“Read the textbooks like story-books as it will fascinate you more” says Christabelle Rodricks, St. Andrews TYBMS Topper 2013

Christabelle Rodricks, TYBMS Sem 5 Topper of  St. Andrews College shares her views and experiences of being the College Topper since the past 5 Semesters

Hi BMSites, I am Christabelle Rodricks and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor in Management studies { Semester VI} in St. Andrews College. I completed my schooling from Holy Cross Convent School and completed my Junior College from St. Xavier’s College. I personally believe I am an outspoken and a fun-loving person. I believe that each day gives us the opportunity to learn more. Everyone is given 24 hours but what matters is how one spends and uses the time. According to me, theoretical learning is important, but practical application is much more important. Hence, I give priority to presentations and on the field projects assigned to us.

Being the topper for the past 5 semesters, the expectations to top were high. But I never expected to top the Board exams. I credit my success to my Mom and Dad who were a constant pillar of guidance for me. My professors have molded me and supported me always.

Frankly speaking, I never started preparing from day one. But a few weeks before the exams, books are my bible. I read the text books like a story book. It should fascinate me. The main funda is Read, understand and only understand. Students write answers based on their perception of the answers they read. Once the concept is clear; we can frame the answers only after having a proper understanding of the subject.  

According to me, it is important to focus on the subjects where you know you are weak. Allot more time to subjects like Logistics and Supply Chain Management which has a vast portion. Time management is very essential since it helps you to balance out time allocated to different subjects. As for case studies, an important tip is to begin with a summary or a small jist of the case and then proceed by linking the problems to the theoretical matter in the syllabus. The most important fact is the handwriting and the presentation. It helps your paper to stand out of the rest. Support your answers with diagrams since the examiner does not have much time to read every word in the answer, diagrams provide a good aid to score bonus marks.

I did not join any coaching class. I don’t think so there is a need for extra coaching and tutions. Subjects like accounts, Cost accounting, Statistics, Financial Management can be dealt with by paying attention in class. The rest can be managed well by reading and understanding.

Industrial Visits play a very important role in the life of a BMS-ite since it helps us to gain an insight on the practical application of theory. It helps to bridge the gap between classroom and the real working world. The first Industrial visit was to Onida in Dahanu which actually showed us how electronic items like televisions were made, the assembling of the different parts, the packaging, dispatching. The second industrial visit was at Lonavala to a small scale Chikki factory which showed us the different processes and machines used for making chikki. Hence I feel that there should be an IV for every semester unlike the present system of having one IV per year.