Interview with Amogh J. Athalekar, FYBMS Topper 2013-14, M.L. Dahanukar College

Name – Amogh J. Athalekar

College Name –  M.L. Dahanukar College of Commerce

Course Name –BMS.

Which year –SY

Rank in FY  :  1^st.

GPA: Sem 1 – 6.43, Sem 2 – 7.00.

 

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

I am the kind of a person who gives top priority to following one’s passion or let’s say “following your dreams”. I am very passionate about football and I aspire to be a professional footballer abroad. Being from a commerce background, I had plenty of choices when it came to selecting a Bachelor’s course. The only reason to choose BMS was the interesting topics it had to offer. Something from everything.  Post BMS, just like many others, I wish to obtain a MBA degree/diploma (PGDM) from one of the top B-Schools in India (still prioritizing a footballing career).

 

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

It feels great to say the least. It certainly feels good when your efforts are appreciated by all your mates, teachers and most importantly, family.

 

• Whom will you credit your success to?

Studying during the exam period is a very stressful task. The credit goes to my family who are very supportive, always standing firm by my side.

 

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

Nobody does.

 

• How did you study for Sem I?

Studying every day is ideal but not always possible. For me, maintaining a balance between studying and football was/is crucial. Everyone has got the right to follow their hobbies/ passion. Maintaining the balance is the key.

 

• Which are the easy subjects in Sem I?

In FYBMS, Maths and Stats and financial and cost accounting are the subjects in which one can even bag full marks. Law in both the semesters is interesting if studied in a systematic manner.

 

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

There is no one right way of writing the answers. Writing in bullet points always looks neat. Writing in points and giving a brief explanation per point is always advisable.

 

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

There is no wax on, wax off with case studies. All that is required is understanding the case. Then applying your existing knowledge to dissect it. Mugging up answers does not help here. If the concepts are clear, the answers for the case study can be framed in no time. Also, thinking out of the box is required at times!

 

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

Diagrams, or graphs in particular maybe required in papers like Economics. It is needed to explain the concepts. The benefit? It bags that extra 1 mark.

 

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

I follow no study pattern. Just study and revise whenever you can. Leisure time is much required too.

 

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

Usually, when exams are just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to get serious, for everybody. That’s the period when distractions we usually embrace actually feel like distractions. There is no point in stressing out on exam prep. Make a timetable for the day and follow it no matter what. Give yourself sufficient leisure time. It helps relaxing and revitalizing your mind. Problem solved!

 

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

*no comments* (nothing is going to change for years to come).

 

• 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 give to these students?

Never underestimate yourself! Everyone “has that special something”. Just be proud of your abilities and achievements. No matter which college you are in, you will shine. Hard work always pays off!

 

• 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?

That is a very deep question. All I would say is, Do what you love and love what you do! As I have said earlier, maintaining the balance is the key. Enjoy your life with responsibility.

 

• Your feedback for BMS.co.in?

Firstly, I thank BMS.co.in for giving me an opportunity to speak out. This interview… it’s been a real privilege. Also, I love the website. Great information made available to all the students. Personal favourite: Tips and tricks section for the subjects.

 

Thanks on behalf of the readers, we wish you the best for all your future endeavors.