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Experts’ Global: Hi Ankit, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you kindly share your journey in your own words?

Ankit: I began my GMAT prep in 2016, and applied to a few schools the same year but was unable to bag any admits. In 2017, with the help of MBA admissions consultants Experts’ Global, I secured a 50% scholarship for the Simon Rochester MBA. During my MBA, I interned in FedEx’s strategic pricing division. My first post-MBA full-time job was at Staples as a Pricing Project Manager. I currently work at Simon Cooper and Partners, a management consulting firm.

 

Experts’ Global: What were the factors that you think made the difference in your success?

Ankit: For my GMAT prep, using a good-quality GMAT test series was a game changer. Thereafter, keeping my morale up even after my lack of admission success on my first attempt was a difference maker. To revamp my strategy for the second successful admission attempt, I reached out to alumni and current students from my targeted schools and refined my networking skills. This process of networking needs to begin from the moment you decide to pursue an MBA, and will benefit you even after the program ends!

  

Experts’ Global: In hindsight, what mistakes did you make along the way?

Ankit: One of the biggest mistakes I made was not being practical with my school selections. I was targeting schools with high pedigrees alone and did not apply to more realistic schools the first time around. In the MBA, I learned that for employment your ability to network is more of a factor than the reputation of the school you attend.

 

Experts’ Global: What would you like to say about your learning from managing the application timeline?

Ankit: I would strongly recommend that aspirants do not wait until the end of their application deadline to submit their materials. Again, networking is extremely important. Not only is networking helpful in allowing you to understand your managerial goals more fully, but it will also allow you to identify which school, in particular, offers the best fit for your profile.

 

Experts’ Global: Would you like to describe your interview experience with the business school?

Ankit: My interview at Simon started with one of the panelists and me talking about our respective recent journeys to South Africa. As you can tell, we had a very engaging conversation that began with more personality and interest-based questions that morphed into behavioral questions about how I stood to contribute to the community. Being able to hold your own in a conversation will be generally quite helpful for the MBA interview. The ability to tell your story in an engaging and succinct fashion is something you can work on in your MBA interview prep!

 

Experts’ Global: How would you describe your MBA experience?

Ankit: The two years of the MBA were quite packed! The cultural lessons were immense. In particular, I came to see how Indians in general seem to be less inclined to network, which is a shift I had to make. The several clubs and organizations on campus also provide you with a heady mix of activity and exposure.

 

Experts’ Global: What would you like to say about your job search experience during the MBA? What tips would you give to future candidates?

Ankit: In my case, I had an idea before the MBA began that I wanted to get into product management. Accordingly, I reached out to peers, during the program, with experience in the field to understand what responsibilities they discharged. I would recommend that MBA aspirants take the time to network with people in the fields in which they want to have a career themselves to clarify their goals. This networking will come in handy during the actual job search as well, and you can often obtain useful referrals from the people who you connect with.

 

Experts’ Global: How do you think the pre-application and MBA experience contributed to your growth?

Ankit: Building your resume and introspecting about your motivations are things you do in the pre-application process that prove useful throughout the rest of your life. The kind of answers that you give when asked why you want to do an MBA will be similar to the answers you will give when asked about your career motivations. The MBA experience helps you understand the jargon prevalent in managerial circles and also learn to think with a problem-solving mindset. The network that an MBA leaves you with is an invaluable asset for your later career growth!

 

Experts’ Global: What are a few common mistakes that all MBA aspirants must avoid?

Ankit: Keeping your focus during the GMAT prep is a must-do. Practice truly makes perfect, and good GMAT practice is a result of regular mock testing. To select a high-quality GMAT mock series, you can take the free GMAT practice tests that many firms offer as a diagnostic. When you have identified your weak areas, make sure to work on improving them to excel on the GMAT!

 

Experts’ Global: What is your final message to our readers?

Ankit: Use a GMAT online course to make the most of your prep time if you are a working professional. The two years of your MBA will allow you to learn as much as you are willing to commit to and expend energy on. Make sure that you maximize your exposure. The pressure and workload of an MBA bring with it a few sleepless nights, but in the long term, it is quite rewarding!

 

Experts’ Global: Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey with us today!

Ankit: I hope what I shared today is helpful!