A year ago, I had no idea that I would be in one of the best B-schools in the country. Having graduated in Economics from Fergusson College, the current pursuit of a MBA degree from Symbiosis seems to be the icing on the cake. It’s hardly been a month since I’ve arrived at Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune and I’ve been tossed and shaken up already, with pre-induction activities and tests. But undoubtedly, every moment has been worth it.
It seems difficult to believe that I took SNAP just about 6 months ago. Since then, even the possibility of coming to SIBM has been exciting. And here I am now, in the fantastic campus with a breath-taking view of the world outside. Everything from the hostel accommodation to the faculty has been top-class and nothing short of expectations. In fact, hostel-life is a new experience for me but the aura of the college is so comforting that you feel right next to home.
Another amazing thing that has happened ever since I arrived here, is the myriad range of student personalities I’ve met. I’m probably the youngest of my batch and also probably one of the few Arts students among a group of engineers, commerce students as well experienced industry professionals. The learning curve is going to be a joy ride in the company of such batch mates and there’s only Symbiosis International University to thank for this.
The first week here was a real ice-breaker between students and teachers. Coming second in Group dance in the talent round was probably the most memorable achievement of my life, considering that I can barely shake a leg. Playing football, however, (something I’m far more passionate about) was a sheer pleasure owing to the fabulous field on the campus.
Academics here are tough. It’s not for those faint of heart who can’t stay up all night completing assignments or preparing for tests. The pre-induction test was a bumpy road with a lot of potholes in it. But driving through it was the only way forward. There’s no denying the fact that the test gave us a taste of the kind of hard work we need to engage in for the next two years. The earlier you realize and accept this reality, the more enjoyable it becomes to glide through the process.
Apart from the learning, these rigorous academics have their own plus points. Industrial visits, like the one we had to the Piaggio factory at Baramati, are instrumental in giving us a first-hand experience of the way things work before the finished product arrives at our doorstep. And when you think about it, you realize that you can’t be a good manager unless you know the basics of what you’re managing. The trip to Piaggio was a 12-hour-long ordeal and the mere experience of it was enough to counter the fatigue at the end of the day.
From choosing to pursue an MBA in India to being a part of the race at SIBM, I’ve come a long way and to the right place to move forward. All in all, I can say with confidence that this B school in Pune is going to be an important part of shaping my future, which now seems to be like a bright one!
Akshay Dhamale, First Year MBA student @SIBM, Pune
