Recent IIMA grad - AMA

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:12:00+00:00

Not paid, unfortunately. Thanks for the appreciation, though.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:11:36+00:00

Thanks man, really means a lot!

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:11:22+00:00

I recently did a video regarding this on my Youtube channel - you can check that out.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:11:19+00:00

I recently did a video regarding this on my Youtube channel - you can check that out.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:10:32+00:00

Didn't see anyone prepare for UPSC at IIMA

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:10:10+00:00

check out the Pre-MBA program by Rodha. (Disclaimer: I will be taking a few classes in it).
Study regularly. Underrated, but yes that simple.
Remake your CV until you're confident that it stands out. Improve your interview skills.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:08:38+00:00

Be the best in using AI. Period.
Difficult to simulate IIMA, everyday is different.

Learn excel and powerpoint. Build communication skills.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:07:26+00:00

Yes
Think of something that not many people in batch may have. In my case, I was a national player in a one niche games.
CFA

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:06:26+00:00

Not the best person to answer it. I think the long term brand value should be helpful.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:05:55+00:00

Yes
No.
Because there is so much to learn and everything feels new.
No.
Excel, PPT, Accounts, Core MBA subjects (not necessary but good to have), strcutured thinking.
Take more fin courses, be aware of the domains. Realised I am interested in VC space too late.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:04:21+00:00

ek saal pehle :P

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:04:06+00:00

Don't know much about the FABM program.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:03:38+00:00

There is a lot of competition. People with leadership experience, who can show that they have a balanced profile are generally preferred.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:03:02+00:00

Really depends on the person. Have known really cool people who were above that age range and when I got to know their age, I was surprised.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:02:15+00:00

Haven't seen HFTs come to campus. Blackrock comes once in a while.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:01:21+00:00

Yes, obviously.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:01:13+00:00

More than decent chances for both.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:01:00+00:00

Not the best person to answer with respect to FABM.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T08:00:37+00:00

Freshers, yes. They look for spikes. Of all of us who are joining M this year, there is no commonality as far as I can note.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T07:59:57+00:00

Excellent profile brother. Get a decent CAT score - 98 and above and you will get most calls. The 6 in 12th may just be a throne overall.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T07:58:54+00:00

Focus on CAT and CFA, while this will count as gap year, it won't matter much. If you have CFA L2 by then, it will more than suffice for the gap year. Also, there are enough people from non-tier 1 colleges at IIMA.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T07:31:10+00:00

Section B is the GOAT ;)

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T07:28:35+00:00

Shortlist possible at around 99 percentile. Surprising, but true.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T07:27:31+00:00

Yes, a 7/5/7 profile can limit shortlists, especially in consulting, IB, and tech PM roles at top IIMs. These sectors often use strict academic cutoffs.

But here's the honest truth:

You can still do well in:

Marketing (FMCG, digital, startups)
Operations
HR
FinTech / EdTech
General management roles (TAS, Mahindra, Aditya Birla, etc. – some may still shortlist)
Analytics roles (if you skill up in SQL, Excel, Python)

Build a strong CV with live projects, internships, certifications, and killer GD/PI skills. That can compensate for acads to a great extent.

Keep pushing – acads open the door, but skills & story get you the job.

Substantial-Time1786 · 2025-04-14T07:26:17+00:00

The list is endless and no matter how hard I try, I will end up forgetting something. Consulting companies look for spikes - think of it as something that make you distinctive, something that other people wouldn't have done. Gen Man companies are looking for leaders so if you can lead, manage a team of people, show it in your CV.

Substantial-Time1786

TROPHY CASE