I would like to express my gratitude to Career Launcher for helping me realize my dream. Even though I enrolled for the PDPP course at the last minute, I could catch up quickly with the rest of the batch, all credits to the excellent CL team. The excellent quality of the online MBA toolkit has really helped me stay updated with the current hot topics and the different personality development tests helped me discover my hidden strengths and weakness. I can't thank GP Sir enough for mentoring me and helping me in understanding the fine basics of acing IIM interviews. Sir also helped me realize that each one of us has a unique story to tell and the ability to speak about it honestly and sincerely is what matters in an interview. This important teaching will stay with me forever and will surely help me crack many more interviews. Thank you so much Team CL!
About Gautam Puri Sir, I had one day received a call from CL Pune (in mid October or so), saying that they were holding a session for test series students. Contrary to my laid back attitude, I decided to attend the session. I had thought that this would be a big session with large number of participants. I was again in for a surprise. There were just six of us called for the session. Anyway, moving on. Gautam Sir was particularly very interested in each candidate's individual performance in each section. This opened room for discussion on our scope of improvement. The discussions helped me boost my marks from constant 140s to constant 150s.View more
I feel really fortunate for enrolling in CL's PDP - Personalized program. It's utility in post CAT time specially for PI has been immense. I've benefited with each of my interactions with the faculty at CL. Thanks GP Sir, for helping me in highlighting my strengths through my responses and having the patience to guide me through this entire process. I didn't think you would be available at all times and that too this easily. I remember getting very disheartened after one of the final interviews and you helped me see that it wasnt bad at all (Rightly so, as I have cleared that one too). Well that's GP Sir for you. Fully committed and super helpful. In the end I want to thank Vaibhav specially, for being an excellent point of contact and resolving all kinds of doubts regarding classes or any other concern almost instantly...
In my first mock interview with GP sir, I remember I discussed everything, even remotely related to my profile, with him. The objective was to develop a meaningful pitch that would help me convert my A/B/C call. This way I discovered some important points which I had ignored before. In fact these were the points which eventually helped me during the interview and were able to distinguish my candidature from the rest. At the end of this “season” (CAT aspirants are familiar with this term), I was able to convert IIM Ahmedabad (WIMWI) , IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, XLRI (BM) and IIM Shillong. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to GP sir for guiding me through the interview process.
The main weapon needed to crack the tough shell of CAT is self-confidence, and Career Launcher has done a brilliant job in boosting my confidence by conducting relevant mock tests and mock interviews at the right time. I want to thank Gautam Puri Sir for everything that I have achieved, I had thought about joining other institutes for my preparation. But they were catering to the masses by only covering the basic things. Fortunately, I came to know about Gautam Puri and the PDP program which were a real value addition and confidence booster. CL provided me with a great study environment and dedicated coaching, which helped me crack CAT with flying colours.
Few words that define Gautam sir would be: Dexterous, for the way sir remembered my whole PDP journey with me, and always gave me apt advice; Motivator, for the way he believed in me, even when I did not; Humble, and Down-to-Earth. The sessions with him were very helpful, as they gave me 'personalized' insights into where I went right, where I went wrong, and how I can improve further. Sir was always available for help and advice. He patiently listened to the detailed narrative of the actual interviews; and provided relevant mentorship. All the CL gurus and faculty members are extremely well-versed in the procedure followed at the IIMs; hence, the mock PI sessions provided good preparation for the same.
Post joining the program, the first lecture you get is from the coveted Gautam Puri. Contrary to the presumptions ('Bossy') I had about GP, my first interaction with him was amazing. He was welcoming, approachable, and motivating at the same time. The kind of people you would want to talk more, share more because of the warmth and connection he forms with your story. The essence of personalized touch to the program couldn't have been more enriching. The ideas and improvisations GP shared were not just for the B-school interviews, but for life. I am glad I was part of this program; and will always be a part of CL.
It felt like Gautam sir wants to listen to know you better and is genuinely willing to help you figure "Your Story" out. My interactions with GB sir were very helpful. He is very interactive and is willing to walk you through your doubts. His style helps you figure out your own solutions and hence gives you the confidence of believing in your own abilities. I think this is the approach that gives you the confidence to tackle almost anything that will be shot at you in those prestigious B school interviews. I knew there are twenty ways of doing things but he helped me find the best amongst those. CL PDP simplified my doubts and helped me find the right answers myself.
Preparing for CAT with a full-time job is always a challenge, but the CL Night Classes is the perfect recipe for success. Post joining the program, the first lecture you get is from the coveted Gautam Puri. Mind knows he is a legend, but of such stature might be arrogant and always caught up. Post CAT, I took part in CL PDP program where the CL boss was my mentor. I had just the 5 interviews, with a timeline as wide as 10th of February to 18th of April.
GP sir is a very supportive person, as was evident during my first interaction with him. He counselled and guided me in such a way that I was able to capitalize on my uniqueness and strengths. He made a comprehensive analysis of my mock interview performance, based on confidence and knowledge of current affairs, work-ex domain, career plans, etc. He then guided me to the sections that I need to improve on in the coming days to ace the interviews. He motivated me; and provided me the correct direction. During SOP writing, he consistently reviewed my SOP; and suggested changes. The PDPP is a good fit for those aspiring to crack interviews and enhance their interpersonal skills.
Throughout my preparation for CAT and other MBA entrances, I had relied on ‘GP ka Funda' when it came to building my strategy for the entrances. And, it was a sheer coincidence that GP sir became my mentor when I joined the PDP Personalised Program! His counselling helped me regain my lost confidence and trust in myself. Interacting with him made me aware of my strengths and weaknesses; and so I could easily talk about them in my interviews. Also, despite having a busy schedule, GP sir was always available on phone, answered all my queries, listened to my SOPs and my interview experiences, and guided me regarding institute selection. I am really grateful to him to have done so.
As a child, I was 'pathetic' at studies. I was at the bottom of the class, my rank was equal to the number of students, who would pass in the class! But fortunately, my academic graph has a positive slope. I was poor at school, but I got better over the years in college. In my engineering college, I started studying for the first time. Gradually, I became one of the toppers in my class; and eventually, started teaching half my class before the exams. That way, I had my first teaching experience in my engineering college. From being poor at studies, I transformed into someone to whom a lot of people owe their graduation degrees!
"The Most Charismatic Mentor"
"Thalaivar - A True Leader"
"Mr. Positive"
"The Best Counselor"
As a child, I was very good at History; and that was because I was a voracious reader. My interest in History stems from reading 'Amar Chitra Katha' as a child. It retells the stories from the great Indian epics, mythology, history, and folklore in a comics format, which is extremely enjoyable and knowledgeable.
The humor in 'The Adventures of Asterix' is unmatchable. Hands down, it is the best comic book possible with the added bonus of enhancing your vocabulary.
My Father
I believe my father was significantly ahead of his time. He never pressurized; and left all final calls to me. I and my father were equal decision-makers in everything. There were no restrictions on my sister, either. She was encouraged to take her own decisions; and build a career. When there was a lot of noise surrounding my decision to leave my job for an MBA, my father told me “Abhi nahi risk loge, toh kab loge?” ‘Freedom to do what you want and not imposing your will' is something I have learned from my father.
Mohammed Rafi is the Don Bradman of singing. He is the expert; and no one can touch him.
1Kishore Kumar, as he is not just a good actor, but also a great singer & an unmatched comedian.
2He would probably be a tour guide, as both History & traveling drive him.
3To explore South America; and go on an adventurous wildlife safari in Africa.
4Loves traveling, loves driving, & has been part of the Raid-de Himalayas off-road adventure.
5Enjoys senseless comedy. 'Half Ticket', 'Padosan', & 'Delhi Belly' being some of his favorites.
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