Life is certainly uncertain,
Statistically random,
Lucidly paradoxical,
Clearly unclear,
Immethodically chaotic,
And MBA equips us for all of it!
Amidst the chaos and hullabaloo of convocation day, most seniors find themselves lost in a time warp, going back in
reverse chronological order and reliving the two years in a day.
Well, when a new student is inducted into the two-year roller-coaster ride of MBA, the two years seem like an eternity. But last night, when IIM Lucknow saw all its convocated students with their parents beaming proudly and strolling fondly through every alley of the campus, it felt worth all the pain. The sheer joy on their faces when they animatedly described the journey is worth catching a glimpse of. It is indeed an emotional time for the seniors who could recollect so many memories etched in the bricks of the walls, the pavements they have walked, and the hostels that echoed the party songs played in a loop.
Grad Trip
The last term of MBA ends to pave the way for the most exciting trip of one’s life - the Grad Trip. As the name suggests most students flock to exotic and fun-filled destinations to party and enjoy to their heart’s content. After gruelling two years, this gives the perfect platform to rejuvenate. This is perhaps one last time they get to unwind and let their souls run free before jumping on to their corporate stints.
Final Placements
Having experienced the summer placements, finals become less daunting. Nevertheless, students leave no stone unturned to prepare for their dream jobs. The final placements’ arena is a stage where one gets to see a lot of camaraderie among the batchmates and with the juniors. This is also the time when people step up to help each other and be the much-needed support system.
Fest - Manfest Varchasva
Fest is the time for fun, frolic and a platform to learn and showcase talent. With some great leaders and artists coming over, students immerse themselves in the fest forgetting the busy schedule for once.
Juniors Inducted
Having survived the first year, it gets nostalgic to see the scared faces scuttling all around confused. The bond and networking between the juniors and seniors grow over time and become a commendably strong relationship.
Summer Internship
Summer internships are the time when most students get a taste of life after MBA. Especially for freshers, it becomes a ground to test the waters.
PGP1 Survivors
The first year in Hel(L) ends, leaving a very little (to be precise maybe a day in most cases) time to get started with the summer internship. Although, eventually when it does dawn that one has sailed through the first year, it seems surreal to look back at the myriad of courses, group projects, case studies and extra-curriculars that one does in the short span of a little less than a year.
The First 3 Months - Most Dreaded & Most Remembered
This is probably the time which comprises several instances when you reconsider the decision of joining IIM and are filled with self-doubt. This is the time when Lucknow seethes in the unbearable heat. Students are overwhelmed with the CV and summer placements preparation, followed by committee selection and coping with a new environment with super competitive peers. But for every student who has sailed through this phase, it becomes the greatest stepping stone. It acts as a self-reassuring memory, of a time when you could give up at every step but you still continued. This will probably be a cornerstone that in future will help you to overcome and cross big hurdles.
An ode to the wonderful seniors –
If you believe in the finiteness of yourself,
If you believe in the infiniteness of the cosmos itself,
You will know that some things are beyond control,
Beyond the understanding of your limited soul,
Memory is one such thing,
They are made through sight, sound, and smell,
Somewhere deep-seated in our hearts they dwell,
They are indelible and etched forever,
They can break out a smile on your frayed lips,
And will not let you forget the two years ever!