On the eve of the new year, I look back at the year that was and quite an eventful year it was, at least from my perspective.
January : The year begun with the CAT results right in the first week of January. Now, as most of my friends know, that I had written CAT just for the heck of it without any preparation. I still vividly remember the day of the CAT results. Me and Puneet had gone to give the monthly rent to our landlords. On our way back (which was a 15 minute walk), as we had nothing better to do, we started calling up people asking about their results. But I had no answer for them when I was asked for the same. And since the CAT website gets choked on the day of the results, I had to wait for a couple of hours after reaching home to get to know the results. I was very surprised with the results (99.98 was not what I had expected).
February-March : Then came the spate of interviews for all the IIMs (Thankfully it was only the IIMs as I had written no other exam and not applied to any other college). The only sad part for me was that I had to shorten my long hair :( .Luckily, I had a very good manager, so, I could tell him exactly what was going on.
The most memorable of the interviews was the IIMC interview. That was a long story in itself. (Click to read IIMC Interview and Convocation Trip).
April : I was due to visit Neta, one of my best friends, who resided in Pune on the day when the results were ultimately declared (after many many delays in the result announcement). Before getting on the flight, I only knew about 2 results (IIMA, which I didn't get through and one of the L,I,K which I got through but but didn't matter as I had decided to join only A,B or C). Hence, I was not too happy getting on the flight. But as soon as I landed, I was flooded with calls from my freinds informing me that I got through all IIMs except A. That was a very happy moment for me. So, that trip was memorable to me for one more reason (the other being the ultimate fun I had with Neta and Kholu, which Neta might not have liked too much because he was our target all the time for all the Jokes :P).
April-May :Ohhhh, how did I ever forget IPL, the rush and excitement of a cricket match in the time of a football match. It was so successful that movie theaters at those times suffered huge losses. It did not matter to us (me and Puneet who are cricket maniacs), that Bangalore did not win any match we had gone to see at the stadium. And we provided Bangalore with huge number of opportunities. We saw Bangalore hammered single handedly by McCullum in the opener, to them throwing away a match from winning position against Chennai. But once you are in the stadium, you simply don't care. It did not for me especially as I supported the Delhi Daredevils. But IPL was the best thig to happen as it provided us something to do in the evenings - either at the stadiums or at home watching it on TV.
June : The most important decision during this time was to decide between IIMB and IIMC. Different people gave me different perspectives. And as someone rightly says,"The More you think about it, the more confused you become". Ultimately, it came down to a impulse decision which I still feel was the right decision. This month also signified my resignation from my job, which was a very amicable affair and my trip to Mumbai for my cousin Rajiv's wedding with Shreya. Marriages are always fun affairs with the entire family getting an excuse for getting together. I enjoyed to the hilt with all my cousins. The fact that I got along well with Shreya added to my delight :)
July : This signified my entry into the much revered IIM-Bangalore. Everyone around me was telling me that people aspire to be there and I got it on a silver platter without much hard work. The first week of the time here at IIM would be something I would never forget in my entire life. An elaborate prank that is customary to the IIMs is played by the seniors where all the new students are made to work so hard that many people simply start bucking under pressure or become defiant to all the workload. I simply believed that this was something that was expected of IIM students as everyone told me how hectic MBA life is. Most of July was spent adjusting to the MBA lifestyle, although it did not need much adjusting.
August : Come August, it was time for the Inter-IIM sports meet, Samhar played annually between IIMB and IIMC. And one of the things I liked the most about coming back to campus was the opportunity to play volleyball again. IIMB decimated IIMC with a scoreline of 15-2 with me and my team contributing to that scoreline with a win in volleyball. I was singled out for hooting by the opposing team because I was playing Libero and hence wore a different colour jersey. Little did they know that the level of hooting was nothing compared to what I had endured in Spardha, Udghosh or even the inter-hostels while playing in IT-BHU.
September : Most of September was spent working on project submissions etc. That was the most uneventful month of the year for me.
October : Most of October was spent attending company PPTs and resume and form submissions for the summer placement process. None of us liked attending those PPTs but everyone understood the importance of attending them. My birthday also falls in October, and a memorable birthday it was. (Birthday Celebration).There was little time left for other activities in October.
November - Mid December : November brought about the much awaited summers process. Long story short,it was exciting and I got through into Citibank Markets (Interview Experience). Then started the month-long inter-section sports meet, whichI enjoyed a lot. Not only because of the playing, but also because of all the politics people played and all the controversies involved. I was required to play the mediator in many cases (I wont elaborate onthis).Although Section-D had little chance of winning, but I still appreciate the enthusiasm that the junta showed and came to participate in huge numbers. According to me,participating and giving your best effort is the thing that is most important.
December end : It had nothing but the customary end of termexaminations and some days of long sleeping hours after the term-end at home :)
I am very happy that I had a very eventful 2008 and look forward to 2009 with expectations of surpassing it, as far as eventfulness is concerned. This would be my last opportunity before I am lost in the monotonous job life in 2010.
So Thank You 2008 for all the memories and 2009, SURPRISE ME.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
How life turns
I am writing this blog sitting in the Airport lounge at Bengaluru. The last week had been quite eventful for me, both academically as well as non-academically with a plethora of quizzes and submissions on the academic side. On the non-academic side, I was involved in the organization of the inter-section sports meet and also some work for the section website to be designed.
One of our batchmates, Vishwa got married this Monday. Since it was a weekday none of us had been able to attend that but almost 20-25 of us had planned to go for the reception today. The train was to leave at 6am in the morning from the Bangalore City station. So, the plan was to leave at 4.30 from the campus. Some of us decided that it would be impossible to get up at 4.30 once we sleep so - a night out it was. We were playing '29', one of the most popular card games.
Then at 2.30, I get a call from my brother in Delhi. A call at this time could mean only one of the two things - either my number has been dialed by mistake (which happens very often as my name is the first in many people's phone books) or it had to be some very urgent news.
When I picked it up, I heard my brother's voice, so the first possibility was ruled out. He then informed me that our grandfather had passed away. Was I surprised? Maybe not, since he was already above 90 years of age and had not been in best of health for some time now. I immediately booked my ticket on the first flight out. Within 2 hours I reached the airport and was sitting in the lounge when I wanted to tell these things to someone but no one I know is awake at 5am. So, the blog came about.
Life has a strange way of showing the irony in life. I was to be a part of a celebration today and life turned me away and instead gave me the sad news. My mood changed from celebratory to mourning.
For as long as I remember, I had seen almost no change in his appearance. i can never forget those sessions of Rummie I sometimes had with him or his interest in cricket matches and all kinds of news. lately, he had not been keeping well health wise. He had a long and healthy life of over 90 years and I think passing away in his sleep was something that is better.
The airport display screen is showing now that my flight is ready for boarding.
Today I would pay my last respects to him.
Goodbye Grandpa!!!!
One of our batchmates, Vishwa got married this Monday. Since it was a weekday none of us had been able to attend that but almost 20-25 of us had planned to go for the reception today. The train was to leave at 6am in the morning from the Bangalore City station. So, the plan was to leave at 4.30 from the campus. Some of us decided that it would be impossible to get up at 4.30 once we sleep so - a night out it was. We were playing '29', one of the most popular card games.
Then at 2.30, I get a call from my brother in Delhi. A call at this time could mean only one of the two things - either my number has been dialed by mistake (which happens very often as my name is the first in many people's phone books) or it had to be some very urgent news.
When I picked it up, I heard my brother's voice, so the first possibility was ruled out. He then informed me that our grandfather had passed away. Was I surprised? Maybe not, since he was already above 90 years of age and had not been in best of health for some time now. I immediately booked my ticket on the first flight out. Within 2 hours I reached the airport and was sitting in the lounge when I wanted to tell these things to someone but no one I know is awake at 5am. So, the blog came about.
Life has a strange way of showing the irony in life. I was to be a part of a celebration today and life turned me away and instead gave me the sad news. My mood changed from celebratory to mourning.
For as long as I remember, I had seen almost no change in his appearance. i can never forget those sessions of Rummie I sometimes had with him or his interest in cricket matches and all kinds of news. lately, he had not been keeping well health wise. He had a long and healthy life of over 90 years and I think passing away in his sleep was something that is better.
The airport display screen is showing now that my flight is ready for boarding.
Today I would pay my last respects to him.
Goodbye Grandpa!!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Political Reaction to the Mumbai Attacks - Pathetic
Many newspapers touted it as the 9/11 of India, the others calling it Mayhem in Mumbai, last week saw one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks in India in the financial capital of the country. The attack was probably aimed at creating panic and showing the country that the terrorists can strike anywhere they wanted.
This was also the time when the so-called leaders of this country had to prove their mettle. This article is aimed at looking into how the great leaders of this country fared this test.
The usual chain of events after any blasts or attacks consist of the leaders of this country especially the leaders in the government coming out and issuing statements condemning the attacks. But looking at the frequency that it has started happening nowadays, I wonder sometimes whether the clips being shown on the television are live or recorded from the previous attacks.
The reality was not too different this time around. As soon as the news of the attacks spread, everyone came out condemning the attacks. I saw a glimmer of hope when the PM and the leader of the opposition decided to tour Mumbai together to show solidarity. But I should have known that it sounded too good to be true. When both these leaders were trying to show solidarity, both the parties were working behind the scenes to print ads in newspapers blaming each other for the happenings. One blamed the other party by telling that its soft on terror and the other trying to get back by comparing it with the Kandahar episode.
The would community came out issuing statements such as, "Such forms of terrorism are unacceptable". Can someone please tell me, what kinds of terrorism are acceptable? The ones which US practised in Afghnistan and Iraq?
The time when the leaders of the state were supposed to be coming out in the open to calm down the people, we never saw any appearance from any state leader on TV. Instead, we heard stories that the CM is regularly updating the leader of the Congress party about the chain of events. My simple question is, "Is the CM answerable to the masses or the leader of the party? " (to whom he should not be once he is holding a constitutional office).
The home minister of the state makes a remark that such "small" incidents happen. They would only understand the massiveness of the attacks if someone from their families are also the victims in one of these attacks. No attack is small for a family who loses a loved one.
All this was taking place when our security forces and the other services like the fire services were working round the clock to defeat the terrorists and minimize the damage. I salute them from the bottom of my heart for all that they have done for the country.
The stories don't end here. After the attacks, the CM goes to survey the damage in the Taj Hotel. Guess who all accompany him to the site - his son Riteish and Ram Gopal Verma. Was it some kind of a joke. What the hell were they doing there and did the CM really think that they were the most important people to be included in the survey party. If that is what he thought, we really need to think what kind of people we elect.
One of the martyrs of the attacks was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan of the NSG. Although his family lived in Karnataka, he was a Keralite. The CM of Karnataka visited him as soon as the news of the martyrdom reached him. The CM of Kerala initially didn't even bother to visit his family and after media criticism, he decided to visit the place in the evening. Not surprisingly, the father of the soldier became emotional and refused to accept his condolences.
What the CM said next was shocking. He said, "It was for Sandeep I had gone, otherwise even a DOG wouldn’t have visited them. I never expected this." Such people should be publically paraded and beaten up on the streets. To top it, he even refused to tender an apology for the statement made. God save the country from the communists. This should be an eye-opener for the people who vote for them.
So, in retrospect, the politicians failed miserably on all fronts. In such cases, the politicians in India have a lot to learn from their western counterparts. Whatever differences they might have, they come out solidly as one voice when such incidents threatening the fiber of the country take place. When can we see Indian politicians maturing. Is it just me or am I just wishing for too much. I hope that our politicians realize that the basic aim of a democracy is not to divide people and come to power, but it is to provide good governance to people, especially in testing times.
I would end with this quote that I read in some article recently. This was given by Sir Winston Churchill, about politicians of India which was delivered on the eve of India's independence. He said, "Power will go to the hands of rascals, rogues and
freebooters. All Indian leaders will be of low caliber and men of straw. They will have sweet tongues and silly hearts. They will fight among themselves for power and India will be lost in political squabbles."
Sadly, I see all this coming true right in front of my eyes.
This was also the time when the so-called leaders of this country had to prove their mettle. This article is aimed at looking into how the great leaders of this country fared this test.
The usual chain of events after any blasts or attacks consist of the leaders of this country especially the leaders in the government coming out and issuing statements condemning the attacks. But looking at the frequency that it has started happening nowadays, I wonder sometimes whether the clips being shown on the television are live or recorded from the previous attacks.
The reality was not too different this time around. As soon as the news of the attacks spread, everyone came out condemning the attacks. I saw a glimmer of hope when the PM and the leader of the opposition decided to tour Mumbai together to show solidarity. But I should have known that it sounded too good to be true. When both these leaders were trying to show solidarity, both the parties were working behind the scenes to print ads in newspapers blaming each other for the happenings. One blamed the other party by telling that its soft on terror and the other trying to get back by comparing it with the Kandahar episode.
The would community came out issuing statements such as, "Such forms of terrorism are unacceptable". Can someone please tell me, what kinds of terrorism are acceptable? The ones which US practised in Afghnistan and Iraq?
The time when the leaders of the state were supposed to be coming out in the open to calm down the people, we never saw any appearance from any state leader on TV. Instead, we heard stories that the CM is regularly updating the leader of the Congress party about the chain of events. My simple question is, "Is the CM answerable to the masses or the leader of the party? " (to whom he should not be once he is holding a constitutional office).
The home minister of the state makes a remark that such "small" incidents happen. They would only understand the massiveness of the attacks if someone from their families are also the victims in one of these attacks. No attack is small for a family who loses a loved one.
All this was taking place when our security forces and the other services like the fire services were working round the clock to defeat the terrorists and minimize the damage. I salute them from the bottom of my heart for all that they have done for the country.
The stories don't end here. After the attacks, the CM goes to survey the damage in the Taj Hotel. Guess who all accompany him to the site - his son Riteish and Ram Gopal Verma. Was it some kind of a joke. What the hell were they doing there and did the CM really think that they were the most important people to be included in the survey party. If that is what he thought, we really need to think what kind of people we elect.
One of the martyrs of the attacks was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan of the NSG. Although his family lived in Karnataka, he was a Keralite. The CM of Karnataka visited him as soon as the news of the martyrdom reached him. The CM of Kerala initially didn't even bother to visit his family and after media criticism, he decided to visit the place in the evening. Not surprisingly, the father of the soldier became emotional and refused to accept his condolences.
What the CM said next was shocking. He said, "It was for Sandeep I had gone, otherwise even a DOG wouldn’t have visited them. I never expected this." Such people should be publically paraded and beaten up on the streets. To top it, he even refused to tender an apology for the statement made. God save the country from the communists. This should be an eye-opener for the people who vote for them.
So, in retrospect, the politicians failed miserably on all fronts. In such cases, the politicians in India have a lot to learn from their western counterparts. Whatever differences they might have, they come out solidly as one voice when such incidents threatening the fiber of the country take place. When can we see Indian politicians maturing. Is it just me or am I just wishing for too much. I hope that our politicians realize that the basic aim of a democracy is not to divide people and come to power, but it is to provide good governance to people, especially in testing times.
I would end with this quote that I read in some article recently. This was given by Sir Winston Churchill, about politicians of India which was delivered on the eve of India's independence. He said, "Power will go to the hands of rascals, rogues and
freebooters. All Indian leaders will be of low caliber and men of straw. They will have sweet tongues and silly hearts. They will fight among themselves for power and India will be lost in political squabbles."
Sadly, I see all this coming true right in front of my eyes.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Interview
Well, I am not going to post a End-term review of the placement process as I won't have much to say. Bottom line, the placecom of IIM-Bangalore rocks and they got all of us placed in four and a half days in very difficult times.
I am posting my interview experience in Citi where I finally am going for my summer internship. We reached the MDC(the place where all of it takes place) at 8 am and me and my good friend Tauseef were the first ones to be called by the trackers (something we had never expected :P).
I had no idea which company I had been called in for. Since its all a dynamic process, you are sent to the place where you have a shortlist and the interview panel is free. To my surprise, I was waiting there for interviews in three companies. First, I attended a group discussion by a firm the status of which was irrelevant after my next interview.
A night before, I had looked at the options available and decided that the Markets division (which includes trading and all) of any bank would be the best option for me. That would be either Citi, HSBC or ICICI. I was very glad that I had been shortlisted for the Markets division of Citi. I was probably the 3rd or 4th person to interview. The placecom arranges for company write-ups outside for the students so that they know at least the bare minimum about the firm they interview for.
Then I heard the voice on the Walkie-Talkie - "Abhijit Raja is clear to be sent into Citi - CMK". I saw the HR waiting outside the room for me. I recognized him from the Pre-placement talk that had taken place about a month back.
He was extra nice to me outside, which made me realize that they planned to screw me inside.
He started talking in hindi as we were going inside.
There was a 3rd guy in there who was supposed to be a senior guy from the markets division. I would refer to himas MS(markets Senior)
HR : To Raja saab, kaisa chal raha hai?
Me : Bas badhiya
HR : To Banaras me padhe ho aap. Pehalwan ki lassi to pee hi hogi.
Me : Haan, wo to hamari favourite jagah thi.
HR : Aur wahan ki aur koi mithai?
Me : Haan, laung lata kasie bhoolein.
HR to MS (start conversing with each other) : Aapko pata haiye pehalwaan ka naam kasie pada........... blah blah (they talk for 30 seconds)
(By this time I see a sheet of paper consisting the names of the shortlisted people on the table - I realize that there are only 8 people and I have to grab this opportunity)
MS : Ok now, we'll start the cliched way, Tell me about yourself.
Me (whatever I had prepared) : Blah Blah....... good in acads, good at sports, leadership........ done well in my work........ good analytical skills, good academic performance in Quantitative and Financial Accounting.
(MS was looking intently for a point to pick on)
MS : So, you had good grades in Financialaccounting. So, what ratios would you look into before investing in a company
Me : The Return on Equity, Return on Investment., P/E Ratios
MS : For the liqudity, what ratios would you use?
Me : The Quick Ratio and the Cash Flow statements.
MS : No, No...... there is something else. I thought you were supposed to be good in Financial accounting
(With this statement I realized that this was supposed to be a stress interview, so I decided I'll smile at them even if they slap me)
Me : Yes sir, I think I am good but I know as much as has been taught to me. I am not able to recollect any other ratio as of now.
HR : OK, your form mentions you did your summer internship in National Highways in your engineering days.
Me : Yes Sir.
MS : So tell me now, how many kilometers of highways are under construction which are under NHAI and what is the percentage of completion.
Me : Sir, the major projects of NAHI currently are the Golden Quadrilateral and the North-South and East-West Corridors.
MS : Don't give me verbose answers, you told me that you have good analytical skills. Give me figures.
Me : Sir according to me the Golden Quadrilateral project is about 8000 km in length and the North-South and East-West corridors together about 6000 kms and last time I checked, it had been about 70% complete.
MS (Not convinced): OK, do you know what all machines are used in highway construction and what part of the total project cost do they form.
Me : (Listed down the machines) Sir, I was not allowed to go into the financial information of the project as I was an engineering summer intern. But my guess would be not more than 10% as most of the machines and equipment are leased.
(moving on to the next one)
HR : I've heard that you have blogged on some issues that have been published on CNN-IBN site. Can you tell me more about it.
Me (not expecting this question) : Yes, I have four blogs there. One on caste reservation, one on the state of infrastructure in Bangalore (and as always happens in interviews, I forgot the other two) and ...... and........ Sorry, I can't remember the other two.
HR : Doesn't matter. Tell me about what are your views on the caste reservation issue.
Me : I think that I dont support it in the current state but I am more in favour of a model that takes into account various factors including economic factors, place of origin etc. This was one of the models suggested by Dr. Yogendra yadav.
HR : (with a wicked smile) Oh Dr. Yogendra Yadav. You know his main work is to predict elections and he was wrong in 5 of the last 6. You form your opinions based on the work of such incompetant people.
Me : I don't think his failure in predicting elections is in any way related to his model which I feel is much better than what is currently present.
HR : What research did you do before writing that article. Do you know about the Sachar commission, do you know the full recommendations of the Mandal commission???
Me : Sorry sir, I dont know them in great detail but this was an opinion and I still stand by what I wrote that there are many ways that can be better then the current form of implementing the reservations.
HR/MS : So why do you want to join Citi
Me : Blah blah - Big company, opportunities...........
The group has an Indian CEO which shows the meritocratic nature of the group and shows that anyone can rise to the top. Even in the PPT last month, it was told that the first step to rectify a mistake is to admit it and Citi was one of the first firms to admit the mistake in the global crisis which I feel is a very big thing.
HR : So Abhijit, thank you and from the next time take the opinion of poeple who are good and not who fail 5 out of 6 times
Me : Sure sir (giving a very wide smile)
Then I was waiting anxiously as all other people went in and came out with the same level of hatred for the HR guy. As all the interviews were over, one of the Placecom members called me to the Placement room. As soon as I reached there, he told me that Citi wants to make an offer to me and asked me whether I would accept it.
My simple answer : "OBVIOUSLY"
Then, I went with him to the HR guy, wehre he was standing smiling at me.
HR : So Raja saab, milte hai aapse summer me. Thoda kha peekar aao yaar, itne patle ho, khhon kaise chhosenge tumhara.
Me : Aap pehalwaan ki lassi ka intezaam kara do, sehat apne aap ban jayegi
Then he signed the sheet and I heard the most sweetest sound: "Abhijit Raja is out of the placement process."
Although it was a relief for me, I knew that my friends need my support as they had done for me up to that point. The icing on the cake was that another of my friends had got through into Citi Consumer. The only thing I wish for now is for Citi to survive till and go there for summers and confirm its doomed status :P
I am posting my interview experience in Citi where I finally am going for my summer internship. We reached the MDC(the place where all of it takes place) at 8 am and me and my good friend Tauseef were the first ones to be called by the trackers (something we had never expected :P).
I had no idea which company I had been called in for. Since its all a dynamic process, you are sent to the place where you have a shortlist and the interview panel is free. To my surprise, I was waiting there for interviews in three companies. First, I attended a group discussion by a firm the status of which was irrelevant after my next interview.
A night before, I had looked at the options available and decided that the Markets division (which includes trading and all) of any bank would be the best option for me. That would be either Citi, HSBC or ICICI. I was very glad that I had been shortlisted for the Markets division of Citi. I was probably the 3rd or 4th person to interview. The placecom arranges for company write-ups outside for the students so that they know at least the bare minimum about the firm they interview for.
Then I heard the voice on the Walkie-Talkie - "Abhijit Raja is clear to be sent into Citi - CMK". I saw the HR waiting outside the room for me. I recognized him from the Pre-placement talk that had taken place about a month back.
He was extra nice to me outside, which made me realize that they planned to screw me inside.
He started talking in hindi as we were going inside.
There was a 3rd guy in there who was supposed to be a senior guy from the markets division. I would refer to himas MS(markets Senior)
HR : To Raja saab, kaisa chal raha hai?
Me : Bas badhiya
HR : To Banaras me padhe ho aap. Pehalwan ki lassi to pee hi hogi.
Me : Haan, wo to hamari favourite jagah thi.
HR : Aur wahan ki aur koi mithai?
Me : Haan, laung lata kasie bhoolein.
HR to MS (start conversing with each other) : Aapko pata haiye pehalwaan ka naam kasie pada........... blah blah (they talk for 30 seconds)
(By this time I see a sheet of paper consisting the names of the shortlisted people on the table - I realize that there are only 8 people and I have to grab this opportunity)
MS : Ok now, we'll start the cliched way, Tell me about yourself.
Me (whatever I had prepared) : Blah Blah....... good in acads, good at sports, leadership........ done well in my work........ good analytical skills, good academic performance in Quantitative and Financial Accounting.
(MS was looking intently for a point to pick on)
MS : So, you had good grades in Financialaccounting. So, what ratios would you look into before investing in a company
Me : The Return on Equity, Return on Investment., P/E Ratios
MS : For the liqudity, what ratios would you use?
Me : The Quick Ratio and the Cash Flow statements.
MS : No, No...... there is something else. I thought you were supposed to be good in Financial accounting
(With this statement I realized that this was supposed to be a stress interview, so I decided I'll smile at them even if they slap me)
Me : Yes sir, I think I am good but I know as much as has been taught to me. I am not able to recollect any other ratio as of now.
HR : OK, your form mentions you did your summer internship in National Highways in your engineering days.
Me : Yes Sir.
MS : So tell me now, how many kilometers of highways are under construction which are under NHAI and what is the percentage of completion.
Me : Sir, the major projects of NAHI currently are the Golden Quadrilateral and the North-South and East-West Corridors.
MS : Don't give me verbose answers, you told me that you have good analytical skills. Give me figures.
Me : Sir according to me the Golden Quadrilateral project is about 8000 km in length and the North-South and East-West corridors together about 6000 kms and last time I checked, it had been about 70% complete.
MS (Not convinced): OK, do you know what all machines are used in highway construction and what part of the total project cost do they form.
Me : (Listed down the machines) Sir, I was not allowed to go into the financial information of the project as I was an engineering summer intern. But my guess would be not more than 10% as most of the machines and equipment are leased.
(moving on to the next one)
HR : I've heard that you have blogged on some issues that have been published on CNN-IBN site. Can you tell me more about it.
Me (not expecting this question) : Yes, I have four blogs there. One on caste reservation, one on the state of infrastructure in Bangalore (and as always happens in interviews, I forgot the other two) and ...... and........ Sorry, I can't remember the other two.
HR : Doesn't matter. Tell me about what are your views on the caste reservation issue.
Me : I think that I dont support it in the current state but I am more in favour of a model that takes into account various factors including economic factors, place of origin etc. This was one of the models suggested by Dr. Yogendra yadav.
HR : (with a wicked smile) Oh Dr. Yogendra Yadav. You know his main work is to predict elections and he was wrong in 5 of the last 6. You form your opinions based on the work of such incompetant people.
Me : I don't think his failure in predicting elections is in any way related to his model which I feel is much better than what is currently present.
HR : What research did you do before writing that article. Do you know about the Sachar commission, do you know the full recommendations of the Mandal commission???
Me : Sorry sir, I dont know them in great detail but this was an opinion and I still stand by what I wrote that there are many ways that can be better then the current form of implementing the reservations.
HR/MS : So why do you want to join Citi
Me : Blah blah - Big company, opportunities...........
The group has an Indian CEO which shows the meritocratic nature of the group and shows that anyone can rise to the top. Even in the PPT last month, it was told that the first step to rectify a mistake is to admit it and Citi was one of the first firms to admit the mistake in the global crisis which I feel is a very big thing.
HR : So Abhijit, thank you and from the next time take the opinion of poeple who are good and not who fail 5 out of 6 times
Me : Sure sir (giving a very wide smile)
Then I was waiting anxiously as all other people went in and came out with the same level of hatred for the HR guy. As all the interviews were over, one of the Placecom members called me to the Placement room. As soon as I reached there, he told me that Citi wants to make an offer to me and asked me whether I would accept it.
My simple answer : "OBVIOUSLY"
Then, I went with him to the HR guy, wehre he was standing smiling at me.
HR : So Raja saab, milte hai aapse summer me. Thoda kha peekar aao yaar, itne patle ho, khhon kaise chhosenge tumhara.
Me : Aap pehalwaan ki lassi ka intezaam kara do, sehat apne aap ban jayegi
Then he signed the sheet and I heard the most sweetest sound: "Abhijit Raja is out of the placement process."
Although it was a relief for me, I knew that my friends need my support as they had done for me up to that point. The icing on the cake was that another of my friends had got through into Citi Consumer. The only thing I wish for now is for Citi to survive till and go there for summers and confirm its doomed status :P
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Placements Mid-Term Review
P.S. I am not going to mention any figures or names of companies in this post
For the past two days I have witnessed such variety of emotions that it can form a plot for a soap opera - Happiness, Relief, Despair, Sadness, Disappointment, Sarcasm and what not. The first day saw frantic activity all around with people rushing for interviews left, right and center. Some obvious candidates were waiting to get picked by the top firms. Many were lucky enough to get through and many were not. I saw some very deserving people being left behind and some not so deserving people getting through. I think thats life and we should be ready to deal with it.
I think this is the time when a person's true character is revealed, not by the kind of job he/she gets, but by the way people conduct themselves both in case of failure as well as after success. This is also the time when one requires true strength of character as I feel this process teaches you to deal with failures. Some people are able to do it, some simply aren't.
This process has also shown how different minds function differently when subjected to stress. A simple thing like an offer for help from some people with job offers to others may look like a helpful one to some and a chest-beating one to the others. Although even I believe that not all the gestures are genuine but thats no reason to become overly sarcastic and look at everyone with suspicion.
I have seen people going that extra yard to help others out, maybe sometimes even working harder than the candidates. Many people have helped out in the entire process from the second day onwards. For me, I just wait for some good news to trickle in, may not be for me, may be for someone else. But thats me, I get happy for others and I think that is what defines me and that is what should define most people.
The selection procedures leave a lot to be desired. There is a lot of subjectivity in the entire process where some parameters not related to a person's ability become important. Although most people who would have gone through a placement process would understand this, I would not like to elaborate on this. Some of the processes would seem to be illogical even to the layman but they take place. As the wise people say "The Customer is always right", the firms being the customers in this case buying into recruiting the students.
Have I been a victim of the process? Not Exactly. Thinking further I would say 'Maybe and maybe not', but I take everything in my stride because if this is the way the world functions, then its upto us to learn to deal with it rather than cribbing about how the system is unfair.
I would say that it is a very tiring process, but its more about mental toughness. I am still cheerful and hopeful as always and hope to get an internship offer shortly :)
Congrats to all people with offers, Best of luck to all people to get offers over the next couple of days. Enjoy the process and remain cheerful, energetic & confident.
CHEERS!!!!!!
And a request once again to comment and encourage this novice blogger :)
For the past two days I have witnessed such variety of emotions that it can form a plot for a soap opera - Happiness, Relief, Despair, Sadness, Disappointment, Sarcasm and what not. The first day saw frantic activity all around with people rushing for interviews left, right and center. Some obvious candidates were waiting to get picked by the top firms. Many were lucky enough to get through and many were not. I saw some very deserving people being left behind and some not so deserving people getting through. I think thats life and we should be ready to deal with it.
I think this is the time when a person's true character is revealed, not by the kind of job he/she gets, but by the way people conduct themselves both in case of failure as well as after success. This is also the time when one requires true strength of character as I feel this process teaches you to deal with failures. Some people are able to do it, some simply aren't.
This process has also shown how different minds function differently when subjected to stress. A simple thing like an offer for help from some people with job offers to others may look like a helpful one to some and a chest-beating one to the others. Although even I believe that not all the gestures are genuine but thats no reason to become overly sarcastic and look at everyone with suspicion.
I have seen people going that extra yard to help others out, maybe sometimes even working harder than the candidates. Many people have helped out in the entire process from the second day onwards. For me, I just wait for some good news to trickle in, may not be for me, may be for someone else. But thats me, I get happy for others and I think that is what defines me and that is what should define most people.
The selection procedures leave a lot to be desired. There is a lot of subjectivity in the entire process where some parameters not related to a person's ability become important. Although most people who would have gone through a placement process would understand this, I would not like to elaborate on this. Some of the processes would seem to be illogical even to the layman but they take place. As the wise people say "The Customer is always right", the firms being the customers in this case buying into recruiting the students.
Have I been a victim of the process? Not Exactly. Thinking further I would say 'Maybe and maybe not', but I take everything in my stride because if this is the way the world functions, then its upto us to learn to deal with it rather than cribbing about how the system is unfair.
I would say that it is a very tiring process, but its more about mental toughness. I am still cheerful and hopeful as always and hope to get an internship offer shortly :)
Congrats to all people with offers, Best of luck to all people to get offers over the next couple of days. Enjoy the process and remain cheerful, energetic & confident.
CHEERS!!!!!!
And a request once again to comment and encourage this novice blogger :)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Placements Stereotypes - The Herd Mentality
As the summer internship process draws near and I see more and more tense faces near me, which surprisingly have become even more tense after getting a shortlist. I am not going to dwell into how people should cope with it a I have already covered that in my last post.
I was just talking to one of the Exchange Students the other day and he was amazed by the fact that there are only two focus areas for the students in IIM-Bangalore - Finance or Consulting. He told me that he understood the reason why it was because they paid well but was it the correct way to build your career. According to him, its just running after money. Maybe, that is the reason that one requires to have a decent amount of work-experience before coming for a degree in management. They have a pretty good idea about what they want to do in life. There is a logic behind the best B-Schools in the world taking in people with a decent amount of experience. For many like me, a summer internship is an opportunity to test the waters. So, it may not matter to me which field I go into.
The summers process, for many, essentially also becomes a process to build their reputation among their peers (though that may not hold for everyone) rather than following their dreams. Many of my peers I have talked to have an immense interest in Marketing (which is not supposed to be the best job on campus), but they go after consults or I-banks because of the Pseude-Factor. People don't have the courage to follow their dreams as they think too much about what the people would think.
People need to realize that money may not be the most important thing in life - at least thats true for me. After passing out from this prestigious institute, everyone is bound to get attractive salaries and according to me, there is a limit above which it would not matter to me. There is so much spending that you can do in your life.
I met a couple of my seniors who have decided that they want to do Marketing in their life and have no qualms about accepting that. I envy such people who have the vision for their lives so clear in their minds. I hope that I too am able to have such clarity about what I want to do. Everyone has an idea, but very few are so clear. Such people break the stereotypes about the best people going to the best I-Bank or the best Consult. They prove that the best are those who follow their dreams and not those who get the best salaries. I do not intend to say that people may not have genuine interest in finance or consulting, but what I mean is not everyone who goes into these fields have an interest. Its upto the individual to realize the path for their lives.
Now deviating from the topic, one paragraph about the process itself, the Placement Committee raised a couple of very important points yesterday that although each and every one needs to work hard towards achieving a good internship, one has to remember that it is "JUST A SUMMER INTERNSHIP", just 2 months in a company, nothing more, nothing less. We have to spend the next year and a half with our batch mates, so its a time to be united and achieve the best results in times that are not so good. Many seniors told me that the summer internship process leads to such strong friendships with people that you would never have even talked to. So, I would treat it as such an opportunity, making friends. I am sure I would be helping out people during the process and hope others realize the same and help each other out.
Again wising everyone all the best.
P.S. Those who are still nervous, read Thakur's Fundas, download from DC (for the IIMB Junta) and please comment on the post for encouragement if you like the post or even otherwise :)
I was just talking to one of the Exchange Students the other day and he was amazed by the fact that there are only two focus areas for the students in IIM-Bangalore - Finance or Consulting. He told me that he understood the reason why it was because they paid well but was it the correct way to build your career. According to him, its just running after money. Maybe, that is the reason that one requires to have a decent amount of work-experience before coming for a degree in management. They have a pretty good idea about what they want to do in life. There is a logic behind the best B-Schools in the world taking in people with a decent amount of experience. For many like me, a summer internship is an opportunity to test the waters. So, it may not matter to me which field I go into.
The summers process, for many, essentially also becomes a process to build their reputation among their peers (though that may not hold for everyone) rather than following their dreams. Many of my peers I have talked to have an immense interest in Marketing (which is not supposed to be the best job on campus), but they go after consults or I-banks because of the Pseude-Factor. People don't have the courage to follow their dreams as they think too much about what the people would think.
People need to realize that money may not be the most important thing in life - at least thats true for me. After passing out from this prestigious institute, everyone is bound to get attractive salaries and according to me, there is a limit above which it would not matter to me. There is so much spending that you can do in your life.
I met a couple of my seniors who have decided that they want to do Marketing in their life and have no qualms about accepting that. I envy such people who have the vision for their lives so clear in their minds. I hope that I too am able to have such clarity about what I want to do. Everyone has an idea, but very few are so clear. Such people break the stereotypes about the best people going to the best I-Bank or the best Consult. They prove that the best are those who follow their dreams and not those who get the best salaries. I do not intend to say that people may not have genuine interest in finance or consulting, but what I mean is not everyone who goes into these fields have an interest. Its upto the individual to realize the path for their lives.
Now deviating from the topic, one paragraph about the process itself, the Placement Committee raised a couple of very important points yesterday that although each and every one needs to work hard towards achieving a good internship, one has to remember that it is "JUST A SUMMER INTERNSHIP", just 2 months in a company, nothing more, nothing less. We have to spend the next year and a half with our batch mates, so its a time to be united and achieve the best results in times that are not so good. Many seniors told me that the summer internship process leads to such strong friendships with people that you would never have even talked to. So, I would treat it as such an opportunity, making friends. I am sure I would be helping out people during the process and hope others realize the same and help each other out.
Again wising everyone all the best.
P.S. Those who are still nervous, read Thakur's Fundas, download from DC (for the IIMB Junta) and please comment on the post for encouragement if you like the post or even otherwise :)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Summer Intern - BIG DEAL ????
P.S. A Kinda serious post
Well, the Summer placement fever has gripped IIM-Bangalore. Its that time of the year for the first year guys when they get supposedly take a step towards their final career.
Most of the shortlisting process is based on what one has achieved over his/her past life. So, looking at the kind of people I am with I think everyone deserves what they are getting. Do I hope for a shortlist - Well I certainly do but I am not going to base my life's happiness over it. Its a phase of life and thats what I am taking it as. If I am lucky, I would get one, and then it would be upto me to clear the interviews. I have seen people getting into deep depression modes (not very explicit) over the difference between their huge expectations and the meager returns. Such situations do lead to periods of self-doubt, which is faced by even the greatest of people. Your strength is defined by how well you are able to pull yourself out of it. What I would like to advise people is that such situations come and go - learn to deal with it. The most important thing is life is to be happy.
Today, I had lunch with my IT-BHU seniors in IIM-Bangalore and I heard about many successful seniors of ours who were working in most sought after companies after getting non-day zero summer interns. Its all about keeping your cool and working hard (which I think need to start doing :P). So, I believe that one can always do that and even if one does not manage to get a decent final placement, whats the big deal. Its a huge world out there with NUMEROUS opportunities. We are supposed to be the best in the country - if we want, there's nothing we cant achieve.
But one thing I dread the most is what some people tell me, that people start judging each other by the shortlists and the summers they get. I really hope that does not happen to me or my friends. I believe that a summer internship is not the way to judge a person and if a person's attitude does change due to such a reason, then maybe I would be better off without his/her company.
The 4-5 months I have spent here in IIM-Bangalore have been very memorable and I hope that the next year and a half also remains similar. I have been blessed with being in a section that is supposed to be chilled out and friendly. When I look at the other sections, I am really happy to be in Section-D (No offense to the other sections, You guys just work hard). I have been blessed to be in the company of so many good people who have become such good friends over the past few days. I hope to make more such friends in the time remaining here.
So, wishing everyone all the best for their summers. CHILL OUT and BE HAPPY
Cheers!!!!!
Well, the Summer placement fever has gripped IIM-Bangalore. Its that time of the year for the first year guys when they get supposedly take a step towards their final career.
Most of the shortlisting process is based on what one has achieved over his/her past life. So, looking at the kind of people I am with I think everyone deserves what they are getting. Do I hope for a shortlist - Well I certainly do but I am not going to base my life's happiness over it. Its a phase of life and thats what I am taking it as. If I am lucky, I would get one, and then it would be upto me to clear the interviews. I have seen people getting into deep depression modes (not very explicit) over the difference between their huge expectations and the meager returns. Such situations do lead to periods of self-doubt, which is faced by even the greatest of people. Your strength is defined by how well you are able to pull yourself out of it. What I would like to advise people is that such situations come and go - learn to deal with it. The most important thing is life is to be happy.
Today, I had lunch with my IT-BHU seniors in IIM-Bangalore and I heard about many successful seniors of ours who were working in most sought after companies after getting non-day zero summer interns. Its all about keeping your cool and working hard (which I think need to start doing :P). So, I believe that one can always do that and even if one does not manage to get a decent final placement, whats the big deal. Its a huge world out there with NUMEROUS opportunities. We are supposed to be the best in the country - if we want, there's nothing we cant achieve.
But one thing I dread the most is what some people tell me, that people start judging each other by the shortlists and the summers they get. I really hope that does not happen to me or my friends. I believe that a summer internship is not the way to judge a person and if a person's attitude does change due to such a reason, then maybe I would be better off without his/her company.
The 4-5 months I have spent here in IIM-Bangalore have been very memorable and I hope that the next year and a half also remains similar. I have been blessed with being in a section that is supposed to be chilled out and friendly. When I look at the other sections, I am really happy to be in Section-D (No offense to the other sections, You guys just work hard). I have been blessed to be in the company of so many good people who have become such good friends over the past few days. I hope to make more such friends in the time remaining here.
So, wishing everyone all the best for their summers. CHILL OUT and BE HAPPY
Cheers!!!!!
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