Getting into an IIM is a moment most of us work towards for months, if not years. I was no different. Coming from an engineering background at NIT Hamirpur, I had always believed in setting clear goals and working consistently toward them. So, when I received my offer from IIM Nagpur, I was excited and ready. Or so I thought.
What no one tells you is just how fast everything begins. Before you know it, lectures start, case discussions roll in, and expectations rise. There is no slow warm-up; it’s a dive straight in. The academic rigor is not just about concepts or frameworks. It is about participation, perspective, and agility. I had always done well in academics before, but I quickly realised this was a different ballgame. At first, I was hesitant to speak up. I wasn’t sure if I had the “right” answers. But I soon learned that what matters more is having a perspective and being willing to back it up, even if it’s not perfect. That shift from just performing to truly thinking changed the way I approached every class.
And just when you think you are finding your footing, the Summer Internship Placement (SIP) season begins. CVs, mock interviews, group prep sessions, industry deep dives, it’s all happening, and it’s happening now. I remember feeling like I was still settling in when the placement buzz became impossible to ignore. But the process at IIM Nagpur is built with a strong support system. Peer-led sessions, guidance from faculty, and insights from seniors helped keep things structured. What helped me most was learning to focus on my journey, my story, my interests, instead of getting caught up in everyone else’s direction.
One of the biggest challenges was managing my time. There are so many clubs, competitions, projects, and deadlines that it’s tempting to say yes to everything out of fear of missing out. But I quickly realized that trying to do it all only leads to burnout. Learning to prioritize what truly aligns with your goals and saying no when needed has been one of the most valuable lessons.
What surprised me most, though, was where the deepest learning came from. It wasn’t just from lectures or readings; it was from conversations. At IIM Nagpur, the diversity of peers creates a kind of informal classroom that runs 24/7. Some of the best ideas, insights, and perspectives I’ve gained have come from people whose journeys were completely different from mine. These conversations slowly reshape your worldview, not in dramatic ways, but in subtle, lasting ones.
Looking back on that intense first stretch, I realize it was about more than just surviving. It was about growing fast and intentionally. There were moments of doubt, but also moments when everything clicked and reminded me why I’m here.
If you’re about to start your own IIM journey, here’s a piece of advice. You don’t need to crack it overnight. Take your time to explore, reflect, and find your rhythm. Don’t chase every opportunity; chase the ones that matter. Don’t try to be the loudest, try to be the most consistent. And most importantly, don’t compare your pace with others. Your journey will make sense in hindsight.
At IIM Nagpur, I’ve found a culture that balances structure with freedom, challenge with support. And in a world that never seems to slow down, that balance has made all the difference.
Meghan is an MBA student at IIM Nagpur and an engineering graduate from NIT Hamirpur. Recently, having passed CFA Level 1, Meghan is focused on leveraging his diverse background to make a meaningful impact in the finance domain. His journey at IIM Nagpur reflects a commitment to personal growth, leadership, and continuous learning.
