In this article, we dive into the inspiring journey of Yash, a CAT 99.81%iler who secured a placement at McKinsey & Co. We discuss Yash’s motivations behind choosing a consulting role, his preparation strategies for big brands like McKinsey, the aspects of his role at the company that excite him the most, and the top factors students should consider when choosing a B-School. We also explore Yash’s life philosophy, which revolves around striking a balance between personal satisfaction and professional success.

In the world of management and entrepreneurship, success stories are aplenty, each with its own unique journey and inspiring tale. Today, we bring you the story of Yash, a IIM student whose determination, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit have led to a sweet victory in securing a final placement in the consulting sector with none other than McKinsey & Co.

The Journey Begins

Yash’s journey began after he completed his undergraduate studies in instrumentation and control engineering at the prestigious Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology. Armed with a 99+ percentile in the Common Admission Test (CAT), he faced a pivotal choice: whether to dive into the job market or pursue an MBA degree. Considering his exceptional CAT score, Yash chose to embark on the MBA journey and joined IIM.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Yash and delve into his remarkable journey towards securing a coveted placement at McKinsey & Co. Here are some insights from our conversation:

Why Consulting?

When Yash began his MBA degree, he was a fresh graduate without much knowledge about various domains. However, with time, he explored and discovered his interests. For his first job, Yash was seeking a position that offered a steep learning curve, and being part of a renowned company like McKinsey & Co. would significantly contribute to that goal. The company provides an exceptional platform for personal and professional development, which aligns perfectly with Yash’s aspirations.

He was particularly drawn to the field of Consulting because it offers diverse experiences across industries, sectors, and teams. Working on different projects with various groups makes you dynamic and adaptable and widens your knowledge base simultaneously. The emphasis on peer learning in Management Consulting is something that resonates deeply with him and is an essential factor in his career decision.

Preparation Strategies for Big Brands

When asked about the factors one should keep in mind while preparing for big brands, Yash shared valuable insights:

• Understanding the firm’s expectations and the recruiter’s requirements is crucial when preparing for interviews.

• Prioritise the right endeavours to improve your CV that aligns with potential recruiters in the domain that you are targeting. For example, in Finance, it’s often believed that excellent academics and external certifications like CFA/FRM help one make a desired CV.

• Be thorough with the past experiences mentioned in your resume; if you are uncomfortable with your CV, it leads to losing trust with the interviewer.

• In fields like consulting, top-notch case study preparation is essential, and aligning with the necessary skills and knowledge is the first step in the preparation process. Preparing takes around six to seven weeks to cover diverse problems and interview questions.

• Companies often look for candidates who not only excel at the job but also align well with their organisational culture and values. Knowing a company’s specific values and aligning with them improves the chances of success in securing a position.

• Maintaining composure during the interview is essential, though it can be challenging. After facing rejection in initial interviews, regaining focus and delivering excellence in subsequent interviews requires mental preparation and calmness. Self-confidence plays a key role in achieving success in the second or third interview.

The Exciting Aspects of a Role at McKinsey

When asked about the aspect of his role at McKinsey that excites him the most, Yash mentioned that being aware that McKinsey offers the opportunity to work alongside the best minds in the country is exhilarating. Learning from their vast professional experience, adopting their work habits, and observing their methods will undoubtedly contribute to his significant growth and future success. This is precisely what Yash is seeking to enhance his professional and personal development.

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a B-School

Yash emphasised that students should consider more than just academics and placement records when choosing a B-School. They should look for institutions that provide an opportunity to shape their own journey, focus on holistic development, and foster personal growth. Interacting and socialising with individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and sectors enriches their learning significantly. Attending a campus like IIM offers so much more than just academics.

A Life Philosophy that Drives Success

Yash shared his life philosophy that revolves around striking the right balance between personal satisfaction and professional success. Throughout his MBA degree, he has prioritised opportunities that offer maximum growth, whether it’s a job, institution, or anything else. However, he believes that professional success is meaningful only if it doesn’t come at the cost of personal satisfaction. Striking the right balance in life is crucial. While focusing on work, it’s equally important to dedicate time to personal life and interests. This approach greatly influenced his journey at B School and helped him navigate life more effectively. He has also learned not to compare himself with others, as each person’s success cycle is unique and may differ from others.

Yash’s inspiring journey from a CAT 99.81%iler at IIM to securing a placement at McKinsey & Co. showcases the power of determination, hard work, and careful decision-making. His story serves as an inspiration for aspirants looking to achieve success in the management and consulting domain. By following his preparation strategies and considering the right factors when choosing a B-School, students can set themselves on a path to achieving their goals and making meaningful contributions to their chosen fields. Lovely’s life philosophy of finding a balance between personal satisfaction and professional success serves as a guiding principle for anyone seeking fulfilment in their careers.

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