The Memories Of Induction Month At VGSoM, IIT Kharagpur By Swarnim Banerjee

The journey to an MBA program remains one of the most exhilarating experiences, almost like a rite of passage for those deemed worthy. Settling into the life of a management student however is another story, one that redefines the very idea of surpassing limitations. Here at the Vinod Gupta School of Management, student driven induction activities for the incoming batch is a system that serves to orient the students straight into the sweet spot of the arena that an MBA program is.

The idea that it demands more than one is capable of offering is just the base of a mountain we all must scale. Academics include diverse subjects offering a plethora of knowledge about core management concepts and ideas that help develop primary business acumen. Expert faculty members work incessantly and with unabated attention in driving these learning through the students. There is a certain and fair degree of momentum that the atmosphere of this institute imparts to everyone who comes through these doors. Real competition and zeal however was evident only from the process we know as the mighty selection affair of the Clubs and Committees. The complete process exists as an undeniable spirit that pushes every student outside their comfort zone and towards their best.

The Placement Committee in their search for the sharpest and headstrong minds began their process with the grilling of students in every domain, be it personal, professional or extracurricular. Sleep deficit eyes of every participant acclaimed exhaustive nights and days that was to eventually become a routine. The intense rounds prompted every participant to an extreme state of vehemence.

Having attended the weekly guest lectures that bring in the most eminent speakers from top corporate positions in the industry, the Corporate & Media Interaction cell instigated immense motivation to join and be a part of the face of VGSoM. The selections were a creative and fun filled process with rigorous rounds that aimed to test the candidates on various parameters including the ability to manage stressful situations. Be it the group discussion, the article writing task or the personal interview, all aimed at checking one's leadership qualities, team spirit, confidence, creativity and much more.

The experience with the Marketing Club was exactly as the name suggests. It was MAD. A blind folded maze run, to a truth and lie game to an amazingly hilarious sales pitch, to bring out the best that we didn't know existed. Challenging the creative keeda within us the Party Makers of VGSOM made every participant lose their inhibitions. Impersonating a creative avatar, the process consisted of a mixture of laughter and “serious” moments. That for you, is the Cult Comm ki Junta.

Sports enthusiast’s way of life and expression was bombarded with problems & situations faced while organizing sports events. A test of wit and pro-activeness sailed the best through to the sports committee. Saamanjasya, the CSR club of VGSoM attracted the students with the simple model of using business sense to fund celebrations with the young at DishaSeema, a school for under privileged children at IIT Kharagpur. The process revolved on an individual’s intent and passion to inspire social change and impact.

The results declaration of clubs & committees caught everyone nervous. I got into CMI (Corporate & Media Interaction Cell) which is a moment of pride & euphoria for me. The journey forward in CMI looks challenging & educating. However, I am sure that this is going to be one fun-filled passionate ride.     --------------

About the Author:

Swarnim Banerjee is currently pursuing his MBA first year from the Vinod Gupta School of Management at IIT Kharagpur. He has spent two years working in an American Fortune 500 called Tenneco Inc, an automotive components giant in Delhi NCR after having completed his Bachelors in Mechanical
Engineering from SRM University in Chennai. He enjoys reading literary and philosophical fiction from the likes of Franz Kafka and Oscar Wilde and is also a guitar enthusiast influenced by classic and alternative rock.