For Ajay Sugandh, securing admission to one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) is a dream come true. Clearing the Common Admission Test (CAT) with a percentile of 90, he has bagged an admission offer at IIM, Ranchi. CAT is a national-level computer-based management entrance examination to reputed IIMs. More than 2 lakh candidates appear for the test and a few with a percentile of 90-99 secure a position on one of the IIM campuses.

IIM Ranchi is a reputed business school established in the year 2009 and is the ninth IIM in the country. It holds the 10th rank in the NIRF ranking. The eligibility of the candidates is evaluated through CAT, followed by the written eligibility test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).

Ajay Sugandh is a CSE graduate hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. After completing an MBA from IIM, Ranchi, he wishes to pursue a career in Marketing. Ajay is trained by the TIME coaching institute that helped him crack the difficult test. He had prepared for a year and worked on soft skills, aptitude etc. His hobbies include watching movies and reading books.

Speaking of the support received from SRM University-AP, Ajay acknowledged, “Firstly, I am grateful to the faculty members of the Department of CSE who have been a constant support in reaching my goals. Secondly, the tremendous support from all my peers and family has encouraged me to manage my course CAT preparation together”.

Here’s an exclusive interview with Aaditya Jain, a Computer Science Engineering graduate from SRM University-AP who has secured admission in ESMT Berlin, Germany.

Q. Hi Aaditya, please tell us about yourself.
I am Aaditya Jain, a Computer Science Engineering graduate of Batch 2021 at SRM University-AP. I have always been fascinated by Business and Management and the impact that technology can bring about in transforming them. I have led AIESEC in Amaravati for 2 years and have done various internships in the field of Business & Management.

Q. Can you tell us your motivation behind applying to ESMT?
ESMT is a triple-accredited Business School, No.1 in Germany and No. 8 in Europe and No. 26 in the world (for its programme) according to ‘The Economist’, ‘Bloomberg Business’ and ‘Financial Times’- major ranking firms for the Business Schools. ESMT Berlin – European School of Management and Technology GmbH is located at the heart of Berlin, Germany. It is a business school founded by 25 multinational corporations including BCG, McKinsey, BMW, Allianz and others. I also applied to NOVA business school in Portugal, UCD Smurfit in Ireland and a few others.

Q. Can you talk about the course that you have enrolled in?
I would be pursuing a Master’s in Management (MBA) specialising in Global & Digital Strategy at ESMT Berlin, Germany. This is a 2-year programme with integrated Internships and Social Impact Projects launching my career into the field of Management Consulting/Marketing.

Q. Are you offered any scholarships there?
Yes, I am offered ‘Outstanding Student Leader’ scholarship of Euro 5500 by ESMT.

Q. How was your preparation for these university applications?
I always knew that I wanted a career in Management and Business. Right from my freshman year, I worked towards it. I started and led AIESEC in Amaravati (something highly valued by Business Schools), and I also did internships in the field of Marketing & Strategy. I made sure I get a pro-bono internship experience abroad and for that, I did an internship in Greece, Athens. I wrote my GMAT and at the same time, focused on my Essays. I think it’s all about being honest and genuine with yourself and others that count in the end.

Q. Can you elaborate on the support you received from SRM University-AP?
My university has immensely helped me in terms of both professional growth and financial assistance. I am grateful to SRM University-AP for providing me with sponsorship to attend my Master’s in these times of Covid-19 when everything is very uncertain. I am really thankful to Dr Srabani Basu who has helped me all throughout the 4 years of my journey at SRM AP. She mentored me, taught me business communication and interview skills, helped me develop my lateral thinking.

Q. What are your dreams about the future?
I want to work around the world, experience new cultures and be a pioneer in Digital and Strategic Transformation making sure the sustainable development of organisations. I also want to make sure that I impactfully and positively represent SRM University-AP wherever I go.