The Role Of An External Relations Secretary At IIM Calcutta - Aayushya Aggarwal

N: What does the role involve?

A: The role involves managing the mentorship programme for shortlisted students (after CAT), wherein more than 1600 people register and organising meets for the finally selected candidates to give them a flavour of IIM-C. It involves managing the social media handles of IIM Calcutta and also the projection of the institute in print and TV media. It's essentially the upkeep and enhancement of the brand of the college. Finally, it involves being a bridge between the junior and senior batches as mass communication is a part of the role.

N: How does it feel to be the face of IIM Calcutta?

A: I have never looked at the role as being the face of IIM Calcutta, and I believe my time in office has shown it to be untrue as well. More than 350 people are involved with me in the mentorship programme along with my co-secretary. We might be the ones initiating contact first with the junior batch but it's not a job which can be carried out by a few people. Though I do enjoy the opportunities it ends up presenting and handling the media side of things is always a pleasure.

N: That’s a wonderful way to put it. What has been your best experience so far?

A: My best experience has been the job itself. Even though I end up solving similar queries for a lot of candidates the response each one gives after their issue is solved is heart-warming and motivates me to keep going. I remember the response to a webinar that had been conducted where a lot of understandably anxious students messaged saying that they felt relaxed and motivated after watching it. That was certainly memorable.

N: What are the new initiatives done this year?

A: An IIM Calcutta newsletter is in the pipeline. So keep an eye on our social media handles. Apart from that, we are attempting to consolidate the mentorship efforts of various IIMs. Making it more about the students than the colleges themselves. Let's see how that pans out in the future.

Also view - Why IIM Calcutta? - A Webinar With Aayushya Aggarwal On B-School Selection