Life lessons I learnt in my college: Karan Yadav

6 mins readUpdated on Jun 14, 2018 18:22 IST

National PG College, Lucknow

Commerce changes the fate and genius of nations- Thomas Gray

Commerce as a stream of education can be defined as a study of trade and business activities such as the exchange of goods and services from producer to final consumer. The main subjects that are taught in the Commerce stream in Class 11 and 12 include Economics, Accountancy and Business Studies. I chose this field because I had a genuine interest in these subjects and had an affinity for numbers, the economy and business.

Studying Economics enabled me to learn more about how the world works as it helps in gaining knowledge about the impact that decisions have on firms, industries and nations, the impact of international trade, both good and bad, the effects government policies have on the economy and on employment.

Studying Business Studies allows a student to observe and analyze the behavior and tactics of different firms. The subject of Business Studies involves more than just mastering the art of doing business. The subject familiarizes the students with the corporate culture and prepares them for their professional life.

Studying Accountancy enabled me to learn and discover the various causes of successes and failures of different business enterprises.

My BCom journey

I got 96.75% in 12th ISC Board Examination and chose BCom at undergraduate level.

I chose BCom for following reasons:

  • I always had a thing for commerce. I found it more realistic and relatable
  • I was interested in pursuing professional courses like CA, CS
  • I always wanted to be part of policy formation at the apex levels. Commerce can take you there faster than anything else
  • I love the subject and that I think is valid enough to be the only reason too

I chose National Post Graduate College, Lucknow for my BCom course. To get admission into this college, I appeared for its entrance exam. I cracked the exam by doing two things. Firstly, I focused on current affairs (mainly economic) and basic Maths. Secondly, I revised the books of Class 11 & 12.

I appeared in entrance test of other colleges and universities too like Delhi University, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow University and Lucknow Christian College.

I did not take any coaching class as I believe self-study is better than any coaching. I think, the best way to prepare for an entrance test for Commerce course is to have a good understanding of relevant subjects thus revise the books of class 11 & 12. You must have a basic knowledge in Maths (class 10). Be in touch with latest economic affairs and solve previous year question papers, too.

My tips for making the most of college is that don't limit your options. Fill the admission forms of many schools/colleges so that if you don't get the desired college, you will not waste your year. Think hard before applying for a course, research about it as it will decide your future. Do not select a course under parental or peer pressure; select the course you are passionate about. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, try to find yours and use them to your advantage.

Memorable college years

I had an awesome college life. I wanted to end up in a college where none of my school friends were there. One of the main reason being, I didn't want my college life be a continuation of my school life. I wanted it to be a brand new experience with completely new faces. If I had even a single familiar face from school I would have befriended him/her and not interacted with others.

The faculty members were highly efficient and knowledgeable. The college also provided internships and placements.

Life in college cannot be summarised but some words can help describe a small part of it: Welcome day, training and development, attendance, ragging, lectures, bunking classes, workshops, internals, fests, fights, etc. and sadly, farewell day. I still can’t believe 3 years went by, just like that!

This will be the most important part of your life which you'll will never forget in your life. So enjoy it fully as much as possible. Do weird things, shout, irritate, love, play, laugh, study. Do everything, never leave anything for future.

During B Com 3rd year, we were provided internship opportunities by the college which was my first experience of corporate world.

Reflecting back, the experience is a key to learning and not a new idea. In fact, a famous lesson from Confucius emphasises on the importance of active engagement and real time experiences in learning:

Tell me, and I will forget,

Show me, and I may remember,

Involve me, and I will understand.

Life after BCom

After my graduation, I got the job of a bank PO. My annual salary is about Rs 475000 INR. A PO or Probationary Officer is basically an Assistant Manager in the Bank. The main purpose of bank PO is to make sure that business of the bank keeps on increasing by tending to banks' customers properly by handling customer complaining, addressing various customer related issues such as discrepancies in accounts, rectification of undue charges etc.

I chose the job of a Bank PO and it was positive decision of my life. There are various benefits which I get as a Bank PO. The salary is quite high and you get promoted to Grade 2 officer within 3-5 years of your service.

Learning from mistakes

One cannot achieve success in life without making mistakes. By learning from these mistakes, we grow as a person. Some people make hasty decision like choosing the wrong stream, wrong course, etc. Never make a decision which compromises your goals and dreams.

I also made few mistakes like bunking classes, not concentrating on studies, wasting money and time. One of the biggest mistake I made was letting go of the opportunity to study abroad. The lesson learnt was the never miss any opportunity.

My college education has exceptionally prepared me for a smooth transition from school to work by providing me with the skills necessary to succeed.  Difficult courses have taught me exceptional critical-thinking skills and that the answers will not always be easy to find. Through courses like this- I have learned how to solve complex problems and that good results require hard work. Many of my internships have also given me the opportunity to experience situations first hand and taught me how to come up with the best solutions. During my education, I learnt Spanish and French too. I learnt time management which will serve me well for the rest of my life. I was somewhat shy during high school, but college really helped me to come out of my shell. I joined the debate team which helped me developed confidence.

Wait for the perfect moment is the biggest mistake to do. You will never be ready. Do it anyway! My tips on career selection would be:

  • Assess yourself
  • Make a list of occupations to explore
  • Explore those occupations
  • Create a short list
  • Identify your goals
  • Keep the greatest strength in mind
  • Don’t get influenced

Even Steve Jobs said, “You cannot connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards.” You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. As I look back, I think that everything happened for the best. Even the bad experiences taught me valuable lessons.

About the Author:

My name is Karan Yadav, I graduated (B.Com) from National PG College, Lucknow. Currently I am a Bank PO and living life on my terms.

About the Author

MyStory Writer provides you with a platform on which you may share your educational experiences and stories thus far. It allows you to educate other aspirants' paths in order to assist them in making great career ju... Read Full Bio

Get Admission and Placement Updates about National Post Graduate College - NPGC

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: B.Com students & alumni}

Is National Post Graduate College (NPGC) good for B.Com?

Here's what existing students and alumni have to say:

Infrastructure: *The infrastructure is good* (some), *average* (others). *Hostel facility is good*, with *hygiene maintained*. *Library is okay*, *not up-to

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: B.Voc students & alumni}

Is it worth pursuing B.Voc at National Post Graduate College (NPGC)?

After analyzing the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

* Good faculty: Many students appreciated the teaching quality and expertise of the pro

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: BCA students & alumni}

Is BCA at National Post Graduate College (NPGC) Worth the Investment?

Here's a summary of the pros and cons based on student reviews:

Placement and Salary:
* Decent placements with top companies like Amazon, Tata, and Wipro
* Average salary package ranging from INR2 Lacs

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

Based on the reviews and feedback from current students and alumni, here's a summary:

Positive Points:

* Good infrastructure: Spacious classrooms, well-equipped labs, and a good library with a wide range of books.
* Helpful faculty: Majority of teachers are qualified a

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: BBA students & alumni}

BBA at National Post Graduate College (NPGC)

Overall Assessment:

* Faculty: Good knowledge and cooperative
* Curriculum: Relevant and industry-oriented
* Infrastructure: Average
* Placement: Not very decent, but feasible with effort
* Internship: Opportunities available, bu

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: B.A. students & alumni}

Is B.A. at National Post Graduate College (NPGC) Worth the Investment?

Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:
* Good quality education and knowledgeable faculty
* Opportunities for placements, although li

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: B.Com students & alumni}

Course Curriculum

* Structure: The course is divided into six semesters, covering various subjects in the field of commerce.
* Subjects: The course includes six compulsory subjects, with opportunities to choose electives.
* Exams and Assessments: Students must appear f

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 months ago

{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

Course Curriculum

* The course curriculum at NPGC is well-designed and focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in their respective subjects.
* According to students, the course curriculum is rigorous and demanding, with a strong emphasis on theoretical k

...more

A

Atul Mishra

Beginner-Level 1