How MBA happened after several failed CA attempts: Sanskruti Parab

After several failed CA attempts, it was in July 2016 that I decided to change career tracks. After a lot of introspection I decided to pursue a full time Management course. Just like any other candidates wanting to do MBA, I started researching about the admission procedures on Google and decided to appear for CET, CAT, NMAT, IIFT, and XAT entrance exams. 

As I had little idea about the syllabus and the exam pattern, I decided to go for coaching classes and ended up joining IMS. Let me tell you from my experience that it isn’t necessary to join any classes, self-study can totally suffice. Since I was a Commerce graduate Quants felt like an old friend whom I had partially forgotten. I started brushing up my skills in Verbal and Logical Reasoning. Verbal turned out to be my area of strength. 

I started to give entrance tests as and when they occured. After the results for all entrance exams before CET were out, I realised my efforts may not be enough to crack the IIMs. CET was my last chance to grab a seat at a reputed institution in Mumbai. Without losing hope I started working harder. I got my concepts clear and started taking a lot of mock tests. 

The mock tests and SIM CETs boosted my confidence levels. The more I practiced, the better I became. It was finally the day of CET and I went through the adrenaline pumping exam and came out feeling just okay. 

The most difficult part started now: Awaiting the results. On D-day, I was glued to my laptop since I woke up. I could feel the stress building up, to make matters worse the results weren’t announced at the scheduled time, and even the website stopped responding! Out of the blue at 5 p.m I started receiving calls that the results were out. Unfortunately my WiFi was unstable and my level of nervousness was at its peak. I called up one of my friends and gave him my login details. It was on call that I got to know my result. It was 98.27%ile. I was in tears by then as this was a small success after a series of failures I faced in my CA attempts. 

The race of filling forms for PGDM courses and CAP rounds for MMS began. I mainly targeted NL Dalmia, SIES, Chetanas and MET as per my percentile. Through the CAP round I landed up in Chetana’s and I zeroed on it in the second round itself. What attracted me towards Chetanas was its amazing location in Bandra – traveling was manageable for me, and I would also get a better ROI. Already having a few friends in the second year didn’t hurt either! 

Today that I am in Chetana’s, I feel I made the right choice indeed. From the induction process to various student-driven events to CSR activities to amazing faculty, this place feels like home. There was never a communication barrier as I’m able to freely approach the higher authorities in times of difficulties and even regarding new ideas. The best part about this institute is that you get constant mentoring which is the most important thing that one needs at this stage of their education. 

Discipline is an integral part of Chetana’s culture with a balanced blend of practical and theoretical approach towards academics. Here, along with academics we are put into real-life management situations, be it organising an event on our own or volunteering for campaigns in association with various organisations like Fulora Foundation and Radiocity. We have student-driven events like Elixir, Vipanan, Arthanad, and Hropsys where we get to hone our managerial skills and showcase creative skills. International Research Conference on Data Analytics and HR Conclave were the highlights along with several workshops and seminars by renowned industry experts. 

It’s been an experience and knowledge enriching time at Chetana’s and we are constantly groomed to be able to create an impact in the corporate world. We are taught to not only take but also give back to the society as a responsible citizen.

Once you do what you love there’s nothing that can stop you from succeeding in life. Hard work and discipline are two factors that will help you in the long run. Follow your instincts and have the courage to stand out from the crowd; because you are one of a kind. 

About the Author

I am Sanskruti Parab. I am currently pursuing my MMS from Chetana’s R.K Institute of Management & Research.