Interview with Cheryl Pereira, SYBMS Topper, Alkesh Dinesh Mody Institute

Name –Cheryl Pereira

College Name – Alkesh Dinesh Mody Institute of Financial & Management Studies

Course Name –BMS

Which year –SY

Rank in FY: 1^st in first semester and 3^rd in second semester

GPA / Percentage: semester 1: 6.57

Semester 2: 5.86

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

ANS: I’m a Commerce student. I completed my HSC from St. Andrews College, Bandra. I chose BMS because it’s a mix of those subjects which I like. I plan to do my Masters after graduation but haven’t decided the institution yet.

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

ANS: It feels great to be a topper of the class.

• Whom will you credit your success to?

ANS: I credit my success to my teachers, friends and parents.

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

ANS: I didn’t start preparing from day 1. I studied well for small tests in class and prepared for semester exams a week ago or little more. I study hard during the exam week.

• How did you study for Sem I / Sem III? (Share some tips / advice for each subject)

ANS: I figure out which chapters are important in each subject and study those first. I allot time i.e. minimum hours in which I should finished studying.  (1 hour or so)

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

ANS: Easy subjects are Banking, Insurance and Management Accounting. I also find Marketing Management easy.

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

ANS: I write answers mostly in bullet points and sometimes in paragraphs.  It all depends upon the requirement of the answer.

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

ANS: Case studies should be read thoroughly and understood properly, and then the answers should be written directly and in short.

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

ANS: Diagrams are not mandatory but they surely add up extra marks because it gives an idea to the person checking your paper that you’re confident about your answer. I drew diagrams in Strategic Management.

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

ANS: I start by studying easy subjects first and when I get into the mood, I study something that I dislike.

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

ANS: I fight mood swings by taking a break and getting back when I feel interested again.

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

ANS: Indian education system is all about theory. I would like to add some practical studies in it.

• 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?

ANS: Whether you are from a big college or no; it doesn’t matter much. But students who are weak in English can start reading grammar books, newspapers, magazines to learn the language better. The best way to improve your English is to start speaking in English with your friends and classmates. Being fluent in English will definitely make you more confident (even during presentations).

• 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?

ANS: To the upcoming BMS students, I would like to say, ‘work hard, be patient, you will succeed’. Don’t study to compete with someone but study to increase your knowledge and keep your mind open to new things.

• Your feedback for BMS.co.in?

ANS: You guys are giving students a chance to open up. Keep up! The site is great.

INTERVIEW TAKEN BY KHADIJA QURESHI, ALKESH DINESH MODY INSTITUTE