Interview with Ami Pandya, TYBMS Sem 5 Topper 2013-14, L.N. College of Commerce and Science who scored 65%.
How does it feel to be a Topper in the university exams? Whom will you credit your success to? What was your success mantra?
It was an unexpected victory for me as I was down with Dengue the entire pre-exam time, which made it all the more valuable and boosted up the happiness quotient. My success would be credited to my parents, college faculty and classes professor all of who ensured that I don’t give up and were ready to support me in whichever way they could. Hard work was the only mantra I followed, because I had a lot of syllabus to cover up. Studying as much as my health would permit me was my mantra and the fact that I could give ample examples of current affairs relating to my answers, i.e. being well read and up to date was what set my answers apart I guess.
Did you prepare any timetable and please share your study strategy/exam tips to crack each subject of sem 5?
In my case there was no scope of setting up a time table, because I had very limited time when I could actually study. I did my past question papers well and all the questions that my college faculty had marked as important. For the very difficult FM paper, all credit goes to my tuition classes professor, who explained the concepts so well, that a student like me who absolutely hates practical subjects and had no time to practice because of my illness, could pass well.
As far as tips are concerned, make sure that your answers are written in a proper format. Know how much length is required for an answer to be written for a particular sum of marks and make sure you write that much, not more and definitely not less. Do your concepts well, sem 5 subjects are not so difficult to study and interesting at the same time. Don’t study to pass, study because you want to understand the subject and you will automatically score well.
Do you think BMS student require coaching classes or is self-study enough? Had you joined any coaching class for a particular subject?
I enjoy my theory subjects and I prefer self-study. If I have any doubts I consult my college faculty, who are very helpful and encouraging and of course there is ‘Google baba’ for any other doubts related to theory. I had joined a coaching class only for the Financial management subject.
What was your specialization subject? Why did you opt for it?
My specialization was in marketing management, because I absolutely hate finance and numbers for that matter. For me marketing was an interesting option for introspections as well, because it gave me the opportunity to know the field before I made a choice for my masters degree.
Can you list the textbooks you referred for all subjects?
I can never refer to only one textbook because I am never content with a single set of explanation for a concept unless I understand it completely; I referred to Rishabh Publication and Vipul Prakashan textbooks for all my subjects.
Which was your worst paper? Why? Which was your best paper? Why?
Best paper has to be Marketing management, because I wanted to attempt everything, I loved all the questions and I didn’t know which one to answer first. I may sound like a complete ‘Nerd’ when I say this but I do love what I study and when the marketing paper came to me, I was dying to answer with theory and the innumerable examples that I could relate it with. Worst was FM, but I managed to pass so no regrets.
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?
To these people the only thing I would like to ask is, Is one exam paper so much more important than the family that has loved you for years? The friend who are willing to do anything to make you smile and the millions of dreams that you have had, that you have to fulfill? How can you let failure get the better of you! Take your life in your own hands and surely you shall very easily find a solution to any problem life throws at you.
The Black Book project contributing a significant part to the percentage, please share the experiences you had during the preparation of the project and how has it benefited you.
I enjoyed making the black book project because it gave me an opportunity to explore the HR department of a real estate firm. HR as a field and real estate as an industry interest me immensely and getting an opportunity to explore this combination, up close and personal was like a win-win situation. I learn to communicate, to prepare an analysis, to work hard, maintain deadlines and present my hard work of months in a 15 min viva which was a huge task on its own.
Did you pursue any additional courses/ internships alongside BMS? What are your future plans?
With my 5th semester exams, I was also preparing for my MBA entrance exams, which I could not give because of my dengue and the fact that all my efforts went in vain was truly heart breaking. Right now I am pursuing an internship with www.bms.co.in as content creator and I am absolutely loving my job. Since it is related to the BMS course yet it lets me explore my talents and gives me an opportunity to learn so much, makes it the best decision I have ever taken.
As for the future I would like to pursue an MBA in mass media.
Any tips and advises for your juniors?
Life is one long journey, but it comes just once, live it as much as you can. Do whatever your heart tells you to and never let the ‘log kya kahenge’ mindset pull you back. If someone like me, who studied only in the last one month before the university exam can become a topper you can surely achieve much more. Love whatever you do, be it studies or work and you will find life becoming one adventurous journey that you will always enjoy.
2 Comments