“Just one more day to go!!”. MPC, who went through all ups and downs during the transition course at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad , was getting ready to share his journey from the #military to the world of management with future aspirants over video conference. With a hint of nostalgia in his heart, the session took off.
"It wasn’t too long when I was at crossroads, unsure of which path to take," MPC began. Having served in the forces for a decade, the very thought of leaving behind the camaraderie, #discipline and the sense of duty was intimidating for him.
He paused, allowing his thoughts to go back to that pivotal moment in his life. “I was at a remote location and was not able to access the internet and called up my course-mate to check on the status of list for the transition course which was about to start at #IIM #Ahmedabad. He called up after 5 minutes and told me that I had made it in the list. Wow! I was ready to embark upon a journey that surely promised to open doors to a new career path. However, as I weighed my options then, I couldn't help but struggle with conflicting emotions. ‘Fear of unknown’, some people call it”.
MPC also mentioned that while attending a lecture by an elite veteran he came across choices which one must make while planning to leave the forces. He recalled the charm of the perks and privileges that came with his military position—the respect, sense of purpose and the security for his family. "Leaving behind the familiarity of military life was no easy feat," he admitted, while the audience could feel him living that exact moment yet again.
“One must choose wisely between the 3 Ps (Pay, Position and Place). Life is not that simple and to survive you must trade off certain things.”. MPC quoted the veteran which was one of the most resounding statements he had heard during his transition course at #IIMA.
"However, deep down I knew that I was ready for a new challenge," MPC continued, a determined spark in his eyes. "I craved the opportunity to broaden my horizons, to explore new avenues, and to carve out a path of my own."
MPC shared that with each passing day at IIM Ahmedabad he found himself immersed in a world of learning and growth which made clear to him that joining the best B-school in the country was one of the best decision he made after deciding to leave the forces.
"It wasn't easy," MPC confessed with a smile. "There were moments of doubt, moments when I questioned my decision to leave behind the comfort of the familiar. But with each challenge, I grew stronger and more resilient."
"But then came the offer letter from the first company out of many companies I applied for," MPC revealed, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and apprehension. "It was a moment of reckoning—a chance to put everything I had learned to the test."
As MPC shared his story, attendees listened intently, hanging on to his every word. They could sense the depth of his conviction, the strength of his determination.
He recalled the internal struggle he faced as he deliberated over the offer, weighing the potential increase in pay and the charm of a higher position against the uncertainties of relocating to a new place and the impact it would have on his family.
"After a certain number of rejections, I lost count of the exact number of companies I applied for. Things got cleared in my head and that is when at last I decided to go ahead and join a company wherein I was able to achieve the maximum possible Ps. I knew that it would require sacrifices but believing that it would ultimately lead to a brighter future for myself and my loved ones."
"For anyone facing a similar crossroads in life," MPC concluded, his voice ringing with conviction, "I would say, embrace the unknown, seize the opportunity to map your own course and never underestimate the power of resilience and determination."
With that, MPC's session came to an end, leaving his audience inspired and uplifted, ready to embark on their own journeys of discovery and #transformation.
Today, MPC is a successful alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad with his military #career being a proud chapter in his past. What As he looked out at the faces of his peers and juniors, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought him to this moment.
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