ABCD of My College Journey

Hmm… It’s hard to know where to begin when reflecting on this beautiful year-long journey. Pursuing an Executive MBA had been on my mind for years, but something always seemed to get in the way. Deep down, I longed to be part of a residential program to enrich my experience, knowledge, and add value to my professional responsibilities. My previous academic experiences had majorly been through distance learning, which, while it made me self-reliant, left me craving the camaraderie and immersion of a full-time program.

I discussed my desire to pursue an MBA with my partner, my three brothers, each an alumnus of top B-schools, and other family members. However, making a decision wasn’t easy. I wanted to attend a reputable college, perhaps even abroad, to ensure a diverse and enriching experience. But I faced several constraints: the timing had to be right, and I wasn’t sure how I would balance this with my family responsibilities. Most significantly, I would have to stay away from my two daughters at a crucial time in their lives. Additionally, my mother was suffering from a prolonged illness, and our startup needed my presence.

There was one more hindrance on my chosen path. I had always joked that I wanted to attend a college whose name started with “B.” Now, you would ask me, Why? Well, here goes the answer (smiling not allowed), my three siblings attended prestigious institutions as follows:

• One from IIM A
• One from IIM C
• One from Duke University, NC

“B” was the only letter missing; I desired to fill that gap. 😊 Though, on serious contemplation, given the circumstances, it seemed a challenging aspiration 🙂

Suddenly, last year, after senior secondary, when my elder daughter began evaluating options for her bachelor’s in management, a thought crossed my mind: what if we applied together? Studying in the same college—one for a bachelor’s and the other for a master’s—would be an incredible mother-daughter duo experience. The idea was exciting, but my responsibilities held me back.

As we explored options, the Executive MBA program at IIM Rohtak caught my attention. It was a prestigious institution, just 80 km from my hometown, and offered a perfect blend of on-campus and off-campus modules. The campus, with its excellent infrastructure, professors, and library, was everything I wanted in a learning environment.

Thus, I convinced myself to at least apply to IIM Rohtak before the end date, reasoning that it would give me more time to decide. I talked at length with my family, and I’m extremely fortunate that they supported me every step of the way. As the date for the written test approached, I faced a dilemma: should I prepare rigorously, or should I postpone my plans, considering the hurdles? The strongest motivation was the idea of starting college alongside my daughter (though she later chose a different college). In the end, I decided to go for it, did well in the selection process, and was accepted into my dream program.

Throughout this journey, my family and friends were my pillars of support:

My husband was my rock, always helping me see the light at the end of the tunnel whenever I felt overwhelmed. Putting more effort towards the startup, easing my burden, and making sure I never miss my classes.

My kids celebrated my smallest milestones, though my elder daughter often teased me, saying “Now you would understand how difficult are the management subjects are”. We enjoyed discussing common subjects.

• My mother insisted I stay out of the kitchen to save time.
• My father expressed pride in my dedication.
• My colleagues were always there for support, never letting me down.
• My extended family adjusted their schedules around mine, filling me with positivity whenever I felt down.

The first time I stepped onto the IIM Rohtak campus, I was filled with awe. The world-class classrooms, lectures from renowned faculty, and interactions with professionals from diverse backgrounds were everything I had hoped for. At 45 years of age, I was one of the oldest in my batch—90% were in their 20s and 30s—and still I enjoyed every moment. The routine was gruelling, but fulfilling. From running between the hostel, mess, and academic blocks, to working late on assignments and then chatting with friends late into the night, every day was a new adventure.

Completing the program with a 7.69 CGPA was a proud achievement, and I’m eagerly awaiting the convocation next month. I pursued the course with sincerity and dedication, attending every lecture throughout the year, whether on or off campus, achieving 100% attendance. This journey taught me that when you truly desire something, you give it your all, and as Paulo Coelho famously said, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

This may not be a big achievement for many, but for me, it’s a significant milestone. Thank you for taking the time to read through my experience. I hope it might inspire someone at a crossroads in their life or career.