“Dream big but do bigger” says Vijender Kaur, KC College TYBMS Topper 2013

I am Vijender Kaur from KC College but most call me VJ. I am a very confident and versatile person and love to always keep pushing myself to achieve perfection. I have juggled academics, co curricular and extra curricular activities effectively throughout my 3 years in BMS. From being the Chairperson and organizing our very first BMS festival, Joule, to getting the Rotary Award for Outstanding Student of the Year to winning fashion shows at Talaash; my under graduation has been a truly eventful and amazing journey. I like to call myself not the jack of  all trades but master of most. If you have to identify me, well, I am the person you will see running around college and juggling a number of hats!! 🙂

Q. Were you expecting to top in the exams? To whom would you credit this success to?

Yes I was expecting to top as I have always been academically consistent and amongst the toppers of my class. Though I must say that I expected much more than the percentage I got. The Mumbai University examiners should be more objective while checking papers!! I would credit my success to my parents foremost because they have been the building blocks during my early school life when I needed the push, my professors, Head of Department and myself ofcourse 😛

Q. Did you prepare religiously from day One or A few weeks before the exams?

I prepared a few weeks before the exams because my CAT exams and other entrances were my bigger priority. But I definitely attended my lectures attentively and was regular. And I honestly don’t feel BMS has such a rigorous syllabus, one can easily manage with proper planning.

Q. How did you allot time to different subjects?

I alotted more time to practical subjects like Special Studies in Finance and Financial Management.

Q. Can you share some insights on how to crack the subjects before exams?

Be regular in lectures and clear your doubts simultaneously. Don’t keep them for the end. If practical subjects do not come naturally to you, do take coaching classes. In theory subjects, its best to be to the point rather than beating around the bush just to fill up space. The examiners can see through it!!

Q. Do you think BMS student require coaching classes or is self-study enough? Had you joined any coaching class for a particular subject?

Since some of the lecturers rush with syllabus because of lack of time, one can take coaching for subjects which require practice. I took coaching for Financial Management as I didn’t have time to practice at home myself on account of being busy with CAT prep.

Q. Did you participate in college fests or extra-curricular activities? Do you think a BMS student can manage both studies and extra activities?

Like I mentioned in the beginning, I juggled a lot of activities. Talaash, Tsunami, Concord, Blaze, Econundrum, organizing my own festival, KC MUN, Youth Parliaments, Economics Conventions, Indian Merchants Chamber, etc are just some of the events I participated and lead in to name a few. Yes, I think it is definitely possible to manage both studies and extra activities as long as you know how to strike the right balance and manage the stress.

Q. Did you pursue any additional courses/ internships alongside BMS?

I did a 2 month internship at Thyssenkrupp as an HR Trainee after my first year. I also volunteered for the ngo, CRY and was part of the Students Committee of Indian Merchants Chamber. I was simultaneously preparing for my CAT/XAT exams.

Q. Today, we often come across students committing suicide out of failure, depression or tension of exams. What do you have to say about this? Did you use any special techniques for stress management?

I think that we as students need to realize that its not the end of the world even if one fails. Life is too large to end it for a single failure. We should seek inspiration from world famous successful people like Walt Disney, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc who rose from failure to do big and even movies like “3 Idiots” can serve as an inspiration. I truly hope my fellow student community steers away from committing such acts.

To manage stress effectively, I feel we should not let the burden of others expectations bog us down. Set realistic targets for yourselves and try to achieve them with 100% dedication. Small steps can carry us a great deal forward 🙂 cheers guys!!

Q.  Do you think the number of Industrial visits should be increased for BMS Students? Which industries have you visited?

I think one Industrial Visit a year is enough because the semesters are anyways jam packed with festivals, internals, presentations, exams and projects. The colleges can rather have a lot of seminars given by people from various industries to help increase the interface of academics with real life.

Q.  Do you think BMS students are flooded with assignments, projects and internal exams round the clock? What changes would you like to bring in the BMS Curriculum?

Yes, they are flooded but I think that is required. It is a management course after all and we have to learn to manage such things and arm us for the real world which is even more strenuous. I wouldn’t propose any changes in the dynamic BMS curriculum which is arguably one of the best and most popular courses of the Mumbai University except that there should be constant updation of syllabus according to changing times.

Q. What message would you like to give to the next batch of BMS students?

Do your best guys, wish you all the luck. And in all the rush for marks, don’t forget to enjoy the three amazing years of your graduation. Dream big but do bigger 🙂

Q. What are the future plans post BMS?

My future plan is to pursue MBA immediately though I got a campus placement at a leading consulting firm (can’t disclose) incase that doesn’t work out. I have got interview calls at SP Jain, IIM Kozhikode and XLRI. Positive of being able to convert my interview calls, let’s see…….. 🙂

Q. Any Feedback/Suggestions forBMS.co.in?

Bms.co.in is an amazing and really informative platform for all BMS undergrads. The very 1st search result on google for most BMS queries. The Topper Talk is a great initiative for students to know about others first hand experiences. Keep up the good work guys!! 😀