In every MBA college, there are lots of clubs and societies. Whatever hobby or interest a student has, he will get a club or society related to it in almost all MBA colleges. Even some colleges have so much flexibility that if a student has some idea or an interest in something and if he is not able to find any club or society related to it on the campus, he can establish a new club or a new society!
These are an essential part of the learning process in business schools. These give additional roles and responsibilities apart from academic activities. Many of these clubs and society have a post of secretary and treasurer. This helps students to learn many intricacies involved in managing these posts. Every club and society organizes many activities throughout the year. These activities are solely managed by members of that clubs or society- from choosing activities to contacting stakeholders to allocating budgets to taking permissions from admins for the activity- all is managed by members of the club or society.
You might have heard some grand cultural and business events in many business schools. All these are organized by the student’s community. Yes, with such grandeur and intricacies, it's all being done by students. Think about the learnings- once a student has organized such a grand event- it gives him the experience to manage challenging roles in the corporate world once he steps out of the college.
Since academic activities are intense in business schools and usually batch strength is a huge number, so it becomes difficult for students to make close connections with the batchmates. In this scenario, these clubs and societies’ give an opportunity to make close connections with their club members. Interaction within the clubs is quite high. Some clubs and societies start to engage with students even before students join the college; for example, during admission session interaction, start with the helping shortlisted in preparing WAT/PI/ GD by mentoring students.
Some common type of clubs, committees, and societies are-
Placement committee- This committee is the most important, and it is in almost all business schools. After all, it helps in placement and believe me placements are the most essential part of the MBA, be it summer placements or the final placements. This committee requires a lot of time commitment, and members of this committee have a lot of work throughout the year.
Alumni committee- Networking is the essence of an MBA. To make connections of current students with alumni and interaction within alumni, this committee plays an important role.
Academic committee-Members of this committee work in liaison with program admins. This club plays a vital role in electives and other academic activities.
Cultural committee- Be it music, dance, or big parties on the campus, all this is organized by this committee.
Sport Committee- Staying fit is the mantra of taking maximum benefit of the MBA course. This committee looks after sports and fitness-related activities. This committee also organizes inter B- school sports events.
Hostel & Mess committee- This committee tries to give students a hassle-free living experience by helping students in lodging and food.
Business-related clubs and societies- MBA is incomplete without these clubs, and these clubs provide a peek into sought after careers of students, be it entrepreneurship, consulting, marketing or finance.
These are some essential clubs or societies which can be found in every business school in India apart from these there are many other student bodies. The number of student bodies could be as many as 40 odd students' bodies in old IIMs.
It is advisable to join at least one student body when a student goes for an MBA course. It gives a lot of exposure and learning. For some students, it might be useful to put it in their resume.