These days, I have been adapting myself to the active life of an MBA student of IIM Bangalore, though in a way quite different from what I had imagined. The experience has also been quite enlightening for me, in more ways than one. Covid-19 has forced all of us (my classmates and me) to adjust to a new normal.
I recall the days before the course commencement. There were thoughts about how the situation would unravel. The fact that I had decided to take a major career decision during all this made it all the more challenging. However, it was not worrying; it was more of an anticipation amidst the improbability of the situation.
With uncertainty looming over it, the EPGP batch of 2021 was inaugurated virtually, and the course commenced digitally. Any concerns started to dissipate even during the online inauguration. The inspiring talks from industry bigwigs were enough to encourage me to look at the bigger picture. The warm welcome addresses by senior members of the Institute faculty made us feel a part of the large and prestigious family of IIM Bangalore. I surely wanted to be on campus, but it dawned soon enough that this was truly the next best possibility.
The first few classes have been humbling. A wide range of subjects being taught by such an accomplished faculty, as also the discussions by erudite classmates in the digital medium made me realise the standards I must aspire to. I was apprehensive about peer learning in the digital mode. The digital solutions adopted by IIM Bangalore in this regard are highly commendable, even though the natural barriers between a digital and real discussion do exist. Still, with persistence, I have been able to adapt to the challenges, though with help from my classmates.
I look forward to continuing the course at the beautiful IIM Bangalore campus soon for a more enriching experience.
(The writer completed his graduation in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Pune in 2013. Subsequently, he worked in India’s Energy & Petroleum major, ONGC, for over six years as Reservoir Engineer. It allowed him to work in operations of offshore fields, project management of big-ticket projects and also in firming up of long-term strategy for the company. Debarpit’s interests include travelling, reading, and exploring history.)