Omega

Training Room (spot me standing in the background)

“All things (good or bad) must come to an end” is a “remix” of an old English proverb. May 2009 witnessed the end of my teaching career. By mid May I knew that my 3 month stint would come to a stereotypic end, a sentimental farewell speech and exchange of mail ids (never to be used J). Instead, there was something challenging in store.

Few days before my retirement, the centre head informed me that Larsen & Toubro has approached him to arrange, 2 day training on Executive MBA (offered by IIM A). He wanted me to conduct the same. Both of us met the L&T officials and negotiated on the terms and conditions. During the meeting, we were informed that the training was for 17 senior managers with an average work experience of 8+ years. The managers would fly across India to attend the training.

The training comprised of the following modules

1. Quantitative
2. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
3. Verbal
4. Emotional Quotient/Personal Interview

Each module was of 4 hrs duration. I was responsible for 1st, 2nd and 4th modules. Handouts were prepared for all participants. A 2 hour simulation test was also prepared, to simulate the actual exam. Quantitative and Verbal modules were to be covered on Day 1 while the remaining on the following day.

Different View of Training Room

All the 17 managers were friendly and made me feel comfortable. I was surprised by their exuberance to understand new concepts. In fact, some of them had better concept clarity than regular CAT students. The training was effective as 10 of the 17 managers cleared the exam and interview combined.

The entire experience of conducting a corporate training gave me utmost satisfaction. My almost 3 month experience was a roller coaster ride. I got an opportunity to teach, conduct seminars and undertake corporate training. Although, I am retiring, but I will be following the profession with interest and I shall indeed be back.

Fine Tune Your Quantitative Skills

A view of the class room (Spot me in the background)

Some of my class room students

After one and half months as a “cost center” for Career Launcher I was promoted to a “revenue generator”. The idea was simple. Get hold of some CAT aspirants, impress them by means of a fancy presentation (this is what students learn in their MBA) and lure them to join Career Launcher.

Guess what, among the entire experienced faculty the center head chose me to conduct workshops (he wanted me to torture other students as wellJ). The title of my first workshop is the title of this post.

I would not discuss the contents of the presentation. I have attached the same for your viewing. Kindly go through it at least once. In case you find it useful, refer it to your friends who are preparing for MBA entrance.

To view presentation in slide form use the following link Fine Tune Your Quantitative Skills

The workshop ran for about 75 minutes. It was a big success. Initially the ambience was grim, but after about 15 min things changed. Most of the students were able to connect with me and each one had a great time (not sure of how many concepts they understood).

Within a week of the event, almost 20% (a good number by the industry standards) of the audience joined Career Launcher (new bakrasJ). The center head was impressed, the students seemed satisfied, and as for me, I still haven’t been able to solve the questions discussed in the presentationJ.

P.S. Reference has been made to an old Career Launcher presentation.

CAT Goes Online

From past one month, the most widely discussed topic among CAT aspirants has been “CAT Goes Online”. Every now and then you would come across someone or the other speculating (in fact predictingJ) the online CAT format (including meJ).

At Career Launcher we noticed that following the announcement, uncertainty for the students increased dramatically. After every class, for almost 15 min, students unnecessarily wasted there time debating on the likely changes (actually I enjoy these after class conversationsJ).

In fact the news has been a major distraction. Many students have been left in disarray, as they do not know what the pattern would be like. This has affected their strategies as well as their preparation.

Considering the gravity of the situation, we decided to conduct a workshop for the CAT aspirants. Riding high on the success of my first workshop (only I think soJ), I was asked to take up this challenge as well. (Shall post the details of my first workshop later)

To view presentation in slide form use the following link CAT Goes Online

The initial turnout for our workshop was dismal. The first screening had an audience of only 8 students. Thanks to the electronic media and television, the topic was blown out of proportion. This increased the anxiety among the candidates and as a result the number of footfalls to our centre increased dramatically. In a little over 3 weeks this presentation has been run 6 times. Almost 190 students have benefited from it.

As more than a month has passed, since the announcement was made, I think most of you would find the contents of this presentation to be redundant. I still feel that you should go through this presentation at least once (might find something new).

In case you have any updates, feel free to comment.

All the best!

Transformation

Well, what an irony. Out of all the topics in the world my 2^nd blog is on education (CAT to be in particular). I hope my professors are reading this. Probably they would realize how wrong they were in giving me those monstrous gradesJ.

Three months of idle time can transform any individual (kindly include the previous 2 years as wellJ). March, 2009 witnessed a near impossible event. From being a student throughout my life, I decided to step into the shoes of an instructor.

With no idea whatsoever I strolled into a Career Launcher center. The moment I met the center head I was greeted by a big million dollar smile (Rs.15000 to be exact. That’s what candidates pay for a yearlong training in this part of India). Unfortunately, his happiness was short lived as I told him that I was there to get paid rather than pay.

I have no idea as to what on earth occurred to him, I was offered a Quant/ DI instructor position immediately. Probably that was my lucky day (should have gone to a casino insteadJ).

March 9 was D Day. My first lecture as an instructor was on “Data Sufficiency and Data Interpretation Based on Percentages”. It was a 2 hour long, enjoyable (at least for me, not sure about the students) and informative (I learnt more than the studentsJ) session.

Since then there has been no looking back. Every weekend I take approximately 6-8 hours of classes. The feedback has been very encouraging, and the centre head is very pleased (probably the students feel inspired after seeing me, if he can do it then anyone canJ).

From the past few weeks, I have moved onto a more matured role of conducting workshops for CAT aspirants. These workshops are held once a month. I will post the presentation and other relevant details in the coming weeks. Till then it’s TATA J