Rashmi is an economics graduate from Sophia College, Mumbai and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. She lives in Mumbai and mentors students and young entrepreneurs in colleges across India. In an exclusive interview to Freshersworld.com, Rashmi talks about her struggling days, freshers, JAM and MBA.

Freshersworld.com: After passing out from IIM-A, you could have got many job offers but what was the turning point that made you an entrepreneur and successful writer.

Rashmi: I was always a writer –  while still completing my BA I had been a freelance journalist and published over 100 articles in different newspapers and magazines. I had even worked part-time at the Times of India while still a student. However when I got into IIMA, I decided to join for two reasons: I wanted to do a post-graduate degree, and more importantly, I wanted to live in a hostel! I enjoyed the IIM experience, but not the course content. Nor did I feel attracted towards a corporate job. Especially after my summer training in Lintas where I spent two months doing a survey on detergents.

"Is this what I am meant to do for the rest of my life", I asked myself. But neither did I have a firm idea ki what else. It was a course during my second year at IIMA called ERI ' Exploring Roles and Identity' which was a turning point for me.

This is a unique experience where you spend 5 days on a beach or mountain - away from campus - and explore your inner self. This exploration is a group exercise, guided by a facilitator. At the end of it the one clear message to me, from myself was "Do what you want to do". Do what you love. Sure, there may be some murmurs among family and friends but it's your life and you have to choose the path you know is right for you. Everything else will fall in place.

So first of all I dropped out of the campus placement process. Then, I went back and joined Times of India group as a management trainee with a unique job where I could use both my writing and management skills. There, I got the opportunity to start a youth page called 'INDY' which became a runaway hit. That convinced me there was a market for a full fledged youth magazine and thus JAM was born in 1995.

Freshersworld.com: What was your motivation behind JAM?

Rashmi: To create a platform of, for and by the youth. Much before the term 'user generated content' came into being, JAM was an outlet for creative expression for young people in colleges across the country.

Freshersworld.com: Freshers are normally confused when they pass out from their colleges. They are generally aware of only 2 paths - either a job or higher studies which include MBA. Do you think they can also consider entrepreneurship?

Rashmi: Yes, they can and they should. I was 24 years old when I started JAM with a very small capital of Rs 50,000. If you have a great idea which you feel passionate about - like I did - you should start right away. Otherwise, work somewhere, gain experience and contacts. But wherever you work, be involved in your job. Learn as much as you can and contribute also. That will always take you forward whether as an employee or employer.

Freshersworld.com: A good section of engineering graduates who visit Freshersworld.com aspire for MBA degrees. What is your message to them? Is it necessary to have an MBA degree to become a successful entrepreneur?

Rashmi: Many graduates - especially engineers - go for MBA because they are seeking an escape. Where they want to go, they do not know but surely MBA will give them more 'options'. At the end of MBA they are as confused as ever and once into the job - regardless of salary package - they feel vaguely dissatisfied.

My message to all students is: Know Yourself.What is your temperament. What are your strengths and weaknesses. What are your priorities in life? Once you know this, all other choices come naturally and easily. Many other avenues apart from MBA will also open up.

Freshersworld.com: Rashmi Bansal is a youth and career expert. Freshersworld.com also provides career networking to youths, especially freshers. What is your general advice for young and budding freshers who visit Freshersworld.com and often hanker for jobs?

Rashmi: No one owes you a job - you have to prove your worth to your employer. The first thing is you have to show sincerity, humility and willingness to learn when you join. Initial 3-6 months are a growth phase for you. After that you start contributing to the organisation.

So ideally you must have at least one if not two year timeframe to be with one organisation. Remember that 4 jobs in 5 years will not look attractive to your fifth employer!

Secondly, there is no ideal job. Every job has its component of routine, every organisation has some level of politics. You cannot control others but the way you respond to situations is in your hand. Be calm, flexible, think not just of yourself but from others' point of view.

Stay motivated to be the best you can at your job. Take initiative, show enthusiasm and be pleasant.  Exceed your employer's expectations. And when the time comes to leave do it correctly. Give the required notice period, hand over to your successor. The bonds you build at each workplace - with bosses, colleagues and juniors - are the invisible assets you create on your resume. These assets gain value with every passing year while degrees remain static and at some point may even become irrelevant.

Freshersworld.com: Thank you so much Rashmi for your time and valuable tips for freshers.