Feature

On 8th December I finished my marketing 302 exams in IUB, my 3rd exam of the day. I should have danced with joy because the semester was over but couldn't, since I had to prepare myself for a battle. Not the pathetic political battles on the Dhaka streets, but a battle where you fight with ideas. Yes I am talking about 'The Battle of Minds' organized by BAT. Though we were all too tired physically and mentally, me and my mates Tanvir bhai, Tamim and Tanzin were not going to let go of the opportunity to participate in “BOM”. So “The four T's”, which was the name of our team, put on our battle gear with whatever energy we had left. On 9th morning we arrived at BRAC Inn to participate in the Battle Of Mind competition against ten other teams from Eight Universities. Just finishing off the toughest exams of our final year, we were left with no time to prepare for the competition. Naturally we were all a bit demoralized initially. What else could be expected, we were going in a battle with our fingernails as our only weapons while other participants carried bazookas on their shoulders.

Tanvir bhai, Tamim, Tanzin and I had never worked as a team before, but we started of like buddies. Tanzin was the creative genius, Tamim the marketing guru and Tanvir Bhai, what to say about him to me he was the bottomless pit of knowledge. As for me, I just filled up the fourth slot because there must be a fourth participant!

The battle began and we were given one hour to shape our strategy. Therefore we sharpened our nails and started reading the case given to us. A pin drop silence prevailed in the whole room as 11 teams dug their heads into the depth of the case. Each team had to formulate a set of solutions to save a theme park.

After an hour of brainstorming we were finally ready. The teams were called to the auditorium. Each team had ten minutes for their presentation to save a multimillion-dollar park!

As I started off the presentation in front of an audience who I suddenly realized were not our buddies (as would be the case in a classroom), but hardcore executives of a top multinational company. I found myself a bit nervous. Each of us presented our part well. Before we knew it our ten minutes were over. Were we good? We really don't know because we thought we could have done better. In the end it was good enough for us to land in the top five along with IBA, NSU, East West, and Dhaka University.

Our success in the first round gave us a boost and pumped us up for the final round. Excited and energized, all the five teams sat together in the same room waiting for the battle to begin. Finally the hour came. The case presented to the final five was based on setting up a new theme park. As we began we found ourselves facing a major problem: two of us tried to develop the plans in two different ways. I had different idea but so did Tanvir bhai. After a major argument with Tanvir bhai about the planning, I finally gave in. Though the argument was fruitful we realized that we were left with very short time for preparation. With great hurry, and teamwork and guidance from Tanvir bhai we worked till the last minute and ended up with a satisfying presentation. It started with a drama where each of us represented a member of the family describing our different needs for a place to relax and have fun. Based on these needs we developed our theme park. After the presentation we had a question and answer session. Through the interactions with our respected judges Mr. Ali Zaker (Artist, TV personality),Mr. Q M Shahed (H.R head, BAT) and Mr. Enamul Haq (Professional Architect), our mistakes as well as plus points were pointed out to us. The best part was when Mr. Ali Zaker, after listening to our sharp answers, commented that IUBians are street smart! Then came the results. Students from all the universities were on the edge of their seats.

As we were announced the second runners up we literally jumped into the air right there in the auditorium. After all, to be placed 2nd after such an unprepared start was no mean achievement.

Everything must come to an end, and so did the Battle of Minds. For us it was a great experience and a priceless opportunity to present ourselves in front of the dynamic team of executives of BAT and get their feedback. Our special thanks to Ms. Rumana (Talent and Resourcing HR manager, BAT) and her team for such an excellent endeavor. Competitions like this build a bridge for students to connect to the corporate world.

Mohammad Tareque Ismail
School of Business, IUB.