I’m Anjali Valage, and just a few months ago, I was a Tax Consultant at Deloitte, fresh off a promotion from 1AA to 1A. It was a solid gig, good pay, a clear path ahead. But something nagged at me. I wanted more than a job; I wanted to grow, to really understand how businesses work. That’s when I decided to leave it all behind for a PGDM at Badruka School of Management (BSM) in Hyderabad. Here’s how it’s been going so far, a mix of nerves, surprises, and a whole lot of learning.
A Leap Worth Taking
Leaving Deloitte wasn’t a snap decision. I’d worked hard for that promotion, and walking away felt risky. But I’d always dreamed of diving deeper into management, and a PGDM seemed like the perfect way to do it. Unlike a traditional MBA, it’s hands-on, with courses that evolve with the industry. I didn’t just want theories, I wanted skills I could use.
BSM caught my eye because, honestly, Badruka’s been part of my life forever. I did my 11th and 12th at Badruka Junior College for Girls, my CA Foundation at their institute, and my B.Com at Badruka College of Commerce and Arts. They even helped me land my Deloitte job. So when I heard about their new PGDM, it felt like coming home. I trusted them to deliver something real, something that’d push me forward.
Stepping Into Something New
The first day at BSM was a whirlwind. I’m a Hyderabad girl who never lived away from home, so moving into a residential campus was a big shift. Convincing my parents took some work, and I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally sure myself. Was I crazy to leave a stable job for this? But being in the first batch felt special, like I was part of something fresh. I took a deep breath and jumped in.
A few months later, I’m still figuring it out, but I’m glad I did. The learning here is intense, we do this block teaching thing where every 15 days, we tackle a new subject. It’s fast, but it keeps me on my toes. I used to think marketing was just ads and sales, but Professor Deviprasad Ghosh showed me it’s about strategy and research too. Finance surprised me even more. Professor Ankur Kulshrestha said, “It’s more of a thinking job than a doing job,” and suddenly those numbers felt alive. Even entrepreneurship, which I’d never considered, has me dreaming up ideas. It’s tough, but it’s exciting.
Finding My Rhythm
The faculty here make a huge difference. As Academic Coordinator, I work with them a lot, and they’re so easy to talk to. If I’m stuck, I just book office hours and hash it out. I still remember my first chat with Dr. Dayanand Pandey, our Microeconomics professor. He’d seen my LinkedIn posts and said, “Nice work, keep it up!” That little boost stuck with me.
Every professor brings something different. We don’t just take exams, there are presentations, case studies, quizzes which force me to stretch myself. Even though they’re only here for two weeks per subject, they stick around to chat over lunch or in passing. It’s not just about grades; it’s about building something real with them.
The campus helps too. It’s quiet, away from the city noise, and the food’s spot-on, veggie meals with just the right kick. The staff are quick to fix anything that comes up, and the culture’s warm. We’ve celebrated Dussehra, Diwali, even Halloween, which makes it feel like a little family. Schoolwork can pile up some nights I’m up late prepping, but weekends are mine. I play badminton, hit the gym, or just unwind in the rec room. Being in the first batch means we’re shaping this place as we go, and that’s pretty cool.
In the Hot Seat!
Hosting a rapid-fire round with Prof. Niladri Roy was a thrilling experience! As a tech expert, he brought sharp insights, quick wit, and plenty of knowledge to the table. From discussing cutting-edge trends to spontaneous takes on the evolving digital landscape,
Moderating this session was another step in my BSM journey, an opportunity to interact with industry leaders and sharpen my skills beyond the classroom.
More Than I Expected
BSM’s been full of surprises. The block teaching lets me dive deep, and the mix of assignments keeps it fresh. The faculty’s real-world experience ties it all together, they don’t just teach, they show you how it works out there. Campus life’s been a bonus too. I didn’t expect to settle in so fast, but between the good food and the chill vibe, it’s starting to feel like home.
Chasing What Lights Me Up
I’ve always been into Finance and Strategy, there’s something about figuring out how money moves and businesses grow that clicks for me. Finance isn’t just math; it’s decisions, risks, possibilities. Consulting’s another pull every project’s puzzle, and I love solving them. As Vice President of the Consulting Club, I get to plan events and competitions, which lets me lead and learn at the same time.
Outside class, I keep myself going with morning walks and gym sessions. I read business books, dive into self-growth stuff, and jump into inter-school competitions to push my limits. After BSM, I’m aiming for a consulting role at a top firm. Down the road, I could see myself as a Senior Consultant or maybe even starting something of my own. The projects here, plus the faculty’s nudge, are getting me there.
Passing It On
If you’re wondering about BSM, here’s what I’d say: it’s amazing, but it’s a ride. The practical focus, the faculty, the campus, it’s all top-notch. Being Academic Coordinator and VP has taught me more than I can list. But it’s new, so there’s no big alumni network yet, and the pace can hit hard. Living on campus might throw you if you’re not used to it.
Still Going, Still Growing
Leaving Deloitte for BSM was a gamble, but it’s paying off. I’m learning, stretching, and inching toward my dreams every day. If you’re at a crossroads like I was, maybe this is your move. Want to know more? Click here
