Some myths debunked during placement process

We all study to finally get a job. However the interview process for a job is a stringent process. Each of us prepare for it with the help of seniors, teachers, extra career counselling etc.

Here i have listed some of the common myths which were broken during my placement process. Read it and Hope it helps you in your placement process

http://blogs.ft.com/mba-blog/2014/12/09/some-myths-debunked-during-placement-process/

Techology Consulting - Some tips to help future aspirants

Technology consulting is one of the sought after careers by many professionals due to its high pay. I had a chance to listen from the head of mastek about this consulting career. Read more here.

http://blogs.ft.com/mba-blog/2014/06/23/leadership-talk-series-technology-consulting/

Note: You need to register on FT(it is free of cost) to read any article.

Have you wondered what is the definition of PROBLEM?

Whenever a issue comes or something crops up that we cannot solve, then we say that there is a problem. But have you tried to define problem?

My defintion : A problem is something that causes obstruction in our normal routine or line of thinking

But according to Professor Mahesh Sharma ( founder and President of the Center for Teaching/Learning of Mathematics, Inc., of Wellesley and Framingham, Massachusetts, and Berkshire Mathematics in England ) who addressed us on "creative thinking and problem solving" the definition is : " Problem is a gap between vision and current reality'.

This is a simple definition that is no doubt precisely correct. We either adjust our vision or current reality to solve the problem.  Continuing his insights he then next explained us about 5 different styles of thinking

• Analyst - Compare correctness, meticulousness, and consideration to detail with fullness.  They are likely to collect data, measure it, classify it, and reasonably and logically calculate the right answer to any problem.
• Realist - Go by history and tradition
• Pragmatist - looking for end all time. Guided by vision
• Idealist - Guided by principles. Determined by history and tradition. Views from the system he belongs to
• Synthesist -  talk to several people and make decisions.

It is very important that as managers we have right balance of above thinkers. It is also important to retrospect ourself and see where we are. This was another great insightful talk for all of us.

Though it is below surface , most learning happens here : Unconscious mind

Today i was fortunate to get enlightened on the concept of 'foundation of marketing strategy by understanding consumers". The lecture was delivered by Jerry Olson Professor Emeritus, who is the
is a founding partner of Olson Zaltman Associates and Professor Emeritus of Marketing at Penn State University.

One of the unique things that i learned from the professor is that human unconscious mind hold so much information, that this information can help firms make and decide on competitive strategy. In marketing deep insights are needed. This insights are captured from the sampled people by giving them set of images and then they are asked some generic questions.

Based on the response a pattern is tried to be built using the patented ZMET tools and other methods. Interesting as it sounds, future managers of my class were enthusiastics in throwing diverse question to the professor whose model is one of the most successful. Though the competitors are trying to replicate the model, they are not yet been successful in replicating the exact model. 

The word that probably i will research more in coming days is metaphorsis analysis and how if it can be used to modify my questinaire in some of the upcoming projects. Overall the session left us inqistive and we hoped we had got more time to spend with the professor. 

The case studies on how one company rebranded its marketing strategy just before the product launch based on the results of prof olson and his team OR how the architects of hospital redesigned the ambience to make their comfortable place are perfect examples of some of the successful outcome of this models. Having worked with most of the biggest brands using the expertise of associates/partners from across the globe, the professor and his team are doing a great job in extracting deep marketing insigts for the industry.

Once the results are out from the research, they look simple. However it is due to this patented framework that most research have been able to meet its desired outcome and prove its usage across different verticals of industry. Wikipedia has a nice read on ZMET methodlogy at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaltman_metaphor_elicitation_technique.

You can also see the work done by the professors company at http://www.olsonzaltman.com/

My STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (SOP)

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (SOP) that describes career goals and  reasons for wishing to undertake MBA is an important part of many applications. Here i would like to share with my blog readers my SOP.
Hopefully it can help and inspire you for your applications

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Attaining a quality education from a renowned college tends to be everyone’s desire. Only a few persons get the opportunity to pursue it. Though I did not graduate from a top institute, I have put maximum effort to develop my skills effectively. It has given me enough confidence to tackle any complex environment around me. At present, I have reached a crucial moment in my professional career, and I strongly believe that I have selected the most appropriate college to enhance my skills and talents. 

I am a person who aspires to have more exposures and experiences. Being a student in a notable institution enables me to have both. I firmly believe that the magnitude of my knowledge can be widened by studying at XXXX. To add, the environment would allow me to have a vivid idea about the multifaceted features of business. 

There are many reasons why I want to study in this institution.

1. It is a well-known campus, which gives utmost importance to keep up the educational standards.
2. The industry has advanced phenomenally in the recent decades and it requires out and out expertise for a person to cope up in life. Only a quality education from a reputed institution can make this possible.
3. The facilities the management provides can make any student a promising one. Getting a chance to learn from such an institution is always enriching.

Positive thinking is the single major aspect, which determines the success of a person. I have ever been keen to approach everything positively. It gives one energy and enthusiasm to go further in life. It rightly enabled me to resolve many issues in personal and educational life. Besides, I have acquired leadership qualities as well as people management skills. Right from my school days, I have taken a lead role in many extracurricular activities. Similarly, I have ever been showing outstanding performance in academics. I have passed all examinations with high grades. Hence, I can undergo the program in a successful way. 

I was quite fortunate enough to gain experience of more than X years in executing and managing multiple Program Projects, which include vital integration projects during XXX Merger. Apart from this, my management experience will help me a lot in all my future endeavors. The varied experience in NGO work is an added advantage to me. I could do a small deal in ttttttttt as well. My writing hobby made me explore the opportunities in xxxxx . It turned out to be a successful cccccc. Experiences like these made me more capable enough to undertake any task of any magnitude. This mentality will make me undergo the program successfully. 

I am quite satisfied that I have chosen a lucrative area to further develop my professional life. It is a stream, which has much relevance in today’s business-centered, globalized state of affairs. By involving in ZZZZ, I can see the whole world in a very different perspective. The exposure it will provide me will be immense. I can learn the most recent developments in the area with vivid practical sessions. 

Attitude is what determines one’s altitude. If approach in the right way, one can be victorious everywhere. I strongly believe that I approach things in the right line of attack. I have a mind that is fully prepared to undertake any complicated topic in my area of study. The more is the difficulty level, the more is my curiosity to uncover it. It is my passion to explore the unexplored regions of business that stops at XXXX.

Nothing can be achieved without hard work and determination. Since I have selected the most appropriate college, I am confident that by doing things sincerely and perfectly, I can reach great heights in life. I look forward to showing my commitment to the society and my eagerness to be independent if I get the right break.

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Here i come IPMX (2014-15 batch)

A new phase is going to start soon. After not being able to accept offers from SPJain, IIM I , i have finally made up my mind to join prestigious IPMX (2014-15 batch).

Now the biggest challenges start. Getting into a course has its challenges, while next challenges are during the course of period from coming to know about good news and joining the class.

Listing some of them now

1. Managing Finances
2. Personal Commitments
3. Existing Office Work
4. Planning Next one year, since there will no salary.
5. Pre Course to upgrade some of the difficult skills
6. Challenges of leaves, loans, talking to different stakeholders at office and home
7. Most important is to keep myself organized and execute all task properly

My mind is boggling with resolutions to solve the big checklist that i have.  Hoping to close them soon

Here are some details of the course

Executive MBA (IPMX), one-year residential executive programme is conducted at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow-NOIDA Campus. The International Programme in Management for Executives is designed for mid/senior level professionals, to prepare them for leadership roles. The programme is designed to develop business education that is grounded in the Indian and international business environment. It will accelerate understanding of business at functional and strategic levels, and prepare students to manage enterprises engaged in global business. The curriculum would focus on a strategic understanding of business, rooted in practical skill development through action learning projects and industry interface. A core component of the programme is an international module at one of our partner institutes located in Europe/East Asia which will provide students the opportunity for an International learning experience to equip them with the knowledge and perspective relevant to current global business issues. The programme would be rigorous as well as rewarding as it would provide ample opportunity for personal development and professional growth through inquiry and insight in an interactive learning environment. NOIDA being the hub of commercial and industrial activity, the locational advantage of the NOIDA Campus would also extend to the learning process where industry related assignments and real management contexts form an integral part of the course curriculum. The delivery is oriented towards best practices, an integrated strategic perspective, project work and constant engagement with industry. The Corporate Interaction Centre of the Institute would facilitate in providing placement services for non-sponsored students. 

• International Programme in Management for Executives 
• IPMX Brochure