My MBA dream

I am an engineer with an IT bellwether, so it goes without saying why I thought my job sucked just an year into it (btw I still do sometimes). The job was okay, can't really say wasn't challenging as it was one hell of a monster. Like every other job mine too had its moments of excitement and monotony. In the end it comes down to how long each of the phases last. Back in 2006-07 I was becoming restless with each passing day. The feeling of my insignificant existence led me on a journey of introspection. The thing that came out of it - I must change my job. The tech companies/sector seemed all the same. Jumping into any other sector was fraught with uncertainties but still worth a try. The easiest way - to jump ships seemed via the MBA route. So, I decided to take CAT.

I started preparing for the CAT and enrolled for the TIME test series. The preparations went on well initially. As I was getting warmed up work changed for worse. Suddenly it became extremely hectic. I was too drained to study after 12 hours at work, which I actually spent working :-(. My prep sessions became staggered as a result the momentum built over a month was lost over the next. The study was erratic at best and it appeared to be hopeless cause, which was reflected in the test series results. I did what we all do when confronted with overwhelming odds - Pray and jump in. Only a miracle could have got me a score worthy of the IIMS. But alas miracles seldom happen when you haven't done your homework. The result came, and as expected nothing to be proud of. Over the past several months I had been torn between MBA and job and as a result both suffered. I decided to focus my energies back on work at least until next year's CAT.

My yearly appraisal came around April. The ratings didn't match my expectations. I was obviously upset and communicated this to the management. Another period of restlessness followed. Luckily I got an on site opportunity for Canada and I grabbed it with both hands.

It was here that I gained better understanding of working with clients, my role didn't seem all that insignificant anymore. I enjoyed my time as well as I could. Although the job seemed better now, the seeds of career progression via the MBA route, sown back in India had by now turned into small saplings. No doubt I was having a nice time owing to work satisfaction (no insane hours at work), better management and not to forget I was making more money than ever. I thought of the opportunity at hand and decided to further my dreams. While in India the decision to do an MBA was motivated by boredom at work, in Canada I could see the full potential of this qualification. I realized that a MBA degree could be an enabler to live a life of my dreams. Where I get to do business (read interact/converse) with an international clientele and at the same time enjoy it too. Now that I had time and resources at my disposal, I began my research on MBA. As most of you already know GMAT is the way to go if one wishes to study in the better b-schools globally. Setting my sight on getting a good score, I began my GMAT preparation.