There are only a few achievements in one’s lifetime that feel so surreal and currently sitting in Foreign Trade Library, I find myself mesmerized by the same feel. I can’t help but to imagine that I’m sitting on the same leather chair on which Mr. S. K. Roongta or Mr. Shashikant Venkateshmay have sat when they were reading business cases.
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Delhi (IIFTD) is the most sought after and the highest ranked school in India, for a degree in MBA (International Business). My experience at the IIFTD till now is bittersweet, stimulating as well nerve wrecking at the same time. As I took first steps onto the campus, the main building & wings of wisdom gave me an impression of a sacred temple of wisdom. As much as I’m in awe of the environment, part of me was concerned whether I will be able to fit in and make a difference. But within a few minutes chatting with section-mates in passing, I knew that most of us were feeling the same way. In fact, within the first few days, I had more messenger apps than I’ve ever had in my life. We are years out of undergrad, running clubs, cells, committees or making decisions, but it felt like we didn’t age one bit. Despite everyone’s diverse background, everyone seemed to enjoy the same thing; music, dancing, and late-night food. Suddenly, I felt more at ease. And it takes time, conversation, and vulnerability to build these types of relationships.
I am personally interested in finance as my work & responsibilities in the previous company involves budget management which includes calculation of amortization and depreciation of assets and envisions myself working in a financial firm after my MBA. With keeping my personal ambitions in mind, a summer internship or a full-time placement in Aditya Birla capital Limited would be a dream come true.
In sum total, I feel a sense of peace and feel for a hidden foundation already laid for me to achieve my professional goals. The first week at IIFTD has taught me that my future is a sum total of not only my efforts but the past efforts of my seniors and dedicated faculty, which I won’t take for granted. It provides me & my peers with ample opportunities to live their dream, but at the same time, it needs studying smartly and efficiently as an offering in order to reap benefits of all the opportunities that come in our way.