For those who don't know - one of the most cherished traditions at INSEAD is the 'Ding' Bell. It's a Bell in the bar at Fontainebleau which is rung by a student after getting rejected (dinged) for a job. Fellow students are supposed to buy a drink for the poor soul to cheer him/her up and share in the misery. (Special mention and a big shout-out to Gautam Narasimhan for telling the best post-ding interview stories over his beer).
Given that my class graduated in December 2008 - the bell was ringing off the hook - every day of the last two periods. For me - especially - it was cathartic to ring the bell - admit defeat - get a free drink - laugh at myself and move on to another fight. What joy in knowing that the market was so democratic in its rejection of my class!
The Dings back home are less enjoyable. They are emails (ugh!) or phone calls (double ugh!!!!)..... rejections followed by espousals about how GOOD I am - how GREAT INSEAD is and how they CANNOT believe that I will not have an offer soon. (seriously!)
I really WISH to have a drink - in fact - I really WISH for a FREE drink. However, life in Mumbai is different .... I don't drink - when I do, I do so consciously or secretly as I am living with family. Having a good reputation is such a bitch!
So - this is me raising a long-distance glass of pure, adulterated mineral water in honour of the Dings and the rejection we have shared at the INSEAD Bar my friends.
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