Sameer Kalamkar is an Engineering Graduate from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus (ECE).
Just like any other Engineer, in 3rd year, he felt that MBA Would be a great option. Thus, he joined weekend coaching for CAT Preparation. However, his journey during and after MBA has been a roller coaster!
How did he get the Job?
Sameer landed up one of the most desirous Core Finance Profile at “Deloitte” after successfully completing 6 weeks Investment banking course from The Wallstreet School , through their dedicated placement cell.
His work includes front end roles such as –Financial Modeling & Business valuations, Mergers & Acquisitions etc.
He came to know about this course while surfing through Linkedin where he came across a profile of an Investment Banker, who had already done this certification course. Read on to know about the challenges that he faced , reasons for making the switch and his review for this course .
Here is a transcript of our interview with Sameer.
What were your Plans after graduation?
After a hardwork of few months, I got 97.82 %ile in CAT. I didn’t get interview calls from any of the old IIMs. All the calls were from Baby and New IIMs.
After the interview season was over, I finally managed to convert IIM Nagpur. Little did I know that my fate had something else decided for me. I fell severely ill in 2nd trimester. I couldn’t attend MBA classes for more than a month.
The college authorities asked me to start with next batch, since I was left much behind. I was in despair. I had 10 months in hand for the next session to begin. I had heard enough about the CFA exam. So I prepared for it during this span and cleared CFA level – I.
What were the Challenges that you Faced during or after an MBA from IIM?
The next session started in October. I cleared CFA level – II alongwith. It was all going smooth until I realized that there would be limited options for Finance aspirants during this placement season, because it was a new IIM.
My only interest was Core Finance. I had no second thoughts on that. Thus, I Opted out from the Placement cell to look for Job opportunities on my own.
I gave and cleared CFA level – III 2018. I had expected more opportunities. I started applying. I didn’t have any reference to get placed any good company. I applied on every public job portal. I searched for a list of registered SEBI advisors. I applied on the website of the advisors. I got a Job in Boutique advisory firm but couldn’t continue due to my lack of interest in the profile. I was EA to CEO.
Again, I started applying for jobs after resigning. No Interview calls again. I was blank.
How did you get your dream Job then?
I started browsing the Linkedin for more options. There, I came across The Wallstreet School’s Investment Banking Program. On their website, they had openly given the Linkedin IDs links of their previously placed students.
I connected and talked to a few of them and decided to join their 6 Weeks Investment Banking program after I felt satisfied with their feedback.
How did ‘The Wallstreet School’ help you in getting placed?
Their founders run their own Investment Banking Firm (ARC Financial Services). Their classes especially are very practical, unlike those theoretical lectures that I’ve experienced during my MBA.
They focus on all the nitty-gritties of the field, which is exactly what the interviewers ask.
Most Importantly, they have well-established contacts in the Investment Banking Industry. Their placement team continuously follows up with the students and HRs to facilitate placements.
I got the first call from Deloitte (Business Valuations Team) through Wallstreet School’s placement cell and converted it. After so many failures, finally I got what I had aspired for.
Pleasant to read this..great job by wallstreet school
I have read your article and it is a lot similar to my life. This motivates me a lot.
Thank you
great career driven placement through wallstreet.