Jaimin's Journey!!!

26++

2010-12-06T00:19:00.000+08:00

I turned Twenty Six this week! No excitement. More worries. Hairline receding. Career path moving forward. And this trip back home will be confrontation with parents. And I am trying innovative ways to push the discussion as backward as possible.

I think I have best set of close friends! Last year Shreya was here in lah-land to celebrate my birthday! and this year it was Khyati! Wonderful gift! Nothing more to ask! And of course the customary 12 o clock cutting ensured by friends here despite having to suffer early monday morning blues on sunday night!

In less than 13 days, I will be in Mumbai. All I can think of Dheeraj's Grilled Sandwich, open cheese mysore masala and sahkari bhandar pani puri! Atttttacckkk!!!!!

And Goaaaa!!! Been more than 8 years since I went to Goa. That was the first time! I had not even attained legal drinking age. And was with parents. This time it will be different. It HAS to be different! Gooonde ensured the trip! Super stuff! Excited!

My pjs are getting lamer.. my cooking (and bit of bartending now) skills are getting sharper... not that a lot of people care about either!

2010 has been very kind to me for travelling! I hope 2011 is as kind if not more. I just want to learn to start travelling alone. Bagpacking! Be on my own! This social animal deserves to break out for that! Will try one trip in 2011 - on my to do list for 2011! (the only other thing on my to do for 2011 is being to understand Mandarin to ensure I get jokes management crack on their roadshows - these serious interpreters dont share the laugh x-[ )

More I see markets, more I know its more psychology than finance. My PhD thesis will be on behavioral finance! Decided! I dont want to be Buffet or Jim Simons. Soros is more like it! No, I wont bore you more on markets!

Sad that I have ran out of topics to write.. will need to add some zing to life! How about Gold Spot? (Bad one) May be Mumbai trip would be good one!

Update and Random Musings

2010-10-17T23:31:00.000+08:00

I dont want this blog to die - I started this one thing and have been regular (not lately though) but these days its just gone dormant. I am not sure why people are interested in stuff I write but the hits dont lie I assume.

So what do I have to update?

Off one thing I know, that tomorrow I complete 9 months in my current job and not even faced Monday Blues once. Achievement? Or as Anshul put the other day, I may not be having enough fun on weekends.. I'd say my job is really awesome but Anshul ain't so wrong either.. weekends have been liability and sometimes we have planned stuff on two separate days only to make sure both days went off well.. sad stuff, I know.. but Bhushan Ben, now you are back and you better rock!!! 1-Altitude this Friday for SURE!! (Mr. Charan will laugh on this - we have planning this since his birthday)

On other things, good insights on earlier post - the post became too heated and I just avoided to get into soup there. But now, I got a fund manager to support - so profits shall come before religion. May be not when I manage my own fund, I'll form my own rules - listen you tobacco cos, you ain't getting money when I become a fund manager. Nor is AAPL.

I also found that no job is perfect. One thing I hate about my job is lunch meetings. Bloody I have to sit through hardly edible bland food while my other fund managers manage to clean their plates with chopsticks. I have started to detest them but then I have realised its a small price to pay (but frequently with atleast 3 days a week) if I have to survive in this industry. Or we will need to need more money to play with.. Anyone with spare few hundred thousand dollars, contact me..

Also realized that efficient market hypothesis is dead. Period. They should ban that from teaching that to new generation.

Has this happened to you? A day you crack a generic joke and the next day YOU are the joke?

This year I have been to Changi more than I have been to Clementi MRT. I'd say good year indeed.

I have become more active on twitter - thanks to @Purpleturple #likes #enjoytweeting

Btw, there is one post which I had started writing since April and I have just finished two points there. Lets hope I finish that before it becomes obsolete.

What MBA does NOT teach you?

2010-09-02T23:31:00.000+08:00

We have always heard stories about how employee has to deal with ethical dilemma... and MBA cannot, and will never be, able to teach you how to get out of such situations..

now, thats happening to me.. after doing some prelim research on softs, I think best place to be in for next 6 months is meat industry.. but I am personally a hardcore vegetarian who does not even eat eggs (even in confectionery) but I am in love with the business model and macro factors and the whole industry dynamics.. how do I deal with this? I know I am not buying stock for simple reason I am not trading at all.. but should I pitch a stock which pushes meat consumption whereas I believe in spreading vegetarianism? Rather, should I chase profits by selling my religion and soul? Or should I restrict myself by not making my investor (hypothetically, if I were a fund manager) good returns just because I do not believe in the lifestyle?

Alums, Students and Aspirants, here you go with practical situation... leave the class, help me to face reality... winner shall get the right to receive my next best idea in their inbox..

Why Singapore's Future is Secure?

2010-06-27T13:47:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, I witnessed this family travelling in MRT.. a couple with about 3-4 years daughter and 10-12 months son.

The father was feeding the son in his arms with a bottle of milk and his daughter sees this.. The daughter says "Cannot drink in train".. Her dad could only muster and say, "Baby can!"

Me, Apps and KC just could not stop laughing... (though as per KC's version the mother was not quite amused with the joke on her daughter)

Randomisation

2010-06-14T21:57:00.001+08:00

Two Updates!

1) I am back to my library building habits! Bought 5 books over last 2 weeks!

2) FIFA World Cup 2010 is on! Go Messi! Go Maradona! Go Argentina! On realted note knaan is awesomely hummable

Average

2010-06-02T10:52:00.005+08:00

So, at start of the blog I had mentioned "An average ordinary guy who is pursuing MBA at NUS" in "About Me" section..

Well, the final grades are out and I am pretty much average guy.. not bad prediction at all :)

The Sino Supremacy

2010-05-22T19:53:00.004+08:00

So one of the advantages of extending a semester as a student was that I could apply for the study trip and actually get selected!!

An essay for my motivation, a list of my contributions and my resume.. and there I got selected!

So a bit on both cities. First Shanghai!

My expectations from Shanghai was that it would be like Mumbai. After all, in Mumbai we always heard that we want to be like Shanghai. But, what I got was nothing like Mumbai. Shanghai was dazzling. Shanghai was impressive. Shanghai was not Asian city. Shanghai was in a different league altogether. Probably, we were downtown and in CBD area all the while and could not go to pockets with the other darker part. Its brilliant infrastructure has put it so much ahead of Mumbai - I doubt we will catch upto it even in next couple of decades considering we are boasting BWSL and see where Shanghai has already reached...

But then an interesting thing happened, I met one of my ex-colleagues (rmbr Head of Intern) who now works as China economist in Shanghai. We were discussing this that how I cannot dream to Mumbai to cope up to Shanghai even in next two decades. Then, the discussion went to how he should check Mumbai trains on youtube. But wait, you tube and FB both are blocked. He made a very interesting comment - he said, you see, we cannot dream of the political freedom ever.

Oh ya, the second thing - Shanghai Expo. I wonder if Indian govt has any ability to hold a event of 1/10th of this size. It boasted of 200,000 visitors on Saturday alone and 110,000 on Sunday (considering it was raining on Sunday evening). Spread across in an area as big as NUS, we could manage only 4 pavilions in two hours.

Another very quick scan of downtown - the city had so much wealth - the cars were not as fancy as Singapore but it I could spot quite a few of european makes. The most astonishing part was fashion labels - in 2 hours in Nanjing Road, and I saw 3 Gucci stores, 2 LV stores, a row of Chloe, Coach, Dior etc. and a 4 storey M&S building. The buildings and architecture are also impressive and worth watching.

I did not ride Maglev or go to Xian Tian Di or the Oriental Tower but I went to bund. Overlooking the river, the bund is the place where you can see the wealth in Shanghai. The scene at 11:30 PM was as good as it gets. I could not even believe this was Asia. My peers from Canada were impressed as well - this was a North American City.

At a dinner with alums, one of our alumnus remarked. Shanghai is a perfect case of east meets west. People in west who want to see China, come to Shanghai and people in internal China who want to see West also come to Shanghai. Very remarkable!

How does government manage to contain the pressure on infrastructure? Mumbai has so high influx with lure of wealth that the city is in shambles due to thousands of people coming everyday in hope of making it big in city. But again comes the govt intervention - the government in China has controlled the migration by adopting 'hukou'. What it essentially means is citizenship. The rationale seems to quite clear - no overload if you cant supply enough raw materials and infrastructure to these cities. As a result, there is no free movement available which again is good at a point that farmers do not leave their land and come to commercial capitals for work but also restricts free movement in the country.

Come to Beijing - this is where my expectations were met. Perfectly a capital! A city with strong cultural heritage with a sense of development but at the same time those pockets of narrow lanes and small buildings. Even my Korean friend who had visited Delhi, remarked a sight which he thought was something similar to Nehru Palace! Forbidden City - remarkably preserved. The great wall of China - ahh, the pleasure of seeing it with own eyes cannot be matched. One of the wonders of world, a surreal experience when you see long walls out of no where. And still maintained in same shape. Old houses converted to pubs give that excellent homely feeling. At the same time, expat pubs makes you feel the westerners can no longer avoid China.

Here's one for fashion buffs - Chinese girls are CRAZY about LV bags. One of the alumnus in Shanghai remarked that they save upto 6-8 months salary to buy one small bag. And some media rumours also suggest that they go in prostitution etc to get the luxury they desire. Well, the other day I went to Subway tograb a bite and I see this girl dressed as waitress entering subway, not more than 22-23 - but had this small LV purse. Which again makes me realise that how Mumbai will again take two decades (or more) to catch with fashion scene in China. I am not quite sure what is the reason but I know PPP is one.

A few more remarks

- you cannot survive if you do not speak mandarin

- you can survive as a vegetarian if you know what to order and how to order

- the vegetarian food is sometimes bland but sometimes reallly good even for Indian palate (some adjustments to taste are necessary)

- the non-vegetarians will go mad eating and still not hurt the wallet

- the metro is as good as Singapore

- the traffic is not as bad as Mumbai (both Shanghai and Beijing)

- Energy in Shanghai is comparable to Mumbai, so unlike cold lah-land. Beijing was more relaxed.

Wasnt I supposed to visit companies on study trip? Well we did. But I think the actual learning takes place out there on streets. Thank you NUS for providing me again this great opportunity!

2010 - Journey

2010-05-09T00:53:00.002+08:00

SIN-NY-Montreal-NY-SIN-Phuket-Phi Phi-Krabi-SIN-Mumbai-SIN-Shanghai-Beijing-SIN

Karma

2010-04-09T19:00:00.003+08:00

What goes around, comes around...

An year ago, I did a mistake and probably, I acted selfish.. And a faint chance that I misused the power I was entrusted with..

Karma repaid me there and then by acting.. and there, I sat haplessly.. The good Karma washed away by bad one...

I realized my folly and and apologized..

A year goes, but Karma has not forgiven me..

What I mistakenly did a year ago is ingrained my Karma for life..

I defeated one force of nature, but this time it was another one..

A year passes by, Karma haunts me again... I again sit haplessly..

MBA - Net Tangible Value Add

2010-03-30T10:47:00.005+08:00

So, there I go today.... finally a tangible value add of MBA.. yes, an employment offer..

On different parameters, I would put my subjective comments as follows

Company: Unheard of. But partners are ex-Gartmore and ex-Goldman and Macquarie.

Role: Senior Analyst

Profile: Brilliant

Responsibilities: Small and Huge. Includes evaluation of deals and serving nespressos (4th employee after 2 partners and 1 admin exec)

Exposure: Direct facing with investees and co-investors and other parties

Bosses: A Scot and an Ozzie. If they were to run for best boss competition, they would win hands down. Probably, one of the handful guys in WORLD, to have blessed with such bosses.

Work - Life Balance: Extremely great. Such that, after other roles I have done in past, I feel little under worked.

Pay: An yet, Industry Standards. No compromise on that.

After all, MBA for me was successful if you were to go by strictest sense of achievement... (though, I dont support that theory which is evident from my other posts)

And is it the end of the Journey, I started on Feb 27, 2008? I don't think so... More posts to follow about other experiences (one with the actual job hunt process)...

and my friend, this is just the start of another journey... ek kahaani khatam toh duji... shuru ho gayi mamu...

2010-03-24T09:08:00.002+08:00

I am not sure what the key to happiness is... But I know, for sure, that all unhappiness in world sources its roots in unmet expectations...

2010-03-21T14:17:00.002+08:00

Opportunity may knock at any time of the day... you just need to be really at your best all times..

Coz sometimes, you might not know but opportunity has a friend coming along with it..

Coz sometimes, the knocking may not be so audible, but you need sharp ears to hear slightest of knock...

Coz sometimes, you dont expect anything from the knocking, but its good to leave your doors open...

Rainy Mornings

2010-03-10T09:22:00.007+08:00

I miss.. snuggling comfortably in bed under blanket and thinking bhaad mein gaya kaam...

I miss.. the lazy morning chores while watching the trains pass by filled with bursting crowds outside my window..

I miss.. the fresh wet smell of soil..

I miss.. the perfectly hot cuppa of Milo (only Mom knows the secret of perfectly hot)

I miss.. the haggling of rickshaws with the black umbrella in my hand

I miss.. the sigh and smile when autowallah says yes to 'Saki Naka'

I miss.. the splashing water on roads

I miss.. the traffic jams which makes my trip more leisurely (who wants to reach office early anyways)

I miss.. the colorful raincoats of school children and designer umbrellas of aunties.

I miss.. Jaggu and Tarana on Go 92.5 FM

I miss.. shuffling of FM channels on my phone

I miss.. the occasional sprinkle of cold rain on my face when gush of wind opens up the side covers in auto

I miss.. the cool wet breeze

I miss.. the hot cutting chaai before the work

I miss.. the pitter patter sound of rains and whooshing sound of wind while at work..

I miss.. the Bollywood rain special in afternoons on Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM

I miss.. Mumbai Rainy Mornings!

Montreal, Molson & Masti!

2010-01-18T20:33:00.002+08:00

A quick background: We receive mail from Caleb about John Molson MBA Case Compeitition from Concordia University, Montreal - Elims based on CV and some case. I apply. I get invitation for elims presentation. I end up with wrong slides. Maintain my cool. Get selected to represent NUS.

Cut to: January 1, 2010

What a way to start the year! Flying 32 hours through 2 different countries finally to reach -25 degree celsius from +26 degrees! Finally reach Montreal, Canada! For a person who never saw snow, it was exciting! To see snowflakes! To see inches of snow lying on roads! To feel the feet freezing and mouth go numb! To expose less than 4 square inches of body to open air and with 4 layers of clothing!

We dint do great at the competition but the experience was amazing. A quick quote from roomie - At competitions, either you win prizes or earn experience!

But seriously, never we had been so productive! 3 hours and we could present situation, complications, analysis, alternatives, risks and mitigations and the financials! All without Powerpoint or excel! Thats a different story that we could never adapt so quickly and maintain the level judges expected us to! And with agility, it also promoted thinking outside the box (with concrete proof of things happening inside the box as well) ! But if we had this approach to all case studies in MBA, we would have not only been far more learned but productive and efficient as well!

Not forgetting to mention the best team for so far - a team so diverse, a team so brilliant, a team where complementary skills was not just another adjective - With Hugo on broader strategy, to Suveer on detailed operations and Gaurav on Marketing, my role was mainly to stick with financials and I loved it! Thats in the room! Outside the room, it was a laughter riot! Some phrases will just stick with me for life! And the situations especially with Hugo with darker side! Notable Mentions: Italllyyyy Schooool of Businesss and Have you considered Mexico?

And oh the coach - Paulo Molson.. oops Paulo Magalhaes! A guide and a friend - but most important a great host! How comfortable it feels in a new city when you have such a warm host! Never mind his driving skills :-)

A North American city with great architecture, it seemed so European! And while city was freezing, the underground city concept was very unique! We did not get much time to explore around, but whatever we saw was simply 'beautiful'!

All in all, a trip to remember for all reasons!

A picture is worth thousand words....

2009-11-22T22:47:00.002+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yza7BwErgAI

I wont say more!

The Sunscreen Song for NUS MBA

2009-11-08T00:27:00.003+08:00

The original lyrics -http://www.lyricsdownload.com/baz-luhrman-sunscreen-speech-lyrics.html

The song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

_________________________________________________________________

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class 2009 (or 2010)… Use “depends”

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, “depends” would be it. The repeated benefits of using the word “depends” have been proved by MBAs across the world, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your student life at NUS; oh nevermind;
You will not understand the power and beauty of your student life until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at randomly tagged photos of yourself on Facebook
and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked...
You’re not as unlucky as you imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry,
but know that worrying is as effective as trying to crack Prof. Nitin’s case by eating Calbee or Rice Crackers in MBA Lounge.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind;
the kind that blindside you at 2 AM on your walk back to Heng Mui Keng terrace after worthless project meeting.

Ask one question in every lecture that scares prof

Drink

Don’t be reckless with other peoples hearts don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Eat at Edwards

Don’t waste your time on jealousy on jobs, CAP or awards; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind...the race is long, and in the end it’s only with yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive on your creative projects, forget the insults from individual tests; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old Gtalk chat transcripts, throw away your projects and case studies.

STRETCH

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know if you want to be in Marketing, Strategy or Finance...
the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 26 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year old alums I know still don’t

Get plenty of caffeine from Toscana

Be kind to your own MBA Lounge, you’ll miss it when you’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry someone you met NUS, maybe you wont, maybe you’ll have multiple promotions, maybe you wont, maybe you’ll turn entrepreneur at 40, maybe you’ll address the parliament on your 75th birthday...
what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either - your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.

Enjoy your brain, use it every way you can...don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, its the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.

Dance...even if you have nowhere to do it but in Student Activities event after half a bottle of wine.

Read the mails from Arthur Wong, even if you don’t have a clue where NUS Museum is.

Do NOT read placement statistics (outside NUS), they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your project group mates, you’ll never know when they’ll be gone for exchange.
Be nice to your roomies; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you when you are frustrated with internship scene.

Understand that exchange students come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in Boon Lay once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Pasir Panjang once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, fees will rise, students will cheat, you too will graduate, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young fees were reasonable, students were honest and juniors respected seniors.

Respect your seniors.

Don’t expect anyone else to give you a job. Maybe you have a CAP of 5.0, maybe you have a connection with a partner; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your laptop, or by the time semester ends, you will be running to Sim Lim.

Be careful which alum or seniors’ advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the best parts from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling the “gyaan” for more than its worth.

But trust me on the “depends”...

Cerebration 2010

2009-11-05T00:22:00.005+08:00

And there goes the launch of the most awaited event of the year at NUS MBA.... Cerebration...

With backing of strong brands like BP, Lenovo and Vestas, Cerebration 2010 will prove to be bigger, better and grandeur!

My moral support by publicizing as much as possible.... May you beat the record we created last year....

Go Team Cerebration!

Good luck Abhishek and Srini! All the best to entire team!

More details at http://www.nus.edu.sg/cerebration/

P.S. One important reason to be on the team is free flow of wine at post Cerebration party :-)

HIMYM Season 5

2009-11-02T01:31:00.003+08:00

So I have almost caught up with the newest season of How I Met Your Mother and I hardly enjoyed it...

suddenly its suffering from the same issues as most corporations... from this awesome small company it goes on to become a legendary giant... over a period of time, it loses its critical identity... its just for sake of continuity that it goes one....... and then giant has a fall... a big fall..

dont we see a parallel here? why is it easy to achieve success but very difficult to maintain it?

November Dance

2009-10-27T01:31:00.003+08:00

In NUS, we call it November Dance!

All Profs love to see students dance... and dance at their own tunes...

To add to this, the biggest internal event takes place... the council elections (well, everyone knows what is democracy)

To top it up, Cerebration Co-Leads will get in action for all the teams to be as active as they can during the November.... (Hunting'em down)

Get ready to Burn the Dance Floor!

p.s. - a sample post from last year - http://patiencepays.blogspot.com/2008/11/blog-update.html

WDI Database

2009-10-14T23:43:00.002+08:00

today at internship

Head of Intern (yes, this is his position): NUS has WDI subscription right?

Me: Whats that?? (I am proud of my knowledge about databases NUS Library has and was quite shocked that I dint know about it)

HoI: Its World Development Indicators.

Me: Oh Ok. I dint know.

HoI: No worries. You would not know anyways. Its about poverty alleviation. Your job as an MBA is to widen the gap!

How I wish it was true at this stage!

One year changes all...

2009-09-28T00:57:00.003+08:00

So its been exactly one year since I posted this

http://patiencepays.blogspot.com/2008/09/pichle-saat-dino-mein.html

That was then... and what is now? Such a stark difference that I have changed!

They say, time changes everyone and everything. So this mid term break was nothing that I can really brag about. Since the time I have started working and managing studies simultaneously, I have to really get my pending things done over the weekend. And a public holiday is a big big boon! So the start of the week was actually holiday for me - where I dont remember what exactly I did!

Then three days went in trying to impress a set of people who could be my future bosses! That was an experience in itself - more about it later if I get energy to write about it sometime!

And then again comes back to working day after three days of exhaustion - so much for a few pieces of plastic notes and a probable stable job in future!

Saturdays, since start of 2009, are about lectures - and when I dont have one I feel glad! This was one such Saturday but I nothing really worth mentioning about!

And Now I sit today - with such a sad state of affairs. Sing Govt is extremely smart. Last year we pulled down tarp (not funds, you geek!) to see cars vrooming at a distance of less than 15 feet and this time all we got a balcony (Mumbai ishtyle) view from about a distance of couple of hundred feet. True it was a good view - but nothing comes close to hear those deafening noises! Thats like a trance in itself - like I mentioned last year - that numbness in ears has its own ecstasy! I left the race mid way - dint bother to see who won nor who lost. The only highlight of the race was Force India accident!

Would I spend money next year to avoid such disappointment? Heck, NO!

And was the location only factor? No my friend, I remembered that I had to complete a few pending applications coz weekends are the only time - for I cannot be student for ever! Need a job to survive! Need a job to pay for my loans! Need a job to for those material things I have fancied since child! Need a job to make sure I don't remain a face in the crowd after 20 years!

How I wish I had another mid term break! How I wish I could extend some more time in MBA! I really love to be student! I dont want to go in that dirty world of corporate rat race! I dont wann work! If only someone somewhere paid me to be student, I would be a student all my life!

Happy Jaimin

2009-09-09T22:46:00.003+08:00

Happy Jaimin [haaapppeee jaimin]

- noun

1. a state of mind after having five - six drinks or shots

2. high and cheerful, with mysterious smile

3. Drunk enough but not fall down in gutter

Usage:

1. That night at Rupee Room, I became Happy Jaimin after having few tequilla shots

2. Look at Happy Jaimin in Villa Bali snaps!

3. After the session at West Bay, it was difficult to make Happy Jaimin walk on footpath

And the old friends leave.....

2009-08-30T22:26:00.008+08:00

Its 17 months course (at least officially) and then you have people leaving right in the middle of the course...

Thats one thing I am not quite happy about joining NUS... The course is so flexible that it affects the belongingness of the batch... You check in together... but you can check out anytime you want... Whining apart, I miss my friends.. friends who made last year the best in quarter century of my existence!

To start with, people who completed the course...

Roli - The kid of the batch - The "Mata" - one with most "age jokes" - to be on the wrong side of 1985! And according to unofficial records, she is the youngest alumnus of NUS MBA! My best memory of her would be the "Do-it-yourself" dialogue! You shall be missed - especially for your roaring laughter!

Anuj - The Real Estate dude - the quiet guy with deep work experience - the guy who gauged that Moctiar Riady building would be finished soon in first month of the course!

Tulika - The most silent one I know - Could be only found in three locations - Home, Class or Carrels!

Now, the people who went exploring the world... (in no particular order)

Suvira - The "Partner" - for all those rejects we received from applications, it almost looked we would open the chaat stall at NUS soon! Alas, we got employed and Singaporeans were devoid of lip smacking delights we could have offered! The super-active, super-smart, always cheerful friend shall be best remembered for the fight against suar!

Yudi - The cool Ad guy with max number of kurtas - If I were to pick up my alter ego in marketing, Yudi would be it! Be it mutual love for Scotch and Whiskey or the cool attitude towards everything! Never seen him tensed in one year! Sporting a french beard, he shall be missed for creative ideas!

Debashish - As they would have told you, Bengalis are eccentric and Deba is no exception! Hilarious guy to be around with... and once drunk, the most daring one as well!

Ankita - The most learned person about Fin in our batch she knew her fundas inside out - one of the very good friends I made initially in the program, she shall be missed for the Sem 1 days and impressive grasp on markets!

Nikhil - People thought he had delhi attitude - to me, he was a street smart - a smooth talker, he could convince anyone! A guy with very good brains, just that I am not sure how many people would take him seriously! Our interests again were mutual - Fin and Whiskey!

Tony - Another Bong Babu Moshai with eccentricity! Most carefree guy with either alcohol or a firangi by his side... with almost different city everytime he uploads new album on Facebook - but, his earliest memory is still the funniest one - "Call me Tony" ;-)

Ram - *Bow* - One of the guys, I truly respect! A hardworking fellow with exceptionally good brain! Not even an inch of him is nerdy but at the same time, has best CAP of all! But, if you had to take one quality which makes him stand apart in crowd is his humility! Salute him for one of the best persons I have ever known!

Pavithra - Another kid from the block to be on the wrong side of 1985 - Like Roli, butt of all "age" jokes - Energetic and chirpy with awesome culinary skills! One of the desis who actually learnt a new language by coming to Singapore - Hindi! I am not sure but she supposedly made fool of all desis in Sem 1 by pretending not to understand Hindi!

Taniya - With energy, equivalent of almost three guys put together, she is most outspoken of all people in the batch! Talkative and chirpy, she was always ready to help!

Now, for two people, whom I will miss lots...

Alex a.k.a Alexadrous the Greatest - My flattie who would always address me with "J-Bhaaai" ! The totally secretive guy with a confused look 80% of time! The guy who really experienced the "diversity at NUS"! The guy who knew the essence of "Networking"! The guy whom everyone should learn time management! One of the closest friends at NUS, he shall be just missed... for nothing in particular... except his presence around!

Rohini a.k.a Bhushan Ben - My partner-in-crime for almost everything! She could discuss almost everything under the sun (may be above as well)! Had strong opinions as well as strong expressions! Added life to everywhere she went! Most carefree to the world, but with deep running thoughts inside her mind! Our interest never matched - but I guess, a classic case of opposites attract! Gave me the nickname, I love the most - shall be missed for everything!

For the sole one, whom I miss most...

Shreya - fondly call her "Taai" - elder sis in marathi - the closest and bestest friend at NUS who also was a psuedo-flattie! Although not technically from the batch, she became a psuedo batchmate when she exercised the flexi-option at NUS! Discovered common interests pretty late... but the only one whom I could share anything I felt... A level headed person who had her priorities in life so clearly laid out... Happy that she has gone back to aamchi mumbai.. From lectures to lounge and from cooking to walks and from PJs to life... I miss her almost everyday!

____________

Now, I just wish that our paths cross atleast once in lifetime... it would be sooo good to have a super reunion at the commencement!

Season 1 Begins!

2009-08-02T17:46:00.000+08:00

"How I Met Your Mother" - Season 1 Begins....

MBA, Movies and Seasons!

2009-07-27T17:16:00.007+08:00

Off late, I have been on movie mani - watching so many good movies which I had missed during last 4-5 years (may be more)...

Of course, working from home has its own advantages (like working at 1 AM when MBA's concentration is at peak and waking up at 11 AM)

One of the advantages I discovered was that I could manage my time more efficiently to watch a few good movies... so I have abused torrent and my flatties are perennially complaining of slow internet...

A few were suggested by friends... a few from IMDB.. a few just random...

A lot of movies reside on my comp but sometimes I am just too lazy to start it...

A few discoveries...

1) Chittrangada Singh is HOT! Watch Sorry Bhai - a movie ahead of its times! If not for movie, for the actress!

2) There is no dearth of unrated movies which Bollywood should be proud of! Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Manorama Six Feet Under were brilliant discoveries!

3) For no reason, hollywood movies are labelled as classics - The Shawshank Redemption, The Last King of Scotland and Goodfellas were brilliant!

4) Bigflix is boon! But how does it intend to make money - most movies are free and I have no clue if it has any sales!

5) Borat is such an overrated piece... I hardly enjoyed it... Never mind the gross things...

Now - to the part which is uncharted for me.... My friends prefer to watch seasons of TV shows altogether... and I get lost of their every mentions... apparently, FRIENDS is too old.. the current favourite is HIMYM (How I met your mother)... The next mention of sitcom is Coupling - all these names I have just heard of - I havent watched any though I intend to watch atleast one season of each soon... For thrillers, its Prison Break, Heroes and The Lost...

So as soon as I finish the stockloads of movie, the seasons shall start....

Tradeoffs

2009-06-30T23:40:00.002+08:00

So all this while we have been taught that tradeoffs are necessary evil which you cannot escape....

so what would you chose?

Money over aspirations? Would you get paid to do something you dont like? Or work for free to enjoy work? Or just take everything in your stride and decide as and when it comes?

Would you work with someone who gives you business cards or with someone who probably has more business possibilities?

Would you work in a plush office in CBD? Or at home?

Somethings are just meant to go in opposite directions.... the good part is that I realised my belonging...

And as my good friend pointed after the courageous decision few days back - I have evolved as a person!

The soft learnings from NUS MBA, i guess!

2009-06-19T13:02:00.002+08:00

There is a thin line between courage and stupidity....

and we have inherent bias to believe that choices we make are right... atleast they looked right at that point of time....

or how we hope that we should not have made such choices in first place...

and then we are again faced with dilemma... courage or stupidity?

Courage showed me way today.

A day in life of NUS MBA Sem 2 student

2009-06-11T22:42:00.006+08:00

the day starts snoozing the alarm atleast twice... to wake up for the class... and always late.. with exception of not-wanting-to-sing-in-due-to-late class...

and the first call of the day to find someone to get hot cuppa of caffeine from Toscana or the double shot of tea from Edward..

and to the mail first thing as you enter... the chatting between classes... snoozing behind lappies... waiting for the breaks... the quickie breaks... sometimes too long...

the lunches wid pals and the more important decision of where to have lunch... will it be chappatti at PGP or curd rice at Engineering or the same old feta cheese sandwich at the Terrace... or do we have the courage to patiently wait for Aunty at the Deck?

the discussions on random topics... planning the schedule for the day... involuntarily heading towards the lounge..

picking up the free FT copy... browsing through pages... not before you think submissions are more important than news... FT goes in bag... and, two days later on the dining table you again read same paper when its being used as table mat...

finding the right place to study... and ultimately there is no right place... dont blame me... the facebook and gtalk are the culprits...

and random sessions with random set of people everyday... pretending to study / work on project.. or most times applying for internship.... ultimately ending up laughing... arbit BC sessions... and a few times on silliest of PJs... Hey, I am still the King? Where art thou, Catalyst?

a quick nap in the lounge... finding people sleepin next to you when you wake up... the most uncomfortable positions but to find yourself fresh like never before... and then again a customary visit for stimulant and a bite... and then vowing never to eat Fries and Butter croissants...

Preparing for evening class and rushing to get free food... complaining about same old ugly food and black tea... meeting new interesting set of people (PT guys)... and wonder how they manage MBA, work and family?

then more importantly deciding for dinner after the class... Night Canteen? Noooooooooo... I hate the food... Subway? Can Can... But, Dadi's is shut my friend and Rangoli is quite expensive... Ok, no one will eat Maggi... I will cook for all...

And then the cooking marathons.... 3 people 3 recipes 1 dish! Kuch bhi daalo.. edible hota hai... But I dont put onions... HOW can you cook without onions?? And the flaring up of temper (and the invention of bullish levels... and VIX and Emerging Markets)... The daal and 'mummy ka masala'... relishing every bite (or sip in case of daal)... Of Khanne's delicious food... sometimes the same old khichdi or dalma... And then The Great Emperor claiming "daag jaata hi nahi".. like just out of Vim ad...

A small walk may be... Or hooking on to lappies to check the missed activity of last 4 hours on facebook and gtalk... trying to read for next day's class... group activity for pre reads as well.... getting surprised at "me off" ping at 1 AM! Hey, badhu normal che ne?

Crashing off at 2:30 and to realise that it was another day gone! I again did nothing! I better get started now! But wait, the terms dont start before 2 weeks! Got some time... will start after the presentation next Wednesday... sure thing!

And then came an end to the period which I would describe one of the best ever quarter in my life! Cheers to the Sem 2 of NUS MBA!

The Internship!

2009-05-24T13:45:00.007+08:00

This was the oft asked topic by prospective students... How is the internship scenario? Heck, the financial crisis has affected everyone and Singapore being open economy relying on trade and financial services is even more linked to health of global economy... So do you think we are different?

Any case, the post is about my internship hunt and how I managed one! Well, on the outset let me tell you this is my own personal story and it has differed for each person here.

To start with, I started applying for summers through structured programs way back in September. Some responses were quick and rejected me in psychometric tests whereas some took about 60-90 days to send either of mails...

"We are happy to have your application. We are really impressed by your past credentials Unfortunately, the competition was really high this time and we are sorry to take further your application this time. All the best for future"

Meaning: Dude, we have better CVs lying around!

"We are happy to receive your application. We are really impressed by your accomplishments. However, at this stage, your background does not seem to fit our requirements. Its best not take things further. We shall keep your CV in our database and let you know if we have an opportunity in future"

Meaning: Get lost, you good for nothing!

So these are your so called recruitment-freezed-investment-banks and consulting companies! However, I managed to get calls for interview from two top notch i-banks for their i-banking division which atleast gave me some hope about my resume! Unfortunately, I could not convert either.

Then in between, my desperation grew and I started applying left right and center! Just go to any of the PE/I-bank website and apply through e-mail address listed on "Careers" section. However, I figured out that this was not effective at all since I never heard from them. So an alternative was to call up the number listed on website and get contact details of HR from their. This worked. Atleast I got "sorry mails" soon!

People downplay "networking" but once in Singapore, you soon realise that networks are best ways to get jobs. So I suddenly find my old friends, acquaintances, relatives, relatives of friends, friends of friends etc etc everywhere on LinkedIn and Facebook and just say casual "Hi"! Sometimes it works! But they cant help if there is a recruiting freeze in their company and sometimes their own job at peril! But a few of my batchmates could get thru their way atleast for interview and then sometimes internship as well!

Oh, I forgot Career Services Office. Well, the job postings on CSO are the most probable ones to get converted to final internship! And for that matter, some people in CSO are really proactive to help students who have not internship. I really would like to name Wei Ling here. She has really worked hard to get the internships for the batch! Atleast 50% of desi junta have got their internship thanks to CSO posting!

So I had used all these and managed to get call from some but no really convert any :-( Something to think about my interview skills or resume? May be, yes!

Having applied to more than 100 places (I ain't joking), I had almost lost hope! But somewhere, KC propounded grain-chaff theory! He said the chaff has been removed and now what left were solid grains! That kept both of us going!

The story - well, fact is stranger than fiction - and it seems like I managed to get an internship in most unlikely way! So, I apply to this posting for a permanent position in Mumbai through LinkedIn for a corporate finance role! And I get a call from partner of Mumbai office. I explain my position. I am looking for summers but I can join in Dec. I can work from Singapore office as well. He says Singapore office would contact me.

Singapore office calls me for interview. They explain me their philosophy - boutique cross border M&A advisory! I get really interested. He says, Mumbai office does not need anyone for 2 months. There goes down all my hopes. We could send you to Mumbai but after 2 months. But I have to complete my MBA. Again a negative :-( However, we could offer you Singapore internship.

So I leave there without much hope. Next day again an interview at different place. So again the most disliked chore of the day - ironing :(

In between waiting for 2nd round of interview (at a different place, but same building!) the next day, I get call from them! They would like me to work on a project for 1 week of probation. They would like to see the project and accordingly offer me internship!

Things work out well and I get offer 2 days earlier on Thursday! What a sigh of relief!

Well, the coincidence has its heights! The man behind grain-chaff theory, KC, also gets offer for one of the best profiles posted on CSO Job Board on the same day!

To think of it, sometimes just give time some time and everything falls in place!

Learnings from the industry....

2009-04-25T23:43:00.002+08:00

A few sessions with people from industry and I have realised.....

2 hour session > 2 credit module

More about this later.... including a session with Rashesh Shah, Founder and Chairman of Edelweiss Capital

That time of the semester....

2009-04-01T23:36:00.002+08:00

Its again 4 weeks to go for finals.... and the professors hav started the compeitition yet again... who will keep the students'most busy.... projects... presentations... games (oh yes, we have simulation games - I suck at these)... assignments... homework.. readings... and of course, the finals...

The major factor though this semester has focussed on grading through out (with exception of Macro Econ) and has the finals would not play a major role in deciding your final grade... that said, this semester the learning also has been better terms of presentations and other non theoretical activities like case studies... And also, with higher emphasis on these, you tend to take it lil more seriously than before... and in subjects you really love, you would not mind going an extra mile...

Was just wondering why should Sem 1 be different?

Cooking

2009-03-14T22:42:00.003+08:00

Somehow, I have got this sudden motivation to cook more this semester. I dunno what it is but I have been experimenting too much since two months now.

Is it passion? Is it plain love for cooking? Or am I missing home and mom?

Sem 2 - Acads, extra currics and school

2009-02-18T19:06:00.005+08:00

Too lazy to actively continue writing the blog regularly! Just trying to summarise the first half of the 2nd sem.

Well first things first - you have lot of flexibility to choose the subjects and the timings and the days! As a result, someone like me who cannot rise in morning without a reason takes up all morning classes to ensure that I don't waste my day! However, my friend, Shekhar has taken almost the same subjects and has avoided almost all morning classes! This is what I mean by flexibility!

Coming to subjects - even with finance background and CFA - I have taken mostly all finance courses. Reason - my fundas aint that clear except in corp fin. So some subjects are repetitive but some subjects are eye opener. In some subjects like Macro Econ, its more like a discussion about U.S. printing money and effect of lower consumption on Singapore's economy and hence more practical view. Some subjects like Private Equity are must for me if I have to show an interest in the career. However, my friend, Ankita who is from finance background believes she has to learn more in entrepreneurship courses than in finance!

With flexibility, most of us don't have any reason to complain about any subject! We were given couple of classes before we could add or drop modules! That was good time to decide and hence the batch is now more content about selection of subjects! Finance frogs dont have to think about 4Ps while marketing monkeys are spared with discussion on equity and debt!

The number is also flexible but majority of people whom I know have taken 6 MCs to ensure that next semester can be little lighter for the job hunt process!

So next thing you would guess is about internships - which I shall not talk about in this crisis after receiving more rejects in my inbox that I can count on my fingers! Btw, the number of applications would have crossed half century easily!

The extra currics has picked up this semester - or this is it what I feel? The clubs are trying to do what they can! Its now upon our team to shape what we want to see! All clubs and activities are now active - the marketing guys have come up with this innovative idea of this colorful bulletin board and its wonderful! We, at Fin Club, could only make our board half as attractive! However, I believe trying to get hold of Bloomberg training is one accomplishment I am proud of as a President of Finance Club. Consulting club is all gung ho about cases and guiding wannabe consultants on how to crack case interviews! The social impact club with sports club organised a Futsal tournament (with involvement of Alumni and corporates) to donate the proceeds to patient care centre local hospital! Mentorship process was kicked off with help of Alumni Relationship Team and I found a mentor who works at P.E. firm. And ya, forgot to the most important team - the one which takes care of all fun and happening events at NUS MBA - the student activities team! We have had celebrations for Chinese New Year and Exchange Students Ice Breaking Session over barbeque party!

Guess, I am just trying to show off how cool our MBA Student Council ;-) Check the updated website - http://www.mba.nus.edu.sg/mbaclub/index.htm

How can I forget case compeitions and business plan challenges! I am yet to crack any of them. But one of the teams, including my roomie KC, represented NUS at Microsoft FirenzeChina at Beijing and got covered by Business Times Singapore. Check more out here - http://nusmbabuzz.blogspot.com/2009/01/brief-stunt-with-microsoft.html

I know its a loooong loong post! But just wanted write all that I missed in last two months!

2009-02-09T11:47:00.002+08:00

The best part about the ongoing pressure at same levels is that it makes you immune to it...

2nd Semester.... A New Beginning!

2009-01-11T17:03:00.006+08:00

Wishing all my blog readers a very happy new year! And "Gong Xi Fa Cai" - a greeting used to address wealth and prosperity!

With the start of 2nd sem, a lot of things have changed! Its so different that its a new beginning itslef altogether!

First of all, I have shifted to new home. Nearer, bigger, better, comfortable, brighter and all the good adjectives that comes to your mind. Located at 10 mins walking distance away from the school, this new rented apartment at 334 Westvale, Pasir Panjang Road is sprawling 2000 sq feet with 3 bedrooms and the master bedroom which can be converted to a dormitory which can house 4 ppl itself! The condo houses a swimmming pool and non-existant tennis court which we plan to use as box cricket pitch (not that we cant make our hall one ;) )

New home means a new lifestyle! I dont have to take shuttle at 8:30 AM sharp to reach the school! I have the liberty of staying home on weekends. I have the option of coming to home between the lectures and taking a nap! I have an option of not eating at campus! And the best of all, we have started cooking all over again!

More changes include new activities! Have already done Kayaking and Cycling! And I must admit its more fun than Clubbing! The fun does not necessarily mean drinks and dance anymore! Taboo is the game of the moment! Walks are not meant for exercise - they are time to admire Singapore's weather in Night!

More about academics, presentations and extra currics and school life in later post!

Vacation

2008-12-24T22:03:00.002+08:00

Vacation - Best period of MBA where you eat, sleep, drink and chill without any deadlines and any other tensions!

My Alma Mater

2008-11-19T22:20:00.005+08:00

Finally, after long time I managed to click a great pic of my alma mater!

Collective Responsibility - An Utopia? Not quite!

2008-11-18T17:27:00.005+08:00

When people are cribbing about their groups not working efficiently and spending hours on worthless meeting and suffering from improper work allocation and say more than 4 is a crowd, I proudly stand up and say my economics group should be ideal group!

Group members: Ram, Rahul, Saurabh, Suhas, Abhishek, Pavithra and Me.
Number of Assignments Done: 6
Number of Presentations: 2
Number of group meetings: 2
Strategy: Believe in each other to complete the work much before deadline.

Volunteering or Free Riding? I would I say was almost free rider and that was a guilt factor. But I would go ahead and say that we never allocated work to anyone. No one was leader. No one was responsible. Everything was voluntary. To put it in three simple emails which used to come to prior to every submission.
"Done. Please Check"
"Checked and corrected."
"Uploaded"

We collectively knew that someone will do it and we had full faith in ourselves.

Today, when we sit in class after receiving standing ovation from Prof after presentation, I am really really proud to be part of this group. Rarely, in future I will be working in this kind of group - hard working, intelligent, smart, work-horses, and most important who believe in collective responsibility!

Just to end with a quote which we have proved otherwise - "Everyones Responsibility Is No Ones Responsibility" - Not quite True!

Blog Update!

2008-11-11T19:38:00.007+08:00

For the certain predicted circumstances* in MBA, the blogger has decided to take a small break from the blogging!

Shall see the loyal readers of the blog sometime in early December! Till then pray for me that I survive!

* Includes following things
a) Projects
b) Presentations
c) Reading for Projects
d) Meetings
e) Elections (btw, the horizontals are over and I am eagerly awaiting for verticals and the MBA Club President tomorrow)
f) Working on Projects (Sometimes, I have to)
g) More Meetings
h) Lectures
i) Reading for final terms
j) Chutku (Small) submissions
k) Swinging on the indifference curve (Copyrights belong to KC)
l) Checking and keeping tab of emails for meetings
m) Applying for internships
n) De-stressing (read a Can of Beer)
o) Downloading new bollywood songs
p) Working for Fin Club and Cerebration
q) Apartment Hunting (how could I forget this - this had to come in top 10 things)
r) Travelling from the border of Malaysia to school and back
s) Finding deadlines for internships
t) Chatting at 2 AM about nothing in general
u) Thinking about Mumbai (everything including pollution and trains)
v) Thinking about good food (read ghar ka khana, AMar Juice Centre pav bhaji, mithibai ka dosa and vada pav, Filter kaafi and Kanchipuram idli at RK, pani puri at sahkari bhandar)
w) Thinking about what all I have to do when I am in Mumbai
x) Resolving not to repeat same mistakes in 2nd Semester
y) Thinking about grades (yes I cannot afford two subjects beyond B- level)
z) Blogging when I am supposed to 25 things mentioned above!

Cerebration 2009

2008-10-23T22:58:00.001+08:00

The most happening event at NUS Business School is launched!!! Check it out @ http://www.nus.edu.sg/cerebration/

Taking a sport....

2008-10-19T17:32:00.002+08:00

Well, I just realised that I have been exercising quite well just that I dint knw about it.... The never ending flight of stairs and walking about in campus at NUS keeps my body fit and agile... And that I discovered while my 200m sprint to catch the Bus No. 30 today.. And the best part is that I was not really panting after I boarded the bus..

Proud of my fitness levels finally..

Nicknames

2008-10-13T02:05:00.002+08:00

Sometimes you get an awesome nickname... and you love people calling you by that name!

I love being called "J bhai" these days!!!

Thanks Rohini (I am not publishing your nickname since I hold copyright and do not want people to use it) for giving me super cool nickname!!

NUS MBA - The Student View!

2008-10-07T00:26:00.004+08:00

Well, I have been putting up a lot of nonsense stuff I have been doing which apparently is not what B-school is about... Get a real view of NUS MBA from the horse's mouth... Shipra, my batchmate, is avid blogger and here is her blog http://mynusmba.blogspot.com/ which talks about student life at NUS!

Pichle Saat Dino Mein......

2008-09-28T23:51:00.004+08:00

Well it is the end of a well utilised Mid term break....... Proud of my achievements here in Singapore!!!

Starting with the Bintan trip! Oh Man! What a beautiful island this is!!! Although in Indonesia, it is only an hour away from Singapore!! Imagine the number of visitors that might be visiting Bin Tan that all the prices and currency accepted everywhere on the island is Sing Dollars!!! Visa on arrival... direct ferry... lotsa options to stay... no hassles... a perfect tourist spot!! It is actually very rich in flora and fauna... Of other things I saw Komodo Dragons, Snakes and Black Squirrels!! Cannot really comment on one highlight of the trip coz there were many things which were absolutely amazing... to start with it was the first time I had a 15 year old Single Malt Glenfiddich and I have become a big fan of Baileys as well... I drove an All Terrain Vehicle through the dirt track and it was first ever time I drove a car. Good Lord saved my co-rider!! Although she claims that she more fun when I was driving but I know she would have been praying all the time! And the Snorkelling.... I admit I was really scared to go in water coz I dont know swimming but whatever I could see underwater was toooooo good!!! I saw a school of blue small fishes and the scene was what we generally see on Nat Geo or Discovery... I saw marine plants and the corals!!! I saw jelly fish in the ride to the place where we went snorkelling!!! These experiences stay for life!

Coming ahead in the week... I attended first class where I know I will be using these skills at work... The advanced excel workshop was a great refresher in between the theory classes. Although the prof did solver and pivot table, it was quite helpful to get refreshed on modelling skills... and the highlight was prof gifting me a original McLaren Key Chain for answering questions on Pivot Table!!!! Here's the link - http://f1store.formula1.com/stores/f1/products/product_details.aspx?pid=50364

Kaise bhoolon saatva jo din aaya..... I witnessed first ever race in my life and that too my fate was that it was night race on street.... i am still in trace... the sound of engines buzzing in my ears.... no words to describe... need to be there to experience it... I am not an F1 fan nd hence I decided I wont go to race... Hence the bintan trip happened in first place... I could not afford to spend that kind of money on tickets.... But, as I always say... I am here to enjoy every bit of my life... Studying will always take a backseat... So I decided to take a chance since it was a Street race... God bless the originator of street race.... So I reached by 6:30 and got an awesome view.... Just opposite one of the stands... the only difference between them and me was that I dint have seat.... The first roar of engine was deafening.... and the second got the adrealine pumping... and the noise then turned ito music... And I was in absolute daze!!! Thru the evening I witnessed race from 3 different views... each without paying a cent!!! The highlight was the moment when Ferrari overtook Red Bull and sparks flew all over the place!!!! And luckily we found a group which had mobile tv so he could update us on the number of laps and drivers.... We could make out the teams from the colors but not the drivers.... So when people say its difficult to make which car is which team, they are actually bluffing... Go for yourself and experience the thrill!!!! Btw, I have now atleast decided to follow the F1... So even though I regretted about not taking up a sport, this can act as consoloation prize!!!!

MBA - 1 month 1 week later

2008-09-11T23:14:00.003+08:00

Extremely bad time to post but I just need to spend some time here blanking out..... I have Eco project to be submitted tomorrow, marketing mid term on monday and statistic presentation on thursday - but still I find its pretty manageable! Tough - yes but not quite impossible!

Well, before you put me in the race of super humans - I am not! Here at NUS - you have set your priorities straight from the day one - what you want to do! There are so many opetions that you have problem of plenty..... Studies is just one aspect in MBA here... If a cap score of 4.5+ (out of maximum 5) is a priority - then you concentrate on your acads from day one because class participation forms a quite a bit of .... Not on my list though!

Now what else - extra currics - but yes this too has huge meaning here - you got your usual organising and business cases and stuff... but what stands apart here is the enormity of the "university" - At uni level, there is so much happening - randomly speaking - you have all sorts of sports (archery) and all sorts of art (operas) and all sort of cult following (how about toast masters club)... Falls somewhere in my list! But yes majorly on usual stuff - havent been able to pick up a sport yet....

And there are companies which come to cmapus day in and day out... so if you wann "network"... you got all the opportunity to do so... and believe me if one clicks - nothing like it!! Coz your job depends upon on you effort - unlike Indian schools where companies come shopping with gunny bags of cash to lure yet-to-enter-corporate-world students... Here, its all about meeting the right people at the right place at the right time!

And ya - party!!! Man, Singapore is big happening place!! The government does not want people to go out in the night coz it stops MRT and bus services and the cabbies charge 35% extra but still the party places are open all night!!! Clarke Quay is a major spot - though I found it too be too hyped up and steep! Just been to Ministry of Sound - and yes it lives up to the name!! If you are a trance fan - this place is must must visit!!

Yea - this is what I have been doing in MBA!!! Coz I see that this is the last time in my life I am really gonna enjoy life! These days wont come back again... your last visit to campus and last bit of freedom before you go back to professional grind.... and sober down a bit when you settle down socially... so for me - MBA is all about having to study very optimally and enjoy my time as much as I can!!

NUS MBA Blog

2008-08-30T19:28:00.001+08:00

Hey guys see me on the web

http://nusmbabuzz.blogspot.com/2008/08/freshers-party-hawaiian-bash.html

:)

A Residential MBA

2008-08-17T14:39:00.004+08:00

Repeatedly, I was told by some people that the school is more important and not the experience - the brand of school, the academics, the placements etc etc.... This was way back when I gave first try for MBA... However, I was stubborn and wanted to go to a different city for MBA... And see what I got... a entirely different country....

Living alone for the first time without family is difficult not because you missed loved ones but how they are inherent part of your daily lives... Picture this an ideal day at home

Normal Office Day
8:30 AM
Wake up (mostly after Mom trying for atleast 5 times)
8:30 - 9:30 AM
Get Ready (The clothes are washed, ironed and arranged nicely; if one shirt is not ironed properly ask Mom to get it re-done. My mug of milk is ready - perfectly warm to drink)
9:30 AM
Leave for Office. Mom has already packed my bag with the lunch box and newspaper
10:30 AM to 7: 00 PM
In Office
8:00 PM
Get back home. Freshen up. Night clothes and towel is kept ready for me.
9:00 PM
Have Dinner. Ask mom for snacks to complement dinner.
10:30 PM
Fruits are being cut and served by mom.
11:30 PM
End of the Day

Now picture this - a reality far away from home

Wake up when you think you are not really late... but in reality, you are always rushing to catch the 8:00 AM shuttle... While getting ready, you try and heat the milk in microwave... most of times its still cold and sometimes its too hot to handle... if its cold, you gulp it down without any taste and when its hot, you are still trying to drink while wearing shoes... The clothes are washed a day earlier and but not ironed coz of laziness.. but now ironed it should be and you still cant get that one strong crease on the shirt to disappear... Just when you are about leave, you have double check all the important things are there with you including keys, lappie, chargere, wallet, specs etc etc... Somehow you manage to get in line for the shuttle... Btw, you just realise that you havent had breakfast... And you are stomach is growling coz you havent had a good dinner last night.....

After lectures, lunch is managed at the univ but its strictly edible and it will give you the strength to walk around... nuthin like maa ke haath ka khana.... you while away your time at univ coz there is nothing to do and more imp if you go back now, then dinner is a big problem... so these days, the dinner is by 7 PM... too early by Indian standards!!! Now the dinner isnt that great but its better than lunch....

You get back to hostel and see that the laundry pile is getting bigger by the week and you really need to get it done tomorrow... and God forbid, if there are couple of shirts the ironing has to be done as well...

And that was for weekday... for weekend, the issue is even more uncertain... the lunch is uncertain and so is the dinner.... Cooking, i have realised, is not an issue... the aftermath is bigger problem... cleanin up takes as long as to cook and eat... so these days its goin fine when I have lotsa time on hand... Ready to eat does not solve problem either..... you still have to clean up.... And then add on the weekly activities cleaning the house, changing the mattress etc.

After all these, you need to study as well!!!!!

But if you think I was cribbing - its not true!! I am loving this part of my life! The freedom to do anything but the responsibility to do everything! Its these experiences I was looking for in a residential MBA! Away from home to get me out of my comfort zone! I definitely see this as part of my MBA life which I would not have got had I went to a local MBA course... I am gonna emerge as a different Jaimin with a toughie attitude... Rather attitude which says... "Can do, Will do"!

A mid way crisis for blog

2008-08-14T15:02:00.004+08:00

As some of you might have seen, the blog stopped going further from "The Real Singapore" - Kya karein, Singapore itna acha hai ki humein aage hi nahi jaana tha....

The reason my blog stood standstill was not Singapore - the reason was that I was not really inclined (or shall we use better word - "motivated") to put my thoughts down in organized fashion... every day here was unique and I intended to put everything in here... it is just that I was not getting enough motivation to do so... I had loads of time (and in fact as I type this my Gtalk status reads "whiling away time....") - It was just that I was too uninterested to start blogging again... And again, the backlog was huge - so I dint know whether to to it chronologically or just follow whatever I had to write... And each incident had to be a different post - otherwise I am not doing justice to my blog.... With about good 6-8 posts behind, I have decided to rejuvenate my blog... Albeit with a condition - the blogs now will take those posts randomly... the current events may take front seat...

But somewhere, I know I will back to my original behaviour so the blog may remain dormant for sometime till I again do a u turn to regular blogging.....

The Real Singapore

2008-07-28T17:07:00.005+08:00

As I said earlier, I dont stay in the real Singapore. We were duped to stay here - thats what I can say. We decided to venture out and go to Raffles Place - Nariman Point in Mumbai terms. The MRT station was underground and the minute we came out on road, it was like WOW!! This is the Singapore we see in the brochures and papers and videos. The entire skyline was mesmerising... And what a view it would be for the office goers... Look down and you see the river and the boat quay.. The boat quay (pronounced as qi) is like a chain of resto pubs on the river... One of the most happening place in Singapore after Clarke Quay... Clarke Quay seems to be party peoples paradise.. Divided is 5 sections, it has at least 50 different restaurants, pubs, clubs etc... We did not venture in any of them thinking it would be quite expensive... The conversion factor is still quite high and we will take some time to stop converting and start enjoying... Later on, when I had a chat wid a new found friend, i think it would be just lil higher than mumbai prices.. But it would be just that we are enjoying better quality here...
Btw, I am so dying to go and visit Ministry of Sound and another place called ZOUK (often mentioned by Nick Leeson in Rogue Trader)

Also visited the university today - did not look much but my raction was that it was 100 times better than this stupid yoha hostel... My initial reaction was like is this a five star holiday resort or a university... so well maintained buildings.. greenery around... great architecture.. lounges... canteens and eating places... too too good!!!!! Very very happy that i can stay there for half a day :)

Saw more of real singapore near the City Hall, Suntec City and Esplanade which again have great stuff like malls, offices, residential buildings, operas etc etc....

The whole point is that this Boon Lay was really depressing thing to hit on first day... how even great city like Singapore can have areas which are not so like real Singapore... like Bhayender and Mira Road in Mumbai - which although part of Mumbai, have nothing in common like Nariman Point and Worli and Bandra! Just getting to accept the fact that I need to stay here for atleast first semester... like my friend and batchmate Suveer said the other day "120 days to civilisation"

Remembering BMS - Service Sector Marketing

2008-07-26T15:51:00.004+08:00

In my last year of under graduation, there was this prof called Nitin Mukadam who used to teach us service sector. I was totally in awe of this man who used to cite real life examples and not refer to books at all. I loved the way he taught the subject - and I had taken pains to study this from a foreign author book rather than relying on "reliable" series of Vipul Prakashan. (BMS students will know what I am talking about). This guy taught us "Moments of Truth" - which till date - I use to benchmark the service quality of a company.

So yes, coming back to what happened on the day I was scheduled to leave for Singapore. Jet Airways has much better brand name in India as compared to Air India and yes - the reason is service! So Jet charges you more due to perception and which is why they have to deliver. Although, I paid about Rs.3-4k extra as compared to Air India, I would still be willing to pay that if I could. My experience

1) Luggage allowance -

Officially Allowed - 20kg + 10kg for students + 7kg in hand baggage
Actually Taken by me - 46 kgs + 10 kg in hand baggage
Charges for extra luggage - Rs. 570 per kg
Paid by me - NIL

Out and out my heart went out saying Jet, you are the best!

2) Checking in - Lets say this guy as friendly Jet guy

Me: Hello Sir (Tensed about the extra kilos and constantly calculating how much should I bargain)
FJG: Hello. So you are student?
Me: Yes sir. (Chalo bhaiyya, abhi bolege nikalo paach hazaar)
FJG: Australia?
Me: No singapore. (I hope he allows me, I show him the IPA letter)
FJG: Oh, NUS. This is at Kent ridge.
Me: Yes. You know it. Have you been there. (See 46 kilos on weight, baap re, I thought I was only 10 kgs over weight)
FJG: Couple of times.
Me: How is it? ( Feeling much relaxed that he is not asking about extra weight)
FJG: Its good. You travelling abroad first time?
Me: Yes.
FJG: So how does it feel?
Me: Nervous and excited.
FJG: No need to be nervous. Take it as challenge. All the best!
Me: Thank you sir.
FJG: Here take your boarding pass. I have given you taisle seat so that you can go off the sleep. Just pull the arm rest.
Me: Thanks a lot!!! (Quickly walk away to get some water so that he does not follow me to ask about weight)

Another guy (FJG's assitant) came running behind me coz I had forgotten my book!!! Yes so that was it - no questions asked and for me that was biggest relief!!! But more than that, the friendliness of that guy struck me! So polite and helpful! I regret of not knowing his name otherwise I would have mentioned it in the blog as well as in the flight suggestion sheet. But ya, you stand out as this guy whom I will remember for right reasons.

3) Inflight Service

Had not been thursday, I would have just drank a couple of scotch pegs and fell off the sleep. What a choice of alcoholic drinks!!! Black label and JD - which scotch drinker would not have relished!!!! The food was also looking decent too! The only hitch was that they did not have fruit platter to suit my needs but had I told them earlier, they could have arranged for the same.
And ya, the entertainment options were also quite good. I saw "21" themovie and could have watched another had I not tried going off to sleep. Good selection of music and movies and games as well!

In all, I would rate the service as 8 on 10 - much higher that I would have got by travelling in Air India!

P.S. I heard my colleagues had awful time travelling in Air India and some of the problems included late flight, asking to pay for extra luggage and not so good in flight entertainment options.

Yo:HA - Bringing down the EQ (Excitedness Quotient)

2008-07-26T15:45:00.005+08:00

Seniors - will you please give a good reason why would you say this place is "good"?

A) The place is really really far away from city and from the university as well - so thats no locational advantage. We knew it was far but not this far! It took me a lil more than hour to reach hostel from Farret Park (Little India). To compare with Mumbai terms, this is something like a Dahisar or Bhayender. Last Station in East West MRT.

B) The rooms are not even clean and there is life missing in these walls. To put it simple words, "room mein koi jaan nahi hai". Lighting and color is actually very depressing. Maintainence is big issue but atleast my room was not stinking. Some of my friends got rooms where it was really stinking.

C) Allocation is really funny. Its okay if you have to share room with unknown person but the bad part is that guy would not be with you in your course. So on what basis should we bond together under the same roof. Add to my woes of being pure vegetarian - I hope that I dont have to stay with a person who cooks non veg in the same kitchen as I have to.

As of now, all my batchmates think that yo:ha was a mistake and we could share much better rooms with guys we were familiar and near to campus in almost the same rent.

But I guess later on, we shall be only using place to sleep and complete the projects. I am expecting to spend not more than 10 hours a day.... So then it wont matter if you stay in a condo or in dorm....

Singapore - First Impressions!!

2008-07-26T15:42:00.000+08:00

Its just 30 hours in the new city and hence I cant really comment. But just a few striking facts.

When I came down to Changi Airport, the lobby to welcome the foreigners is just tooo good. I guess it almost matches lobbbies of best 5-stars in Mumbai if not better! Too Good! Generally, people say immigration is very tedious process, Singapore is like a bliss! My flight landed at 7.20 and by 7.40, I had my baggage in hands! No hassles at all!!

What struck me at airport (and later in City) is cleanliness. Not a wrapper on the floor. I have seen that in India as well but the places are far and few. Here, the entire city is the same. Too good! (btw, I have heard its S$500 fine for loitering and people do have to pay up!)

Transportation and Infrastructure - One of the seniors told us that Singapore has best roads in the world and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit - equivalent of railways in Mumbai) is its pride! After travelling in Mumbai railways for years, I found it MRT a lil too odd. I had to hold the rods for support myself - I could not rely on the crowd to support me. The buses again are too different from Mumbai with more spacious and luxurious! Another thing - I really loved the ticketing system - you just need to tap a card while boarding and again while getting off - no queues at all which saves hell lot of time!

All those public private partnership case study seekers have an excellent example here - SMRT (Govt) and SBS Transit (Private) together run the entire MRT and buses system. I think the routes are divided and the service qualities are almost equal. Also, for public conveinience, the EZ Link Card can be used in both MRT as well as buses. Mumbai - please learn - if a scheme is started by Western Railways, ensure the same accomodates Central Railways and Harbour Line too. We need the entire service under one roof and not bickering among the government entities. No wonder, people said that I will Singapore! So much convienience!

I found communication system a lil too funny. Firstly, its a big pain to find coin operated public phone booths. Everyone here uses calling cards and you need to swipe the cards for talking. On airport, luckily I could do away with credit card - but in city (in absence of mobile (or handphone in Singapor parlance)), I had to hunt to get to machine where it accepted the coins. Luckily, unlike India, the shop keepers are cooperative of giving you as much change you want. Coming back, for an outsider, its completely lost out feeling if you do not have any other means of communication. Another thing, after living India where it was so convenient about getting calls because "incoming was free", it was quite a shocker to see that you are getting charges almost at same rate as an outgoing call. You can only avoid "incoming call" charge by swicthing to postpaid connection only. Even funnier stuff, with som IDD thingy, I can call to India at really low rates of 8 cents a minute - however, my local call charge is 16 cents a minute!!!

Overall, I love Singapore but the place I am staying is far from what actually is Singapore... more in next post....

Some Firsts, Some Lasts - 2

2008-07-26T15:38:00.002+08:00

Some Firsts, Some Lasts - 2

To start with, this is my first post from Singapore!!!!!! And I had to wait hours to post this up!!

My lasts in Mumbai were just great!!! My family, selected best friends and cousins came down to drop me airport.... Needless to say, it was quite emotional for me to leave my family and friends especially because I have never stayed alone in my life. I am so happy they bid a farewell with their best smiles on their face. And the least I could do is thank them in public -

Mom, dad and Uru - it could not have been possible had you not put my bravest face! Leaving me cheery faced was the best gift :)

Geetali - thanks for the personalised gifts - its gonna make me feel near to home as I see them everyday!

Hardik and Chinti - Thanks for parting gift! I loved the wallet very much! I shall soon inaugurate the cuff links!

Jardin - you are the best - man, thanks for all the tips and tricks! And ya, thanks for having friends at the right places :)

Kunal, Vishal and Dylan - Thanks for taking time off from your busy work schedules and come to see me off!

And ya here come one more mention - Tejasbhai - Never felt out of place or in a different country for a moment entire day.... would have felt so lost if you wouldnt have been here!!!!!

The Countdown Begins

2008-07-15T12:55:00.003+08:00

Yes... Its the final countdown.... We are heading to Singapore!!!!

Only some days earlier, I saw it was still 36 days to go and suddenly the number has come in single digit... 9 days to go from today....

Its a mixed feeling... Nervous and anxious about the entire thing... happy and excited that finally I am gonna go... sad for leaving loved ones behind... apprehensions about relocation... awaiting the freedom... lost because cant fall back on anyone.... its indeed mixed emotional state...

The Last Lecture

2008-07-05T00:00:00.006+08:00

http://www.thelastlecture.com/aboutbk.htm

Let me first thank Khyati for the amazing gift just before I embark on a new journey in my life. Thanks a lot - this has been one very good read in recent times!

The book is about "The Last Lecture" delivered by Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon professor, who is suffering from terminal cancer. He says that life is all about "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" - which he details out in the later chapters.

The book is anything but preachy - he sets out the agenda in such a simple manner that it hardly feels that he is delivering a sermon. His anecdotes are intelligent and humorous. Actually, I just cant summarize anything from book because its so crisp that one needs to actually read the book.

Thumbs up to this book!! A must read for everyone at every stage of the life!! A great gift!!!

The Wolf of Wall Street

2008-07-01T15:19:00.004+08:00

http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Wall-Street-Jordan-Belfort/dp/0553805460

I picked up the book thinking it would be a wonderful book giving me insights to "Wall Street". But sadly, it was a huge disappointment. The start of the book was okay. It did give chapters on how to motivate and lead and most importantly how to get unquestioned loyalty.

But as the book progressed, its a totally book about, as Jordan Belfort says, "The Lives of Rich and Dysfunctional". Nothing worth learning. Agreed, its a racy thriller and how he got into alcohol, drug abuse and prostituition and to leave it again for his family and then became a cocaine addict and paranoid and finally imprisoned for all his crimes. Also includes his very private affairs with wife (including making love in a store) - I just could not help but wonder about what kind of man can go into such details. Weird! Very Weird indeed!!!

Some things though keep you at edge of seat - like how he managed to smuggle money out of US and how the Swiss Banks work and you can make the money laundering look perfectly legal (Master Forger). Also how "ratholes" function and how loyalists can get backstab you if the money in play crosses eight digits (Steve Madden). And how you can kill a person's happines just by your connections and he will not ever suspect (Chinaman).

I was looking for more details on his business perspective and how he built his Stratton Oakmount empire. How he made money on penny stocks and he built his company just by selling and his charm. But this books starts where he has already built the empire and how he his wantoness destroyed it. Very disaapointing read! Not worth the money if you are looking out for a business biography. Pick it up if you are in mood to read a racy novel.

Book Reviews

2008-07-01T14:54:00.005+08:00

Although I am an avid reader, I must confess that I have never remembered half the books I have read early in my life. All those business biographies I read during BMS years have just evaporated from my small brain. Those were the days when my library card was a permanently with the librarian and I had befriended a peon to show me the books which were not easily accesible to others... I think I would have read atleast 8-10 books an year... But when I go back in time, I cant even recollect the names of books which I have read.

So going forward, I am going to write book reviews on this blog... book reviews from my perspective.. what i liked and what i dint.. what i learnt.. key takeaways.. everything.. waiting for your comments..

What Lies Ahead!

2008-06-27T15:20:00.003+08:00

As I had mentioned a few weeks earlier, I met some seniors. They were very helpful bunch of people. Today, I stumbled upon Suraj's blog - http://nus-mba-life.blogspot.com/

And I must admit that it has gotten me more excited to go and reach NUS and Singapore as soon as possible...

Great work Suraj!!! Its an excellent blog and needs to attract a wider audience. Especially prospective NUS MBA applicants...

Some Firsts and Some Lasts!!!

2008-06-24T01:32:00.007+08:00

In the transition phase of everyone's life, there are some "last moments" where he is facing a new start in life.... like last few days in school before he goes out as a free bird in college or last few free days in college before he gets in to the corporate world... and then he remembers his lasts... in that phase he relives the sweet and sour memories.... and that moment too he remembers his earlier firsts...

Today, this is my first post from my own personal notebook :) Very different feeling indeed... getting used to the soft keyboard.. handling cursor through fingers... different keyboard layout.... i love it....

But as I type my post, only a month to go before I leave Mumbai for entirely new nation and new culture.... I was just thinking of some things I am gonna miss....

- travelling in over crowded trains... however you may hate it, that experience gives you toughie attitude.... (or for that matter arguing with Rickshawallas... i feel like hitting that guy with a straight punch when he says no for a destination)

- eating roadside "Mumbai" sandwich with chutney, kakdi, tamatar, aloo and pyaaj... or for that matter chaats (read pani puri and sev puri) and dosa (especially at mithibai)... and gulping it down with a cold Maaza.....

- smell of the soil after first rain... can be easily voted for best ever fragrance... and the moment when hot summer crashing down against the background sound of thunder... and pitter patter rain drops come down on your head....

- watching hindi movies for 3 hours and relishing on hot samosas and pop corn in the break... no movie gets completed without the intermission...

- RADIO........ what an amazing way of entertainment... continuously playing all types of songs... hindi, old, new, nineties, classics, remixes, ghazals, english and what not... and not to mention RJs ki bakwaas... i m gonna miss Jaggu and Tarana and Malliskha.... these guys used to cheer up me everyday on my way to work.... dunno if my Creative Zen can replace them easily...

The list is never ending..... Some lasts that will be remembered for long time now....

Blue Skies Ahead!

2008-06-12T00:04:00.002+08:00

I am a free bird and I can only see vast stretches of clear blue skies ahead.. free to fly!! Free to enjoy every moment that passes by... After almost eternity, that I have felt like this... taking a vacation... doing nothing.. no tension on head... i feel atleast a tonne lighter... it feels really really good... no exams and no work and no studies

Although I havent figured out what to do during this spare time, I know this will pass soon... 24th July will be soon here standing in front of my eyes... And then I will miss this for another eternity... Where again I will have nothing to do...

Historic Moment!

2008-05-31T01:53:00.002+08:00

How can I not post today???

I am a free bird... mentally so much at peace... relaxed.. calm... like 100 kg weight taken off my shoulders... its not that I did not like my work but to quit is a different feeling... as I entered home, I realized I will not have to go back to work for quite sometime now...

Obviously, with CFA around the corner, I will not realise that kind of feeling I come back from Singapore! But by that time, I would be all pumped up again to go back again!

Although the main reason was to celebrate my last day at work today - its been a extremely eventful week for me! Like
o Earlier in week, I met seniors - decided on staying in hostel as compared to pvt accomodation
o Got the hostel results - made the payment (definitely saved a bomb here)
o Decided on what day to leave - which flight to leave
o Constantly exchanged mails with my newly found NUS friends (yes too many of them now)
o Got the forex for the CFA trip (did you know Singapore has plastic notes with transparent hologram??)

It has been a great week!!! And the end of the week was the best - Last day at work!!!!!

Goodbye Saki Naka! Singapore calling me!

Another Era comes to an End!!

2008-05-27T01:31:00.002+08:00

Well, I put in my papers and its finally sinking into me that I am going for MBA!!!! Man, it just hits you from no where!! It happened so fast that I never came to know how it happened so quickly!!

My senior (Thanks Viggy) has been very supportive and has promised me to relieve me in 1 week as compared to 1 month notice period!! He says it was a "symbiotic relationship" and that I have been around for THREE Long Years - so it was not a problem!! Maybe I was just plain lucky or was I a good employee throughout!?

I am really happy to leave the company on a good note and that is a positive indicator for the new life I am gonna start soon!!!

Btw, what a timing this was - exactly 3 months after my admit came and 2 months before I leave the country!

More updates coming soon after CFA Level 2 exam!!!

Success Rate!

2008-05-03T18:03:00.003+08:00

Well what a season for me!

In between this period got a "call" from Nanyang to discuss my application without any prior intimation! Well, it was more of a chat and lasted for not more than 10 mins! In less than a week I was offered admit! Wonder what the adcom guys were testing!

Anyways, I had told my friend in January that the reason I feel more confident this season is that I have already got two calls (HKUST and XLRI) vis-a-vis single calls in 2004 and 2005. And what a success rate! Got calls from all the three schools I applied and converted two of them!

Not bad season at all :)

Back to Office :(

2008-04-15T01:20:00.002+08:00

I so not want to go to office tomorrow.... just want to continue staying at home for another week... but alas the dream run has come to an end and I am going back to office tomorrow after 10 days!!!!!

3 day week is just the saving grace what I needed :-)

First brush with what lies ahead

2008-03-31T23:52:00.000+08:00

Had my first interaction wid To-Be-Batch-Mates yesterday... and I must confess I am really really lucky to be heading at the right place!!!

Takeaways from yesterdays meet

1) You really need to be with people who have work ex if YOU have work ex... only then you can connect with them very easily... they are your age and they think alike... the maturity factor is reasonably good... One guy was already marrried, one engaged and majority in stable relationship... I am so glad that I wont have to deal wid freshers just out of the college and no real practical knowledge...

2) Diversity... We were 7 of us... And only 2 people wid IT related work ex... One Economist, One Private Equity Analyst, One from International Finance, One from Marketing & Strategy background, and me - from I-banking... Now Extrapolate it to about 30-40 odd ppl from India... (We have already few ppl wid more than 10 years as well)... Again there will similar 1/3rd of the class coming from China.. And remaining 1/3rd from rest of the world!!! Its time to learn about more cultures!!!!

3) Achievers... Its not that these guys were bunch of losers who could not get into Indian Schools... They had calls from premier institutes (Read IIM-K, XLRI, MDI, SPJIMR, ISB)... But they have chose NUS by will and not by compulsion... If GMAT was the benchmark, the median was somewhere close to 710! So they came to NUS again by choice and was not that could not make it to a top U.S. B-School

4) Contribution to the table.... Just a small conversation about loans... I said that lets wait, the interest rates might go down in a few months... The economist quickly counter argued that with inflation so high, the interest rates are not even gonna be touched.... I am just going crazy where will the discussions in the class go!!!!!!

I have come back with lots of positive vibes!!!!! And very much raring to go!!!!! Can hardly wait!!!

The Elusive Indian MBA Dream comes to an End

2008-03-25T23:55:00.000+08:00

Finally after 4 years the chase ends.... XLRI gives me ding for the final time!

The end of an era called "Jaimin and The Entrance Exams"!!

But in fact it has made my life easier now - no comparisons - One Admit and NUS it is now!!! No dejection, No sadness - the life goes on as usual! Not even a single moment of unhappiness!! Singapore - here I come!!!

Alas, one regret will remain in my life - I cannot tell me children that I had ever got an admit from any Indian B-School!! But then, they might just tell me back - Dad, what colleges were you trying to get in - IIMs, XLRI and SPJain - we have never seen them on world rankings leave alone Asia ;-)

Extended Weekend!

2008-03-20T22:48:00.000+08:00

Yesterday at office (Wednesday)

Me: Yaar, aaj friday jaisa lag raha hai!
Colleague: Aaj toh bada friday jaisa lag raha hai!

What a weekend!! 4 consecutive days!! Yaaay!!!

Another advantage to live in Secular India!!!

The Car at Signal!!

2008-03-13T23:57:00.000+08:00

I haven't driven ever in my life... but what happens when a car starts after a long time and it gets stuck at signal... waiting to rev up the engine and "step on the gas"... isn't it frustrating??? Especially, when you are excited to go out on a long long journey and waiting for signal to turn green... And what you are left with is a colorful guide book and some maps how the journey looks like... So annoying!!!!!!So much apprehension!!!!

SING for the Moment!!!!

2008-03-05T01:43:00.000+08:00

Its Official now!!! Its NUS for me!!!!

After 3 unsuccessful attempts at CAT, I had to look beyond realm of IIMs.. with learning curve increasing at a lower rate, I was sure I could not continue the job for long... I had to explore my options.. With good 3 years work ex and a 710 in GMAT, I was confident of able to atleast secure admission somewhere.. 3 years work ex was nagging me all the while but I was happy that I could stand out with my unconventional work ex (Read Non IT related)

Bullish about the Asian growth story in next decade, I was focused only on Asian B-Schools... Plus who can afford to take risks for West....
- H1B Visa cap and sub prime crisis American economy
- Visa restricted and anti east U.K.
- Language and culture driven Western Europe

So it had to be farther east for me... (Now, One may be very tempted to ask "Why not ISB???" - lets save this for later blog)

It all started when my colleague Ravi (Thanks Mate) pointed NUS in FT rankings.. a school in top 100.. not bad.. research started... the school was giving VFM (very important factor)... not at all bad... more research... came to know its century old university... very respected... the conviction grew stronger...

Along the process, I came to know about HKUST.. Another great school... HongKong - the place where action is for finance... somewhere my mind was diverted to join this school.. did all research... got information from current students through Pagalguy... read up various surveys... somewhere I found the school more appealing.... plus at the back of my mind the "FAT" Investment Banking Salaries were dancing... the school has a sea facing bar... what more do you want???

There was also a 3rd college - Nanyang - Ranking wise it was good... but the website and application process is horrifying.. so was not really keen to go but a good backup in the process....

Applied to all three early on to make sure I don't miss any opportunity...

December 31, 2007 - THE INTERVAL!!!!

With every passing day of the new year, I anticipated the call.... so much so that I checked gmail from my phone very 45 mins....

January 8, 2008 - Mixed Emotions
2.30 PM - e-mail from HKUST with invitation for interview... ELATED!!!!!!
3.30 PM - CAT results... for the last time, I look at the dreaded score card... once again I miss Verbal... big time... felt upset... very upset....

The latter affected me more than former and it took me two days to get off that shock...

Shocker #1 in journey: Financial Times release their 2008 rankings.. HKUST ranks 17th!!!! Top of the world!!! Need to convert HKUST badly now... but here comes the twister... ISB also ranked 20th!!! A big hoopla about ISB being ranked 20th... the whole story blown out of proportion in blogosphere!!!! and no one seems to be looking at another debutant at 17th!!! Good for me... but then you know you have to take them with pinch of salt (and in this case pepper too)

The journey .... take my HKUST interview.. NUS still is not seen...

The wait seems longer..... was not sure of HKUST interview... and hence needed a back up badly...

Finally after long wait, get a call from NUS... Done with my interview in three days... Short and sweet interview.. cant make out how it was.. so the wait seemed eternal...

Shocker #2: Two weeks later, NUS starts giving out results... couple of admits.. a few rejects... anticipation makes me check gmail every 15 mins... no use... God wants me to wait.... After 3 sleepless nights, get another call from NUS for Second interview.. Huh??? Whats this now??

Relief that its not outright reject... would have been very difficult for me if I had not got in... Speak to a few ppl.. they assure its a positive signal... take the interview again...

In meanwhile, the stipulated deadline from hearing from HKUST is over... and I accept the defeat... no more dreams... they vanish away... NUS again takes over...

The wait was getting longer and worse... every day I would relentlessly check my phone to hear something....

Feb 27th... the e-mail from NUS arrives... excitement takes over... barely able to read anything after reading "Offer"... believe me, its a great feeling... its a big relief... big big sigh of relief....

One offer in hand... to make sure I dont take a hasty decision, I confirm with HKUST of my application status... they communicate an unofficial ding... So now NUS it is for me!!!

SINGAPORE here I come!!!!

The Journey FINALLY Starts Today!!!!

2008-02-28T02:09:00.001+08:00

Circa Dec 2003

As most aspirants in India who are in second last year of their college, I also saw the same dream - CAT!!!

CAT - Common Admission Test conducted by IIMs. You slog for it - day in and day out!!! Wishing to be one of the elite applicants to get a call from prestigious IIMs!!!

It all starts when you are not even 21!!! But you want to do an MBA and very soon and from one of the best colleges in the country!!!

Then you don't realise why do you want to do MBA... Nor do you realise where does your interest lie... The peer pressure forces you to flow with the current... Bringing to the CAT centre in herds...

Coming back to my journey, my MBA dream too started in Dec 2003... Joined classes.. took test series... put in my best.... suffered badly in semester exams of University... and was partially successful.. managed to get a call from IIM Bangalore but could not convert it...

Today - February 27, 2008

4 CATs, 4 XATs, 1 CET, 1 GMAT, 5 Calls, 1 Company, 4 Roles, 50 months (of which 32 into mehnat mazdoori) later - I finally have an admit!!!! I am finally going to do my MBA!!!! The feeling is more of a relief than happiness or Euphoric!! Its more of a nightmare (of not getting into MBA ) not coming true and you wake up and see that you are safe.... The nightmare has gone... the dream is finally coming into life...

After all this while of pushing, the car's engine has finally turned on... It may not have started running you know it will... all this while of pushing it has paid off.... the car was still moving then but it was not running.. now you know it will run... Waiting to put that foot on accelerator and zooom off.... The journey has started my friend!!!! The journey has finally started!!!!!

Moral of the story: Patience Pays!!!!