“Reached!!! Will miss
you Chandigarh...- at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata”
read my Facebook status and thus began the month long journey which changed me
and my personality.
IIFT, like a theatre of dreams welcomed me when I stepped out of the taxi. The
journey from the airport to IIFT was an exhilarating experience in itself, I
somewhat connected to the city in that 20 odd minute drive: the people, the
traditional taxis, the ever so pleasant weather and people speaking an alien
language yet in a subtle way (“Dada” was the only word I grabbed). Though I
loved the city, I wasn’t here for mere enjoyment but to pursue a course whose
realities and struggles are still a mystery to me.
Life of an MBA grad can truly be lived or let’s say realized when we are
in the mix of things. The first week at IIFT went away in a jiffy with
introductory classes with teachers, course outlines and everything that came
with it; all was going smooth but one thing still concerned everyone- “Where
are our Seniors?” And then came Friday (should have been the 13th) when our
Induction Program started. I believe that the first week was just a sugar
coated version of what lay in wait for us. To get us acculturated to the MBA
program, all hell broke loose with the IAP Team. What followed were assignments
to be completed, competitions to compete in and most importantly to develop the
skills necessary to succeed as future managers.
For the next two weeks, each mistake our batch made had an unequal and dreadful
reaction from the seniors. Assignments to be completed by EOD, 4-5 people
tethered to one hotspot, the same frown on our faces when the clock struck
11.30 PM and there was a mountain to climb in half an hour- the story of every
night. But as soon as the commotion ended, and the clock struck 11:59:59, you
could actually hear a huge sigh of relief from each hostel like everyone had
won a battle all on their own. But all of us understood that eventually “Ache
din aane wale hai!!”
Juggling between IAP and studies, I got a chance to participate and experience
a competition like no other- Last Man Standing A.K.A. “Corporate Roadies”.
After successful business plans, the horrifying financial (e)valuation and vote
outs, I survived this gruelling 2 week competition and came out as The Last Man
Standing but the journey was more special to me than the reward. Another highlight
of my life at IIFT was when I became the JCC of the Koshish Club of IIFT, it
instilled a sense of pride in me.
Becoming slowly accustomed to the life at IIFT- the sleepless nights, the late
entries in classes (even if it's only 2 minutes), making friends for life, I am
in love with the process although it's a new struggle with every passing day.
IAP ended, but we're so into the process that we realized our potential - we
have it in us, we have a brand value. We had some moments of relief through
fresher’s party and football match which further cemented our bond with the
seniors. Thereafter, PlaceCom took the baton and started our preparation for
the summers which all of us strive to achieve. The “Game of CV Points” has
begun with students actively participating in each and every competition they
can lay their hands on.
It's amazing to see 93 people all striving for success in this cut-throat
competition. Life here at IIFT never stops, “for the night is dark and full of
terrors.” and “Summer is coming”.
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