I had chosen Bangalore as my venue for interview. My mom too accompanied me, as she had planned to have a small family gathering as well. It was the first time, me and mom were going for a long trip without dad. Felt different and exciting. I was leading Amma in this trip. Over the years the dynamics in our relation had changed a lot. She was both appreciative and trusted my instincts and skill. She was proud that she had raised a fine lady, though even now, there are too many things that she disapproves in me.
I got a bit emotional there. Getting back to the story....
I would be attending the day 1, batch 1 interview. As always, I was excited about the mystery of not having any clue about the venue or the interview format. My friend from IIT-M, Sandeep Erwin, who is currently pursuing his MBA from IIM-B had agreed to pick me up from the railway station, arrange some accommodation for me and take me to interview venue. Had a quick and sweet time at IIM campus and rushed for the interview. He dropped me at the State Bank of Mysore's Learning Centre. I checked with the security guard, he asked me to go to second floor conference hall. I bid adieu to my friend and hopped in soon. I got into the conference hall. An authoritative man at the dais, was upset with me for not wearing my identity card, but nonetheless, let me in. Soon, I was asked to sign in the attendance register. As, I could not find my name printed, I was just asked to write in my name and city. By the time I finished writing, the speech got over, and I also applauded him along with others. Next, they announced that the trainees should give a short intro: name, branch of bank where they were working and their experience in the first 2 months. I was the first person to start.
I was a bit baffled, as I had not yet been selected by SBI for the fellowship, nor did I expect to be working in the bank. However I already knew that there would be 2 batches for this program - one in Sep and anther in Nov. So, I assumed that this meeting would be the fellows who were already selected for the September batch. So, I stood up, told my name and city, and explained that I hope to be selected by SBI soon and so I am not yet assigned to any branch what-so-ever. This confused everyone there. There were many questions then. I finally managed to explain to them why I was there. They all had a hearty laugh. They explained to that I was at State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of India had their learning centre nearby itself. They all wished me good luck and I started from there. This time alone, as my friend had already left. The security guard too had told me that SBI LC was close by, just a kilometer away. I hopped on to an auto, traveled for more than 30 minutes, spent nearly 200 rupees and finally reached there to realize that I had already gone past this building 3 times by then.
I got a bit emotional there. Getting back to the story....
I would be attending the day 1, batch 1 interview. As always, I was excited about the mystery of not having any clue about the venue or the interview format. My friend from IIT-M, Sandeep Erwin, who is currently pursuing his MBA from IIM-B had agreed to pick me up from the railway station, arrange some accommodation for me and take me to interview venue. Had a quick and sweet time at IIM campus and rushed for the interview. He dropped me at the State Bank of Mysore's Learning Centre. I checked with the security guard, he asked me to go to second floor conference hall. I bid adieu to my friend and hopped in soon. I got into the conference hall. An authoritative man at the dais, was upset with me for not wearing my identity card, but nonetheless, let me in. Soon, I was asked to sign in the attendance register. As, I could not find my name printed, I was just asked to write in my name and city. By the time I finished writing, the speech got over, and I also applauded him along with others. Next, they announced that the trainees should give a short intro: name, branch of bank where they were working and their experience in the first 2 months. I was the first person to start.
I was a bit baffled, as I had not yet been selected by SBI for the fellowship, nor did I expect to be working in the bank. However I already knew that there would be 2 batches for this program - one in Sep and anther in Nov. So, I assumed that this meeting would be the fellows who were already selected for the September batch. So, I stood up, told my name and city, and explained that I hope to be selected by SBI soon and so I am not yet assigned to any branch what-so-ever. This confused everyone there. There were many questions then. I finally managed to explain to them why I was there. They all had a hearty laugh. They explained to that I was at State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of India had their learning centre nearby itself. They all wished me good luck and I started from there. This time alone, as my friend had already left. The security guard too had told me that SBI LC was close by, just a kilometer away. I hopped on to an auto, traveled for more than 30 minutes, spent nearly 200 rupees and finally reached there to realize that I had already gone past this building 3 times by then.
I was late for the interview by nearly 2 hours, and was too apprehensive of entering the building fearing more blunders were bound to happen. I am happy that I still decided to go in. The staff in charge were very friendly, and helped me to get settled. I was told that I would be interviewed last. I started interacting with the other candidates, started feeling at ease. Some people came out of the interview room feeling indifferent, some neutral and one totally disappointed. Manikanta Sharma, who was to go in before me was a delight to speak to and he had lots of stories to tell too. While his interview was going on inside, I was having a smaller interview outside with Mr. Shuvajith Payne, who was to be our chief point of contact for the future points. He did not seem happy when I said that it would be difficult for me to join this fellowship, but anyways gave me some good insights and spiked my curiosity levels.
Soon it was time for my interview.
I entered into the room and greeted the panel. I had a sense of deja vu, when Geeta Ma'm addressed me. I enjoyed my interview. My comfort level with the SBI YFI team increased when Joe Madiath sir asked me if my dad was a particular, Ravi Menon, who was his friend at Loyola College, Chennai. Small incidents these were, but they increased my confidence levels and sense of purpose a lot. With a strong sense of belief that I might be selected for this fellowship, I went back home.
Soon it was time for my interview.
I entered into the room and greeted the panel. I had a sense of deja vu, when Geeta Ma'm addressed me. I enjoyed my interview. My comfort level with the SBI YFI team increased when Joe Madiath sir asked me if my dad was a particular, Ravi Menon, who was his friend at Loyola College, Chennai. Small incidents these were, but they increased my confidence levels and sense of purpose a lot. With a strong sense of belief that I might be selected for this fellowship, I went back home.
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