Making The Most Out Of Your Time At A B-School | Tips From An IIM Calcutta Student

Reassess Your immediate Goals At Crucial Junctures

One need not have a formal system of writing down goals or anything. All one needs is to just sit down and have some idea of your strategy over the next few months.

In a B-school, you get genuine breaks at the gaps of a few months. Right after your summer placements, before your summer internship commences, before you head off for your exchange term and right before your final placements. Use this time to just understand what exactly you will target over the next few months. For instance, let us assume you have below average grades at the end of the first year. You can then decide to do two things. Perform brilliantly well in your internship and give it your best shot at case competitions next year.

Suppose that you have no specific such target in mind and yet want to use your time well and work on your interests. You could try for writing stints with groups like InsideIIM if that is your cup of tea. Or some people even try for winter internships when the course load is lesser.

All of this does not need any grand planning. Just a couple of months in advance.

Utilise Unique Opportunities Offered By Your College

Every college has certain unique features and opportunities that it offers. For instance, IIM C offers students the chance to pursue a dual degree in a B school abroad along with an MBA here. This program is known as CEMS. It need not only be such macro-level initiatives.

Even opportunities such as taking part in the lecture series of famous personalities at your college or interacting with alumni during reunions are also avenues that you should utilise. All one needs to do is keep an eye on the official emails sent on your college noticeboard or ID.

Enjoy Your Time Here

In the rush to get to the place/company/life/status of your dreams, do not forget that these 2 years are also part of the bigger journey of life. Make friends here, spend time going to movies/restaurants, let your hair down at parties and stay in touch with old friends, family, etc. That will add the seal of completion to a well spent 2 years at B-school.