An interview with Akshata Khamkar, who scored 74% in TYBMS 2010 and was the topper of Model College, Dombivli.

First of all, A Hearty Congratulations to you on this Brilliant Success!

1. Were you expecting to top in the exams?

I have been the topper of the college since last one year, so definitely was expecting the same this time as well. And today, I feel proud to say that I have made it happen for me and my parents, and (of course) above all, my college!!

2. To whom would you credit this success to?

I dedicate this success to my parents and so the credit naturally goes to them. Also, there are many others in the gang especially my professors, my friends and, each and every person whom I shared my ‘management days’ with.

3. Did you start preparing right from the first day of your TYBMS?

It so happens with the BMS students that they need to be active right from the first day, as you know, for their assignments and projects(-the added responsibility for last year students) with little time for Exam Oriented Preparation. Frankly speaking, the same happened with me as well. But yes, I did manage to balance well between projects and studies,on the other hand.

4. How did you allot time to different subjects?

When it comes to allotting time for different subjects, I always believe in prioritizing the work. I had set certain subjects as priorities and accordingly began my studies with those, at the first. Again, the subjects with practical approach, for instance:- International Finance, were left for everyday practice. And with this, when almost 80% of the things were done, I began with the difficult ones.

5. Did you follow a self-made timetable? And how many hours did you study per day?

Actually not. I personally don’t believe in preparing a timetable and working accordingly, which I never did for any of my Board Exams. This is because; human tendency is subject to change at any time. And I always go for a subject, which I feel, would be comfortable for me to study at that moment. Say for instance, a person almost stressed out spending an entire day in a company for the project work, will always feel better to go for a practical subject rather than opting for theory, for the day.

6. Had you joined any coaching classes or was it just self-study?

Yes, I had joined coaching classes for two subjects with rest all left for self-study. So, I would say that was a combination of both in my case.

7. I’m sure you must be getting bored/tired after long study hours of the day. What was your source of entertainment? Did you use any special techniques for stress management?

Listening music is one of my hobbies. And the two things – music and studies (hand-in-hand) always work well for me.
Also, stress is always a big excuse to have a blast in the college campus. So, I dont think BMS students will ever find it difficult to get along well with their Art of Stress Management.

8. Today, we often come across students committing suicide out of failure, depression or tension of exams. What do you have to say about this?

I believe a single failure in life is not the end of all. So for all the all students who end up with suicides, I would say, they just lose lot many other chances to prove themselves.Someone has rightly said:
” Scholars don’t do different things,
They do things differently.”
The same concept applies here. Stop comparing yourself with others and have a more crystal-lined approach towards life. You will definitely make the most of it!!
The mantra is “visualize your achievements even before you have done so”, this keeps a person motivated and committed towards the achievement of goal.

9. How did you manage time during the preparation leave just before the exams?

I believe, a person should always go for an exam with some fresh thoughts and a fresh mind. Thus, before leaving for exams i used to listen to some soft music. As discussed earlier, it makes me feel better and therein I had to spare some time for it say 15-30 mins. And then again (with a fresh mind this time), I used to revise certain key points of concerned subjects.

10. Do you think going through the past University papers is of any help?

Yes, going through the past Exam Papers really helps an individual. Doing this one gets to know each year’s question paper trend and thus one can easily get to know about some ‘important’ questions as well as can predict some ‘likely to come’ questions.

11. What message would you like to give to the coming batches of TYBMS students?

First of all, my best wishes for all the TYBMS batches. Hope you guys rock it!!
Second most important thing, here i take a hindge to change the trend of saying “I am a BMS student”.
Guys, dont you think saying “I am a Management Student” will add more respect and importance to the Degree?
So, here I say “I am a Management Graduate”. What about you???

12. After such a great achievement, what do you plan to do now? What are the future goals on your mind?

My next step towards career, is to have a work experience in the field of HR. And with this motive, I am currently working as an ‘Operations Executive – HR’; followed by which I aim to pursue an MBA in HR from a B-school.

Thank You for being so honest with your answers and giving us your valuable time. I’m sure reading this interview would be a great help and inspiration for the students. Congratulations once again and all the very best for you career!