Interview with Divya Sagar, SYBMS Topper 2014, MNWC College

Name – Divya Sagar

College Name – Maniben Nanavati Women’s College. (MNWC)

Course Name – BMS

Which year – S.Y.

Rank in SY : 2nd

Tell us about yourself, your background, why did you join BMS and what do you plan to do after BMS?                         

I completed my pre & primary education in Dubai, United Arab Emirates under CBSE Board & came to Mumbai for my Junior College & higher education. My dad is a businessman & my mom is a housewife. I was always interested in ‘Business’ & the various aspects of ‘Management’, hence I knew BMS was the right choice for me & my career. I plan to get into the field of Marketing after my Masters.. Fingers crossed!

How does it feel to be a Topper of the college in Semester exams?                                

It feels great & overwhelming. I still remember looking at the toppers of my class in 10th grade & wishing to be like them someday. It’s been a long journey from a mere ‘average’ student to a ‘topper’ but most importantly I’m happy that my parents are proud of me today. But I still have a long way to go & a lot more to achieve.

Whom will you credit your success to?  

My parents; especially my mom who always told me one thing – ‘Never take success at your head & failure at your heart’, teachers & few of my friends for NEVER losing faith in me & constantly motivating me to work harder each time.

Did you start preparing from the first day of your FY / SY?      

Yes.

How did you study for Sem I / Sem III?

In theoretical subjects, I would advise every student to firstly, understand the concept because as long as your concepts are not clear, you will not be able frame the answer properly. Secondly, concentrate on the CONTENT of your answers & always welcome variations (don’t mug it!) Long paragraphs hold no importance if they have no relevant content. Thirdly, the language should be clear & not ambiguous, including grammar. Whereas Practical subjects are concerned – PRACTICE, PRACTICE & PRACTICE.

Which are the easy subjects in Sem I / Sem III?                            

Marketing, Business Communication, Organisational Behaviour, Factors of Production Mgmt, Human Resource Management & Economics.

Any special way of writing the answers? Do you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs?

Like I said before, always welcome variations. Present an answer in your own words with ‘relevant content’ of course & add your own points to it. Also, write an answer in bullet points with appropriate spacing & proper grammar usage as it makes the answer look more presentable & hence, attractive for the examiner.

How do you crack case studies in theory and practical subjects?                                      

In theoretical subjects, I give prior importance to understanding the concept before framing the answer because we don’t study just to secure percentage, it’s the KNOWLEDGE that counts, after all. In practical subjects, I make sure to practice numerical as much as I call, every day. It’s more like a routine.

Did you draw any diagram in any paper? Is it mandatory? Does it help to get more marks?

In subjects like Human Resource Management, Marketing & Economics, and diagrams make the answer more interesting not only for the examiners to check, but also for the students to understand the answer better. It gives a graphical representation to it. I always made sure to draw diagrams in my economics’ papers, both in 12th & F.Y. Yes, it does fetch you marks.

Any specific study pattern adopted i.e. timetable / how many hours per subject per day etc.?                  

Well, I just made sure to study atleast one answer (theory) + a numerical from a practical subject, EVERYDAY. It’s more like a routine. It’s better to study little every day (atleast two hours) than piling it all up till your exams. Also, make sure to change your subject every week, so that it does not become boring.

How do you fight against mood swings and distractions during exam preparation?           

A teenager’s life is indeed full of distractions but I follow a few basic rules such as – Keeping mobile aside while studying or switching it off, meditating for a few minutes to concentrate well & always reminding yourself that a little sacrifice today, will go a long way in contributing to your future, tomorrow.

If you are made the Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University, what changes would you like to initiate in Indian education system?                    

Firstly, reduce the length of the portion as it puts a lot of pressure not only on the students but professors as well. Secondly, international contents should be added to the syllabus in order to give the students adequate exposure to international curriculum.

Many students prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear that they are not from big college / not from English medium and eventually lose confidence. What message would you like to these students?                            

My message to all such students would be to not let language become a barrier for yourselves & the most important thing is – The name or position of your college holds no importance as long as you have enough confidence in yourself. It’s your knowledge, your exposure to the world around you, and your experience is what matters to a great extent. People shall forget your percentage & the name of your college, but your knowledge will always be appreciated. As long as you have self-confidence, nobody can break you.

Through this struggle and success, what have you learned? What is the wisdom of life and competition? What is your message to the upcoming BMS students?         

I have learned that hard wok eventually pays off & moreover it’s not the percentage or marks that matter but the knowledge you have gained for yourself. Always work hard, stay confident & never let success get to your head & failure get to your heart. Empower yourself through education!

Your feedback for BMS.co.in?                                     

I am thankful to bms.co.in for providing me the platform where I could share my thoughts & experiences with other students. Keep motivating & keep the great work going!