Exclusive Interview with ‘Palak Daga’ – TYBMS Sem 5 Mumbai University Topper on BMS.co.in

An Interview with Palak Daga, TYBMS Sem 5 Topper (University – 1st Rankholder), H.R. College (87.83%)

• Tell us more about yourself.

Hi, I’m Palak Daga .I have been an H.R student for the past 5 years. I love dancing, photography , reading amongst other things. 

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

No, I would give the entire credit to my family and friends for their best wishes and to my teachers who helped me through the semester.

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

Honestly,a  few weeks before the exams. However, the regular tests in college are of great help.

• How did you allot time to different subjects? 

Yes, I followed a self-made timetable and I allocated hours to different subjects depending upon the vastness of the portion and how much of  a subject I had covered before in college tests. I study on a ‘one subject on one day’ basis instead of giving two subjects time in the same day.

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

Past years board papers were of tremendous help to me. I found the Finance subjects easier as compared to the others.Honestly, the presentation of an answer becomes more crucial than the content itself so diagrams and tabulation of answers should definitely help. For case studies too just summarizing each answer should probably help, however there is no definite answer to crack a case study , studying the theory well enough so you can apply it in any scenario is the easiest way of approaching it.

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

It can be completely self-studied ,however it helps to have guide in the non theoretical subjects specifically. Yes, I had joined JMD tutorials for Financial Management and Special Studies in Finance, their guidance helped me sail through the subject preparation.

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

Last year students in our college don’t participate in college fests generally, but yes I’ve always pursued my hobbies like graphology,dancing,etc. Yes, a BMS student can easily manage both studies and extra activities.

• Did you pursue any additional courses/ internships alongside BMS?

I interned in the summer at an advertising firm before but not during college months , however I do think it is possible and can be pursued.

• 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?

It’s disheartening to hear of such instances, pressure from parents or pressure of your own aspirations should not weigh you down.I did not need any techniques for stress management because I have a very encouraging circle of family and friends who always have faith in me and are proud of me no matter what.

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

Yes, I  strongly feel that Industrial visits should be added as a part of the BMS curriculum for some practical learning. I had visited  a textile industry as a part of project research in the past year.

• 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?

No,not really,the array of projects are what keep us at our best& always on our feet so I think its needed in the curriculum. If the BMS curriculum could have some more practical aspects attached to it then it would have a more wholesome impact on the BMS students.I would also just like to add that the University should not have a back to back 6 papers timetable because it takes a toll on a student’s health and state of mind.

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

Study hard but do not let marks be the ‘be end of it all’ . Results are not everything and do not let them define who you are.

• What are the future plans post BMS?

I want to get into consumer psychology or market research in the future and hopefully will get the job I’m hoping for in that field.