IMS gave me the true memories of my journey towards success and excellence. A colossal group of “comates” I will keep these memories forever and will always cherish them.

7) A message to JUNIORS?

Always be confident, energetic, and cheerful and grab every opportunity that comes your way. Believe in hard work and enjoy events. Specially start working on your communication skills and way of presenting your answers. I wish all the good luck to my juniors.

BY- ANKIT VANI

                   

                        

   

  

My perception towards LIFE has changed.......!!!!!

Diminutive personality, husky voice, gentle smile and a pleasant appearance, this are the characteristics which describes recently placed Sanchi Bahrani………. She was sure about her selection, is termed as a darkhorse, but takes it positively and is enjoying everything life is offering to her. For her IMS was a dream come true and believes in hard work.....

I picked him up for my interview series as her recent feet of being placed in Deloitte………..

Here are some excerpts……!!!!!!

Q. How the feeling was after your name was announced and how much your life has changed after that?

I was desperate to hear my name and I was sure it will be taken.  I was satisfied with the efforts I had made. On the day of interview, when it was announced earlier in the morning that selected candidates will get the goodies, I was really excited to get one.

After my placement, I got to hear “congratulations” from many unexpected people as well. Those moments were encouraging and special. People around me were happier than me.

Now, my perception towards life has changed. I feel more confident, ambitious and open to learn more.

Q. After your selection a lot of people have termed you as a dark horse. How do you look to that?

No one has termed me like this before. It’s great if people think like so. I will take it as a compliment and would try to be dark horse for long.

Q. Being a student who did her internship in taxation, how much that experienced helped you in cracking this interview?

Well, it was definitely an advantage. I took my internship on a serious note and learnt many things. My mentor helped me to explore my potential and provided many opportunities to have practical experience in taxation. 

I would suggest, before going for internship, one should choose the right place.

Q. Share your experiences about the interviews?

I had never imagined that the interviewers can be so nice to us. They made me feel comfortable at each point. I was confident enough because the questions were simple and general and I had already prepared each one of them. But at times, the interviewer took me on merry-go-round. Still I remained calm and confident while answering. 

It’s not important that you must know every single thing but it’s important to answer what you really know. I tried to reflect what actually I am in front of them and presented myself in the best way I could have.

Q. You made your way very silently, but how much hard work was there behind the success. Throw some light on that?

It is rightly said- “Hard work is the key to the success.” I too did it a lot. One should always believe in doing work instead of thinking what you will get out of it. Without hard work, nothing is possible to achieve in long run. And moreover, I enjoy my work.

Q. Out of 10 selected candidates, 8 are girls. According to you, why that is so?

Why girls and not boys, would be a silly point to talk upon. According to me, the one who deserves should get the opportunity... be it a girl or a boy. And in fact, even if you deserve, your luck plays a major role in it!!!

Q. At last talk about your LIFE@IMS and potential your batch has?

IMS was like a dream and it came true. I knew this college would provide me with the great opportunities and it did so. My journey has been wonderful. Friends do motivate you and their presence makes a big difference.

Talking about this batch, it has all the potential and I have trust that all will get the best in their lives. The batch has always been supportive instead of so much of competition, everyone helps each other. In fact, the placement members present during the process support a lot!!

SANCHI- Distinctively Deloitte.

(By- Ankit Vani)

My life has become HAKUNA MATATA........!!!!!!

By the evening, as we entered into the conference room, the results were there in a jiffy which made everybody a bit jittery…….but the most expressive face in the lot, Jasreen Wilkhoo, who was actually expressing the heat moment had……….as they uttered the second name, she was into tears which were tears of endless joy, of indefatigable hard work and the proud that a brand like Deloitte gives…….I caught up with her in an exclusive interview where she shared the moments which she will relish forever……..here are the excerpts……

Describe a bit about the moment before the announcement of the results and post announcement of it..

I was done with my interview quite early by 11:00 AM and being a placement cell coordinator it was my first campus drive which I was not coordinating. So I was completely free and chilling in the college corridors and canteen with my best friend who just came to encourage me for the day. By 5:30 PM, I got to heard that Interviewer was taking the last candidate; it was the first time throughout the day when I felt a little agitated. And then sooner, we were told to sit in the conference hall and wait for the upcoming result. Those 10 minutes waiting for the result made me blank, as nothing could be predicted but as the results started were announced, my name was declared second in the list and I was numb, in tears and the hall was echoing with claps. I went to the HR , had a hand shake, and received the goodies. J

Post the announcement we escorted the Delegates towards their cars. As they left, my friends lifted me and took for the holy bath. And then, there were the showers of blessings, happiness and hooting.

  How was the experience of the whole selection process? What’s your take on that?

The selection process exactly went for a month that was 29^th Sept to 29^th Oct 2014 and was divided into three parts first was mere pre placement talk , which gave a complete idea to what kind of candidates they are seeking for, and then second was the test day which eliminated the candidates to the great extent and then was D-Day , the interviews session.

Throughout the process language played a vital role, which included listening, reading and speaking English. I like the process because nothing was going in hurry, every step was taken patiently. For each level they gave enough time to students to prepare themselves.

I was content with my performance and the vibes were very positive.I had done thorough preparations for both HR and Technical round , and this preparation boosted my confidence further.

According to you, how much effort it demands on personal level to crack a company like Deloitte?

To crack your dream company, like to me it was Deloitte, you need to have the self motivation and zeal to work hard for it. A week prior to my interview, we had the biggest festival of the year “Diwali” which involves abundant involvement of our time in its preparation and celebration, but I took a back seat in all the contributions and focused more on placement work and my personal level preparation. 

 Elaborate few key attributes for handling stress interviews?

Have a good preparation for all the obvious HR questions like what you did in your internship,And If you have mentioned your strengths you should be able to justify it well. And above all, prior to any interview at least have 3-5 mock interviews. Each mock interview will teach you something about yourself and how & where you make blunders at the time of interview.

How is life moving after placement?

I can describe my life in two word “HAKUNA MATATA” it is a Swahili phrase, popularly used in LION KING, a Disney movie, which means No worries for rest of your days. J

But being a placement cell coordinator the battle hasn't finished yet, we have to help and support to each and every candidate who is keen to have placements.

 What do you think about your life@IMS and how much potential does FA batch have?

My life after joining IMS have changed by 360 degree, I have learned the various aspects about life and the learning process is still on,,, I have learned how to rise every time I fall. I always believed the best revenge is not to be like your enemy, or people who seek every opportunity to let you down.

I remembered the phrase that I was taught at school, "Action speaks louder than words!!" and I followed it.

FA match has every good potential, FA 2013 batch is considered one of the sincere and obedient batch of the college. I believe we all have abundant knowledge just some of us need to work on our communication skills.

A message to your classmates and aspiring juniors…….?

I’m a person who doesn’t attend a lot of classes, as I’m engrossed with other responsibilities of college, but all my classmates are very helpful and supportive. Especially some people have helped selflessly, I really owe you.

For my classmates, take every opportunity seriously that come your way, brush up communication skills and way of presentation of answers in technical round.

My piece of advice to all the juniors will be that study well, each subject that you will be taught will help you some or the other way in future. And read English newspaper daily and work on your communication skills wherever you lack. Be participative in college events, don’t be a bookworm, 

Ankit Vani.........