IIM K ROUND 1 FORM

Q1) Briefly outline your professional plans and career objectives in your own words, explaining and
substantiating why you want to do PGP and what you expect to get from it?

As a final-year B.Com(Hons) student at Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University, I have
developed a solid foundation in commerce, which has equipped me with essential skills such as
analytical thinking and problem-solving, while offering insights into the fundamentals of business
and corporate operations. While my academic background has been instrumental in shaping my
understanding of basic business concepts, I recognize the need to enhance my managerial and
leadership skills to achieve my career aspirations in the corporate sector, particularly in HR or
marketing.

Pursuing the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management at IIM Kozhikode is a critical step in
bridging the gap between my current capabilities and the multifaceted expertise required to thrive
in a dynamic corporate environment. Transitioning from a commerce undergraduate degree to an
MBA is not merely a shift but a well thought move to broaden my perspective, sharpen my strategic
thinking, and build the competencies necessary for success.

My academic and professional experiences have prepared me for this transformative journey. As
Vice President of ‘Girl Up Sheisha’, a youth-led initiative under the UN Foundation, I honed my
teamwork, communication, and strategic planning skills, learning to drive impact through
collaboration. Additionally, my internship in marketing communications at Securitas India offered
valuable insights into consumer engagement and brand management, which strengthened my
interest in marketing. These roles have opened the door to deepen my understanding of
organizational dynamics and confirmed my aspiration to contribute meaningfully to business growth
through roles in HR or marketing.

IIM Kozhikode’s PGP in Management offers the perfect blend of academic rigor and practical
exposure. Its case-based learning approach and focus on experiential projects will enable me to
apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing my decision-making and leadership
abilities. Moreover, the opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty and interact with a diverse
peer group will provide me with new perspectives, further enriching my understanding of business
challenges and opportunities.

The programme’s emphasis on fostering innovation and leadership aligns with my goal of becoming
a versatile professional who can navigate complex business landscapes. By delving deeper into areas
such as consumer behavior, strategic marketing, and organizational management, I aim to enhance
my ability to contribute effectively to organizational success and lead teams with confidence.

An MBA from IIM Kozhikode, I believe, is not just a credential but a transformative experience that
will serve as a stepping stone toward my long-term goal of excelling in the corporate sector. I am
confident that the institute’s vibrant ecosystem and comprehensive curriculum will equip me with
the tools, knowledge, and network required to achieve my aspirations and create a lasting impact.
Q2) Describe your strengths and weakness as identified by you.

I firmly believe that self-awareness and continuous improvement are essential to personal and
professional growth. By understanding my strengths and addressing my weaknesses, I aim to evolve as a
well-rounded individual and align my abilities with my career aspirations.

Strengths

One of my greatest strengths is my zealous and flexible nature. I approach opportunities with enthusiasm
and adaptability, embracing new challenges as a chance to grow. This openness to learning will allow me
to excel in diverse roles and acquire skills, preparing me for the ever-changing corporate landscape.
These qualities are particularly valuable as I aspire to work in HR or marketing, where agility and
innovation are crucial.

Integrity, honesty, and transparency are core values I uphold in all my endeavours. I honour the
sacrosanct nature of truthfulness, which fosters trust and authenticity in my interactions. These qualities
will enable me to build strong relationships and foster ethical organizational cultures and uphold key
responsibilities in HR.

Another strength is my ability to balance pragmatism with creativity. While I am a dreamer with
ambitious goals, I am also realistic about my capabilities, which allows me to set achievable targets. This
balance is especially critical in marketing, where creative problem-solving must align with practical
business objectives. My ability to think innovatively while staying grounded will equip me to craft
impactful strategies, driving results.

By leveraging these strengths, I aim to align them with my career goals. My enthusiasm for challenges
and commitment to ethics will help me excel in HR, while my creative pragmatism will empower me to
develop actionable marketing strategies.

Weaknesses

While I am proud of my strengths, I am also aware of areas where improvement is needed. One such area
is my listening skills. I used to find myself jumping to conclusions without fully understanding another
person’s perspective. This led to misunderstandings or missed insights. To address this, I am consciously
working on active listening, ensuring I engage more attentively and reflect on others’ viewpoints before
responding. This has enhanced my ability to empathize and collaborate, which are confounded as critical
skills in both HR and marketing.

Another area I strive to improve is my tendency to rush through tasks to ensure time saving. While this
helped me meet strict deadlines, it sometimes resulted in a lack of clear perspective. To overcome this, I
am learning to slow down, take a step back, and approach tasks methodically. This shift is helping me
produce more thoughtful and impactful outcomes.

Lastly, I found it challenging to let go when things didn’t work out as planned. My attachment to
outcomes made it difficult to move on from setbacks. However, I am learning to cultivate resilience,
reminding myself that failures are opportunities for growth and that new doors will always open.

By leveraging my strengths and working on my weaknesses, I am confident in my ability to grow and

One of my most significant accomplishments to date has been serving as Vice President of ‘Girl Up
Sheisha’, a youth-led initiative under the UN Foundation. This role has allowed me to champion
social causes while developing essential leadership and managerial skills. My experience has been a
testament to my ability to manage teams effectively and inspire individuals to work towards
common goals.

As Vice President, I oversee a dynamic team of over 40 members divided into three specialized
departments: writing and collating content for research, designing and editing creative materials,
and managing events and logistics. Alongside the President and other core team members, I have
worked diligently to curate a motivated and capable team. To foster collaboration and drive
excellence, we have implemented innovative systems like a ‘brownie points system’ to acknowledge
consistent effort, a ‘Member of the Month’ award to celebrate exceptional contributions, and a
structure where departmental heads, selected based on their performance, work closely with the
core team. This approach has significantly boosted morale and productivity, ensuring the best
outcomes.

My role involves setting clear goals and deadlines, guiding team members, and providing consistent
motivation. I ensure transparency in all our operations and offer non-monetary incentives, such as
public recognition and leadership opportunities, to keep members engaged. This sense of ownership
and acknowledgment has created an environment where members are inspired to excel.

I also prioritize ethical standards and inclusivity within the team. A zero-tolerance policy is in place
for unethical behavior or any form of harassment, and I intervene immediately when such situations
arise. This ensures a safe and respectful environment, where members feel valued and supported.

While I am deeply committed to this role, my contributions stem from a sense of responsibility and
respect for the community, rather than as an ultimate career goal. I view this as a small but
meaningful step toward giving back to those less fortunate and creating a positive impact in society.
Balancing my creative and operational responsibilities, I have guided research efforts, ensured
impactful content, and helped execute events seamlessly—all while maintaining a focus on our
overarching mission.

This experience has taught me the importance of fostering collaboration, creating systems that
motivate teams, and addressing challenges head-on. It has strengthened my ability to manage
diverse teams, multitask effectively, and achieve impactful results. As I look forward to pursuing an
MBA at IIM Kozhikode, I am confident that the leadership and organizational skills I have cultivated
through this role will enable me to excel in a rigorous academic environment and prepare me for a
successful career in the corporate sector.
Q4) What are your present hobbies?

In today’s fast-paced world, where we often juggle multiple commitments, it is essential to have
outlets that help us recharge and maintain a healthy balance between work, study, and personal
well-being. For me, my hobbies, reading fictional books, baking, and playing Scrabble serve as key
stress relievers and provide the perfect escape after long and stressful days. These activities are my
favorite ways to unwind, cheer myself up in times of gloom, and allow me to disconnect from the
hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Reading fiction has always been one of my go-to hobbies. Whether it’s a fantasy novel, a mystery, or
a classic piece of literature, the power of storytelling captivates me. Fictional books provide a
window into different worlds, letting me escape the stress of daily life. The characters, plot twists,
and intricate settings allow me to lose myself in the narrative and momentarily forget my own
worries. Through reading, I also discover new perspectives and ideas, helping me stay mentally
engaged while giving myself a much-needed break. It’s more than just a pastime, it’s a source of
inspiration and relaxation that helps me recharge after long days of work or study.

Another hobby I take immense pleasure in is baking. There’s something incredibly satisfying about
the process of measuring ingredients, following a recipe, and watching something delicious come
together. Whether I’m baking a classic cake or experimenting with new recipes, the act of baking is
both creative and therapeutic. The repetitive nature of mixing ingredients and decorating treats
helps me focus my attention and relax my mind. Additionally, sharing the results with friends and
family brings a sense of fulfillment and joy, making the effort worthwhile. Baking is not just a stress
buster but also a way for me to express creativity and make thoughtful gestures for the people I care
about.

Playing Scrabble is another hobby that I cherish, as it combines mental stimulation with fun. It’s one
of my favorite word games, and I enjoy playing it with friends and family. The game helps keep my
mind sharp by challenging me to think quickly and creatively, especially when forming words from a
limited set of letters. I find it to be a great way to relax and unwind, while also exercising my
vocabulary and strategic thinking. Scrabble offers a perfect balance of competition and
entertainment, allowing me to have fun while engaging my brain in a healthy, challenging way. The
friendly competition lifts my spirits and keeps me focused, making it an ideal way to spend time with
loved ones.

In conclusion, reading, baking, and playing Scrabble are essential stress-busting activities that I rely
on to stay balanced. They help me recharge, unwind, and cope with the daily stresses of life.
Everyone needs a break, and these hobbies provide me with the perfect opportunity to escape,
recharge, and find joy in simple moments. They not only help me de-stress but also bring a sense of
accomplishment and contentment.
Q5) Any other information you’d like to share?

Since childhood, resilience has been my strongest motivator, fueling a relentless desire to challenge
myself and push boundaries. Growing up in a family that valued knowledge and learning, I was
inspired by my father, who could name the capitals of 60% of the world's countries effortlessly.
Determined to surpass him, I embarked on a mission to learn all the capitals, immersing myself in
atlases and quizzing myself daily. The joy of confidently reciting every country’s capital at our family
dinner table was unparalleled, marking the beginning of my journey to constantly strive for
excellence and never giving up on myself.

This drive extended beyond academics. At the age of nine, I was captivated by a 50-page storybook
that my peers and I were encouraged to read in parts. Unwilling to settle for mediocrity, I decided to
memorize the entire book cover to cover. I spent countless evenings reading aloud, perfecting my
intonation and ensuring I could recall every word flawlessly. The pride I felt when I delivered the
story to an amazed audience of teachers and classmates reaffirmed my belief that dedication and
effort could set me apart.

These early experiences laid the foundation for my future work ethic and instilled in me a desire to
explore new avenues and push myself to the best of my abilities. While pursuing a Bachelor of
Commerce (Hons) at Delhi University, I sought opportunities beyond academics, including a
marketing internship at Securitas. There, I devised creative communication strategies that
significantly improved engagement, earning recognition from my mentors. This experience
reinforced my belief in branching out, adapting to new challenges, and thriving in dynamic
environments where learning and delivering impactful results go hand in hand.

My competitive spirit has also been instrumental in my leadership roles. As Vice President of ‘Girl Up
Sheisha’, a youth-led initiative under the United Nations Foundation, I spearheaded projects
addressing gender inequality. Despite encountering resistance, I viewed every challenge as an
opportunity to innovate and collaborate, ensuring our campaigns created a measurable impact.

What sets me apart, however, is not just my drive to compete, but the lessons I’ve learned along the
way. Competition has taught me humility, resilience, and the importance of collaboration. It’s not
merely about winning but about evolving, growing, and inspiring others to do the same.

I believe the rigorous and collaborative environment of IIM Kozhikode is the perfect arena for me to
channel my competitive and resilient spirit and contribute meaningfully. The program’s emphasis on
leadership and innovation aligns with my aspiration to excel and create lasting impact. I am eager to
engage with peers who share my passion for pushing boundaries and to emerge from this journey as
a well-rounded leader ready to make a difference.
OR

During my tenure as Vice President of Girl Up Sheisha, a youth-led initiative under the UN
Foundation, I noticed an urgent need to advocate for queer ally-ship. While we championed causes
like gender equality and education extensively, the struggles of the queer community were often
overlooked. This realization drove me to step into a leadership role, not through formal authority
but by conviction and action.

The journey began with challenging conversations within our core team. Some members were
hesitant, questioning whether this focus aligned with our ongoing projects as well as giving into
outdated pre-conceived notions of identity and representation. I took it upon myself to illustrate the
overlap between queer rights and our mission. I threw light on how the lack of inclusivity affects
lives in profound ways, making the issue relatable and personal.

I, with the help of a few core team members helped organized events supporting queer ally-ship,
sharing their struggles and celebrating their triumphs. I also urged our club members to understand
the sacrosanct nature of advocating queer ally-ship, not as a passive stance but as an active
commitment. This approach transformed perspectives—team members began seeing ally-ship as a
natural extension of our advocacy work.

The process wasn’t without its challenges. Resistance stemmed not from a lack of empathy but from
discomfort with addressing a topic unfamiliar to many. To overcome this, I fostered a culture of
openness, ensuring discussions were safe and free from judgment. I also sought partnerships with
queer-led organizations like 'Mitr Trust' to ensure our work was grounded in authenticity.

Through this experience, I grew immensely as a leader. I learned the value of persistence—how
small, consistent efforts can shift mindsets. Empathy proved to be my greatest tool; by listening to
concerns and bridging gaps, I was able to inspire genuine allyship rather than performative support.
Most importantly, I learned that leadership is not about authority but about influence, rooted in a
shared vision.

Seeing the team embrace queer ally-ship was incredibly fulfilling. From reluctant beginnings, we
evolved into advocates who championed inclusion in everything we did. It reminded me of the
power of collective action and how one voice, with conviction, can inspire many. This experience not
only deepened my commitment to social causes but also affirmed my belief in the transformative
power of inclusive leadership. To this day, we have participated in several Queer ally-ship events and
I couldn't have been prouder.
Q1) Share an example of when you creatively combined different ideas or resources to achieve a
specific goal. What was the result?

As Vice President of Girl Up Sheisha, a UN Foundation initiative, I led impactful campaigns addressing
menstrual health, LGBTQIA+ awareness, and education for marginalized children. A major challenge
was raising funds to sustain these initiatives. Recognizing the power of social media marketing, I
spearheaded a targeted campaign, using creatively designed posters and compelling narratives to
amplify our cause across platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.
To encourage donations, I integrated multiple online payment methods, including UPI, digital wallets
(Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe), and QR codes for easy, instant donations. This made the donation
process seamless for a wider audience, significantly increasing engagement.

Further, I optimized the campaign’s timing and messaging, resulting in exceeding our fundraising
targets. This experience honed my ability to combine creativity, strategy, and technology to address
challenges effectively, skills I aim to enhance further in IIM Raipur.

Q2) Describe an instance when you learned a significant lesson through direct experience. How did
this experience shape your future approach?

As Vice President of Girl Up Sheisha, a key learning moment came when I led a fundraising campaign
with limited resources. Despite creating engaging social media content, the campaign lacked a
strong narrative, leading to lower-than-expected engagement. I realized that behind the screens,
there are humans with emotional quotients, and it’s essential to tap into that empathy.

I reworked the messaging, incorporating real-life stories of impact and clearly outlining how
donations would make a tangible difference. This shift increased both engagement and donations,
exceeding our fundraising targets.

This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and aligning strategy with
purpose. I learned that compelling narratives and emotional connection, whether in marketing or
team leadership, drive action. This will be a valuable contributory factor when I pursue leadership
roles in HR or marketing. I look forward to applying this learning in the PGP program at IIM Raipur.

Q3)What do you consider your most notable achievement in your career or education? What
challenges did you face, and what steps did you take to overcome them?
During my tenure as Vice President of Girl Up Sheisha, a youth-led initiative under the UN
Foundation, I recognized the need to advocate for queer allyship—a cause often overlooked.
Addressing this required challenging conversations within the team, as some members were
hesitant due to preconceived notions and a lack of familiarity. I emphasized the overlap
between queer rights and our mission, illustrating how inclusivity aligns with our advocacy
for equity.

With support from a few members, I organized events highlighting queer struggles and
triumphs, fostering open dialogue and collaborating with organizations like Mitr Trust to
ensure authenticity. Overcoming resistance through empathy and persistence, I appealed to
the team on a humanitarian level, not through formal authority but through understanding
leadership. This skill will provide a strong foundation for a career in human resources, where
influencing through empathy is paramount.

OR

One of my most significant accomplishments has been serving as Vice President of Girl Up
Sheisha, a youth-led initiative under the UN Foundation. Leading a team of over 40 members
across three specialized departments was initially overwhelming, especially as it was my first
leadership role at the age of 18. It took time to find my footing, but I developed a methodical
plan to address challenges, set clear goals, and maximize the team’s potential.

I implemented systems like a ‘brownie points system,’ a ‘Member of the Month’ award, and
departmental leadership roles to foster collaboration and motivation. Transparency, ethical
standards, and inclusivity were prioritized to ensure a safe and productive environment.

This role has honed my leadership, multitasking, and organizational skills, preparing me to
pursue an MBA at IIM Raipur and excel in a corporate career.
Q4) Do you consider being emotional a strength or a weakness in a professional context? Provide
an example from your own experience to support your perspective

In a professional context, being emotional can be both a strength and a challenge. Emotions
are a natural part of being human and play a critical role in fostering empathy, understanding,
and meaningful connections at work. Acknowledging the emotional aspects of situations can
help build stronger relationships and create a more inclusive environment.

However, emotions must be balanced with rationality to ensure they do not hinder ethical or
unbiased decision-making. For example, during my time as Vice President of Girl Up
Sheisha, I often had to mediate conflicts within the team. While my empathy allowed me to
understand each perspective, I ensured my decisions were fair and objective, guided by facts
and our mission. Recognizing emotions while maintaining professional boundaries is key to
leveraging them as a strength in the workplace

Q5) Which do you believe is more valuable: knowledge and expertise or networking skills? Elaborate
with your own experience.

Both knowledge and networking are essential, but effective management depends on balancing the
two. Knowledge provides humility and a strong foundation for informed decision-making, while
networking brings fresh perspectives and fosters collaboration. Networking is also about trusting
new ventures and people, which can lead to remarkable opportunities.

My experience with Girl Up Sheisha exemplifies this balance. As a youth-led club with limited
experience, we relied on our collective knowledge to design impactful campaigns on menstrual
equity and LGBTQIA+ awareness. Simultaneously, networking allowed us to connect with like-
minded individuals and organizations, enhancing our reach and impact. The platform we were given,
despite our age and expertise, strengthened our foundation and empowered us to tackle societal
issues effectively. This blend of knowledge and networking has shown me the immense value of
combining both for success.