They are quite clear that they need to pass out from good B-schools and with flying colours. Every year we read about lucrative offers made to fresh B-school graduates.
In other words, the moment they graduate, they hit the jackpot. The world around changes fast, and they all want to be in the race. And why not?
But I wonder what actually happens to those who hit the jackpot? Surely, a large number does extremely well, but a significant number also drops out mid-career, joins the family business, or ventures into entrepreneurship.
Undoubtedly, B-schools are oceans of well researched information that is equally well entrenched in the minds of their students. But what is not really taught is attitude and wisdom.
When a fresher walks into the boardroom of a corporation, he doesn't find this new world alien, thanks to the knowledge imparted to him on every aspect of business. He knows what is happening and how to critically analyse situations and sketch scenarios. But is this all he needs to do for his organisation's or even his own growth?
I would strongly advise everyone to analyse his or her natural aptitude while choosing a stream, because attitude is part of your DNA and cannot be taught at B-school.
Second, I would recommend not rushing to grace boardrooms immediately after you graduate. Instead, it is best to start small and keep gathering wisdom before taking a big leap. Knowledge gained from case studies discussed in B-schools is not wisdom.
Your natural aptitude aligned with the right selection of stream infuses passion in your career path and this passion drives success. Wisdom allows you to have a holistic view (not analytical) of a situation and, thus, helps in right decision-making. It factors in all aspects of running an organisation, which case studies don't reveal.
Gautam Ghosh graduated from Indian Institute of Management & Technology, Chennai in 1999.