“There is a solution for any problem” says Heera Lenka, Mithibai TYBMS Topper 2013

An Interview with Heera Sai Lenka, TYBMS sem 5 Topper, Mithibai College (85.5%)

• Tell us about yourself.

I am kind of a person who is more inclined to gaining knowledge and learning rather than scoring marks in subjects. Scoring is equally important but knowledge will be with us throughout the life and not grades.

I am a fun loving person who loves spending a lot of time with family, friends, listening to music and watching cricket.

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

Yes I was expecting to be among the Top 2 as I was always securing 4^th and 5^th in my previous semesters. Also I have always been a hard working person and very determined towards studies.

Credit should go to my professors and my parents, grandparents who had enough confidence that I would perform well and also all my friends who were encouraging me.

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

Frankly I didn’t start studying from Day 1. But I was always in touch with my subjects regularly because of the tests & assignments in college. Also I practiced the practical subjects regularly as they require time and devotion. I also joined classes for Financial Management and this helped me to keep in constant touch with it.

• How did you allot time to different subjects?

I made a time table for myself. I ensured I devoted more time for the practical subjects like Financial Management and Special Studies in Finance as it is easy to score good marks. As far as the theoretical subjects are concerned, I studied them thoroughly as these once understood can be managed and worked upon post the practical subjects.

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

The mentality of every student is getting worried and panic for any examination. This is because of pressure from parents to score better than others.  Instead parents should have confidence in their wards and not out pressure to score First mark in the class. I had that type of parents who encouraged me to do well, but never applied pressure. I know I need to do the hard grind and I am now happy that right amount of work pays. I did not forget to enjoy and I had my share of fun which relieved all stress.

The easier subjects of the 5^th semester were Human Resource Management and Service Sector Management. I was guided well by my professors regarding the presentation of the paper and I had followed that. According to me, the best way to write an answer is to start with an introduction, definition (if any), and the main content of the answer and followed by the conclusion for the answer. And wherever possible, you can have a diagrammatic representation for your answer. As far as the case studies are concerned, the best way is to underline the important point when you read the case study and highlight them when you are writing the answer. Also underline the important so as to make it standout in a particular answer.

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

Its better decided by the student himself. I joined classes for Financial Management as I felt it required more practice and also lecturers at colleges have limited time to practice and they also need to complete the syllabus in time.

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

Yes I participated in fests during the course. Also I was a part of the Student Council of my college.

Yes, a BMS or student of any discipline can manage both studies and extra activities provided the student know how to manage time.  Infact extracurricular activities should be encouraged by both college and parents, as this will enable students to show their Leadership skills and also Man Management skills and Team Working.

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

Yes I did an internship in a Consulting Firm.

Also I prepared for my competitive exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc.

• 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?

Pressure from Parents and Teachers to score the highest marks as well as competitive scare pushes students to take extreme measures. These people are COWARDS. We need to face the world, where Success and Failures are bound to be there. We need to learn from Failures and improve upon the next time. Important, that all parents also understand this. Instead of criticizing their wards and comparing with others, parents should encourage and counsel them and I am sure every student will come out triumphant in studies and Life.

 Being a student, even I was feeling stressed at times. But everyone should understand that suicide is not the solution for it. I am ardent believer of the line “there is a solution for any problem”. It’s just that we need to be patient. Whenever I am stressed, I listen to music or talk with my friends and family.

Every student must make an effort to work towards the best and if it is not successful they shouldn’t lose hope and continue to work towards other opportunities in life.

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

Yes I feel the number of industrial visits must be increased as a student will be able understand the practicality aspect of a subject.

We have been to Karnala where we had visited a Manufacturing company. We learnt about the various production processes and also how employees achieve their targets in time.

• 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?

In the beginning I felt it was burdening as there were lots of presentations, projects, etc.  But as the course progressed I realized the importance of projects as it helps a student in becoming a team player as there is a lot of interaction; enhance the leadership qualities of an individual and also the art of smart work rather than hard work.

I wish to bring a more practical aspect to it as theoretical knowledge helps an individual only to some extent. Also there must a proper time interval between assignments and projects in order to reduce the burden on the students.

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

BMS is one such curriculum which keeps a student on the toes. Also it helps in honing up man-management skills and leadership qualities.

Before an examination, just be calm and focused. Believe in your abilities and the hard work which you put for the subjects and you would reap the benefits for sure.

The most important thing is to remain consistent.

• What are the future plans post BMS?

I wish to work for a year and then pursue MBA in Finance.

• Any Feedback/Suggestions for BMS.co.in?

You guys are doing an amazing job by the constant updates and the well being of the students. It acts as an aid for all the students who have pursued this program. More importantly, you are showcasing the best students and this will encourage the others to do well. Also the insights given by previous toppers help us.