Life at a B-School is never short of surprises. What you expect may not happen, can happen and often happens. I had one such experience at my college- The Indian Institute of Management Udaipur. IIM Udaipur is known for its academic rigour and the philosophy reflects in every aspect of its activities. No matter what happens, academics prevail over everything at IIM U.
After the mid-term examinations for Term-I, there was a fascinating student activity planned for the Fachchas aka PGP-1 students. The examinations were particular weary for someone from commerce background like as we usually have two examinations a day. It takes a toll mentally and physically as it was my first experience of giving examination back to back with sleepless nights. Tired and bored with the hectic examination schedule the next three days were like a
breather for all of us to refresh and enjoy another important aspect of college life – the cultural and allied student activities that happen at a B-School. I participated with full vigour for the next three days completely immersing myself in the saga. I, in fact, slept for lesser hours than I did during the examinations. Countless memories and bonds were made during that time, some to cherish for a lifetime. The entire week was a roller-coaster ride for me and I had pushed myself beyond means I could imagine physically as well as mentally. The activities ended on Monday morning at 5 A.M.
The Term was to resume from that very day and we had three classes from 9 A.M. that day. At IIM U going to a class without doing your pre-reads for the day is blasphemous. Since I was completely worn-out from the debilitating past week, I went to class without much preparation knowing fully well that my group can be called up for presentation on the topics in the pre-reads.
And to my displeasure, it happened. Ours was the first group to be called upon to present on that day pre-reads topic. Half of my group members were absent from class that day and I had to present along with another group member who too couldn’t prepare well for similar reasons.
Since we were called we did a presentation and was reprimanded by the professor for not thoroughly coming prepared to the class. The incident taught me a few lessons which I feel will benefit me immensely in the corporate world. In fact, I could find a stark analogy of academic rigour at IIM U with the daily corporate work life rigour. Just replace the student activities days with a family function. I feel that sometime it may definitely happen that you have to attend office just after a family function. You may have meetings the next day for which you need to prepare beforehand. You cannot compromise your meeting and work for the day with under preparation. It may happen that some of your colleagues may not be there at the critical point like my study group members and you might even have to perform their part too. It is critical to plan your activities beforehand such that your personal life does not affect your work while simultaneously enjoy. This academic focus at IIM U has helped to in developing skills to maintain work-life balance and be prepared for things when you least expect them.
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