Life @ SoM

Interview with Shrey Jain Deepak, a student @ SJMSOM, IIT Bombay

Shrey Jain is a first year student at SJMSOM, IIT Bombay. He is a mechanical engineer from BITS Pilani and has worked with Reliance Industries Limited for 40 months. Shrey shares his experience with us in a small interview.

1. What motivated you to pursue a management degree?

After doing engineering, I worked in a job that offered more of execution than planning. Roles that offered otherwise needed extensive experience and business insights. Best way to accelerate towards such roles is to have necessary academic knowledge that is contemporary as well as practical. I evaluated various options such as certifications, management courses, etc., for this and found 2-year management degree from SJMSOM, IIT Bombay suitable based on my priorities.

2. Please take us through your journey as an MBA aspirant and your preparations for the exams?

As I was working in conventional sector, my job didn’t allow me much flexibility. But I could frame my strategy for studies without worrying about deviations in job. I paid more attention on solving questions in stipulated time than solving very difficult questions. I also ensured to skim whole paper in exam. There are minimum questions in every entrance exam that one must attempt to clear cutoffs. My target was to hit at least this number in weekly mock tests irrespective of the difficulty level.

3.How has been your journey so far at SJMSOM, IIT Bombay?  

SJMSOM, IIT Bombay has been an enriching journey. Faculty of every subject has taken care to update course structure as per current business issues. Industry interactions, corporate visits and guest lectures have helped a lot to understand the application of theories. At times I couldn’t match the overwhelming pace or grasp everything that went around. But environment at SJMSOM is very conducive and sufficient resources are available at IIT to gain momentum. Senior students have been very cooperative to help me overcome personal and professional barriers in this regard.

4. Is life at SJMSOM, IIT Bombay just as you expected?

Apparently, The Wolf of Wall Street and 2 States happen only on silver screen! Well, so far, it was pleasant to find that peers at SJMSOM are supportive regardless of severe competition. In spite of being a government institute, SJMSOM is very agile. Management colleges overburden students with academic work, but at SJMSOM students are given lot of freedom to pursue their own area of interest which is necessary to promote entrepreneurial spirit.

5. How important is time management at a B school, especially during the initial semester?

As much clichéd as it sounds, time management matters in first semester. There are only so many hours in a day. I use simple Eisenhower matrix to list out tasks and get things done. Few of your hobbies need to take backseat as these can be pursued in later semesters also. If you’re still falling behind the schedule, a good roommate and a study group can come very handy!

6. Which qualities helped you thrive through your busy schedules?

If one comes to management school with specific goals, he or she can prioritize activities and excel at most desired ones. If one doesn’t have clarity in goals, interact with your peers and mentors for it. It’s not possible to fight all the battles, so we’ve to choose wisely. Good team abilities, discipline, ability to unlearn and relearn helped me to do well in first semester.

7. What are the things you love about SJMSOM, IIT Bombay?

IIT offers learning across management, technology, design, etc. Hence, students from diverse backgrounds are present which makes SJMSOM one of the best places for peer learning. The student intake is optimum, and the institute ensures admission of best pool of students that create competitive atmosphere at college. IIT Bombay has abundant resources and superb infrastructure; this helps all students explore their interests the best way possible. Lot of industry interactions happen, thanks to location benefit.  Teacher to student ratio at SJMSOM is healthy, so if one is interested to learn subject beyond academic requirements, he or she can pursue with ease. IIT Bombay has world-class sports facilities which students use extensively.

8. Which subjects did you enjoy the most till now?

It’s amazing that subjects I used to dread are the subjects that I like now. Business speaks the language of numbers, so I paid more attention to Statistics during first semester. Marketing changed the way I perceived various brands and product. Apart from these, I believe Organization Behaviour is subject that has helped me understand people in a better way.

9. Few words you would like to share with the aspiring MBA graduates?

I urge MBA aspirants to be extremely careful while selecting institute. If you associate with good brand, it will take you places. Brands like IIT are recognized across the globe and also have strong presence across various professional sectors. Plan well, act soon, gauge frequently and improve continually. Don’t give up – MBA education is worth a shot.