How Working Professionals Can Manage CAT Preparation?
On an average around 60% MBA candidates in IIM have prior work experience, which means that majority of students prepare for their CAT exam while doing a full-time job. This statistics itself is a huge motivation to all you hustlers out there who are struggling day and night managing full-time jobs with CAT exam preparation. We at ViaCareers recognize this challenge of budding MBAs and are here to make this journey a lot easier for you.
So let's get started with some tips and guidance on how to manage CAT preparation for working professionals. Through this article, we hope to answer a few major questions that a working professional might be facing during his/her CAT preparation.
How Much Time Should You Devote to CAT Preparation?
In order to manage a hectic schedule, the first step is to create and stick to a structured daily routine. Going early to bed can help you rise early with a fresh mind and energy to carry on with the tasks of the present day. Devoting a total of 3-4 hours per day for CAT preparation is considered enough. One way to complete these study hours is to do it in two sittings, say two hours in the morning before you leave for your job and the other two hours in the evening after you come back. Distributing your daily study in two sittings will avoid over-exhaustion of the mind and also increase effectiveness. Also, a candidate needs to utilize its breaks and holidays properly by solving a couple of sums or VARC questions during lunch breaks and increasing study hours in weekends and holidays. Joining a library can help in minimizing distractions and increasing the duration of study.
How Many Months Are Required To Prepare For CAT While Working?
If a working professional prepares for the CAT exam the right way, devoting just 3-4 hours per day with serious regularity, then 6 months is a sufficient time period for complete preparation of the CAT. After completion of the complete CAT syllabus, the candidate should focus on solving past year question papers, giving mock tests, and strategizing answering techniques for the best outcome.
Which Mode of Learning Should You Prefer?
Working professionals should give preference to self-paced study mode for CAT exam preparation. This is so because while doing a full-time job, it is already difficult to take out time from your busy schedule for preparation, and joining offline classes can increase your traveling time, which can result in physical and mental exhaustion and decrease your potential and time for studying. Even online courses demand you to join live classes which might not co-ordinate with your job timings and can lack flexibility. Thus, self-paced courses like the one offered by ViaCareers that you can access at any time can be of great help in preparing for CAT.
How Can Your Work Life Help You In CAT Preparation?
Comparing to someone who takes a gap year to prepare for the CAT exam, those preparing for CAT while doing a job are at a better mental space and tend to have greater potential. This is so because the CAT is a completely self-study based examination if you don't take offline coaching, and it does not give you a community to connect with or another productive activities to employ your mind into. Thus, having a job during your CAT exam preparation time gives you a chance to build a professional community and learn through practical projects and tasks for which you are financially rewarded. It gives you a sense of accomplishment that keeps your mind fulfilled and motivates you to work harder for the betterment of your career.
Managing multiple things at a time on a daily basis can get really challenging. A corporate job in itself can be really stressful for some people, and handling studies side by side can add on to the existing mental pressure. Hence, it is crucial to take steps to avoid excessive stress and burn out. Some ways to keep your mental and positive health in check are to inculcate a physical activity like sports or workout or yoga and practice it on a regular basis. Having healthy eating and sleeping routines are also some simple things that can actually have a great impact on your health.
Gain Expertise Through Mock Tests
Once you're done with studying the complete CAT syllabus, it is important to test your knowledge through mock tests. Solve past year question papers and attend as many mock tests as possible. A mistake that most students commit is that they don't analyze their performance in the mock tests. Analyzing performance and identifying the cause and areas of error is actually where the mock tests can help you achieve your best results. CAT exam mock test can help you strategize for the main exam and perform well.
Balancing a demanding career with rigorous CAT preparation is undoubtedly challenging, but as we've explored, it's entirely achievable. By implementing these strategies – from establishing a consistent routine and prioritizing sleep to maximizing study efficiency and utilizing resources wisely – working professionals can effectively navigate this dual responsibility.
Remember, consistency and focused effort are key. Don't be discouraged by occasional setbacks; adapt, adjust, and keep your goal in sight. With dedication and a strategic approach, you can conquer the CAT and unlock new career opportunities, even while excelling in your current role. ViaCareers is here to support you on your journey, offering resources and guidance to help you succeed. So, take charge of your schedule, embrace the challenge, and unleash your full potential. Good luck!
