Do the CAT Toppers Whom We Usually See in Interviews Even After Years of Clearing the CAT Charge for Giving Interviews?
CAT toppers, often a topic of discussion in various interviews and discussions, rarely demand payment for speaking engagements or sharing their experiences. This article explores the motivations behind these toppers' willingness to share their insights without charge, while also noting some instances where they may engage in paid consulting or mentorship services later on.
Motivations Behind Sharing Experiences
CAT toppers typically do not charge for interviews or sharing their experiences due to a variety of reasons. Many of them see it as a way to give back to the community, inspire future aspirants, and even promote their personal brand. These interviews serve as valuable platforms for toppers to share their strategies, study techniques, and insights into the MBA journey.
For instance, a successful candidate who recently cleared the SBI PO (Probationary Officer) exam was offered two interview opportunities. The first was with topmytest, where he was a student for GDPI (Group Discussion and Personal Interview) training. topmytest did not offer him any money, and he turned down the offer as he believed it would be inappropriate to charge for something that had a significant impact on his growth.
The second opportunity came from Unacademy, which has a series named 'Chamomile Tea With Toppers.' He was offered the chance to participate in an interview for this series. However, at the time, he was heavily engaged in MBA interview preparations and institutional training for SBI, which made it impossible for him to commit to the interview.
Typical Scenarios and Exceptions
While most CAT toppers do not charge for interviews, there are cases where toppers may engage in paid consulting or mentorship services. This is a separate and distinct activity from their interviews or sharing experiences. For example, some toppers may offer personalized coaching or personalized strategy sessions for a fee. However, these services are typically offered through a structured program or after they have achieved a certain level of expertise and recognition.
It's important to note that the majority of toppers engage in these activities motivated by a sense of responsibility towards the community, a desire to help others, and a personal brand-building opportunity. Charging for these services is not as common and is usually reserved for situations where the topper has developed a distinct marketable expertise or has a significant following.
A Personal Experience
Through a personal perspective, a successful SBI PO candidate shares his own experience. After his little success in clearing the SBI PO exam, he was offered two interviews. The first with topmytest, where he received GDPI training, and the second with Unacademy's 'Chamomile Tea With Toppers' series. In both instances, he was not offered any payment. He declined the topmytest offer, feeling it would be inappropriate to charge for something that they had provided without cost.
The candidate mentions that during the time of the Unacademy offer, he was in the midst of MBA interview preparation and institutional SBI training, which made it impossible for him to commit. He emphasizes that in both cases, he was not offered any money, and he couldn't speculate on the situation for other toppers.
Conclusion
While CAT toppers are often generous in sharing their knowledge and experiences without charge, there are instances where they may engage in paid services. However, these instances are typically separate and distinct from their altruistic contributions to the community or aspirants. The motivations behind their actions are rooted in a desire to inspire and help future aspirants, a sense of community involvement, and personal brand building.