One of the key highlights of the PGDM course at JIMS Rohini is the IRP Projects, says Sargam

All I knew was on the cold winter morning of January, as I vividly remember it was Sunday, CAT result was about to be announced, orchestrating a plan of life that was yet to be unfurled in front of my parents.

If I had known that a simple girl from a humble town of Patiala will find the nest of her dreams in the bustling town of Delhi, initially it seemed impossible, provided I was taking departure from my family for the first time. But the CAT result calmed down the recurring current of thoughts cartwheeling my mind.

I, Sargam Bhanot, pledged to accomplish my dreams by treading on a path that will not only make my parents proud but will push me to contribute immensely for the society as well. With this oath I decided to take admission in the college that was located in a far flung location from my hometown. Believe me or not, taking admission in JIMS Rohini was one of the boldest and bravest decisions of my life that ripped apart one piece of my parents heart.

While my friends were taking inspiration from my story, I was preparing to join the league of leaders that are known to run the corporate world with both their minds and might.

The search for a good MBA institute that fits my budget and offers me decent placement packages was not easy, if PGDM is all about a good ROI and a lucrative job opportunity. In pursuit of upskilling myself with all that is required to become a good manager, my heart is filled with gratitude for the excellent faculty, and the Dean and Director of JIMS Rohini who have guided me to put my thoughts logically and aim for excellence in career.

One of the key highlights of the PGDM course at JIMS Rohini is the IRP Projects which postulates pragmatism beyond the traditional mode of classroom learning. I volunteered for one such IRP project as a student researcher for Navjyoti India Foundation. It was a wonderful experience to work for their ‘Civil Rights and Social Action’ cause wherein studied an underdeveloped area of Prahladpur, Delhi for several upskilling programmes.

While branching out to garner academic achievements in my CV, extra-curricular activities kept me spirited on the campus. I had served as the Vice President of The Cultural Club of JIMS Rohini, managing and leading several events in the institute.

One of the turning points in this journey had been my summer internship where I chose to work for a start-up firm named ‘Notchup’. The only catch for choosing an entrepreneurial venture over and above a establish brand name was to understand the nitty and gritties associated with the seed funding and efforts it take to boost a newbie in the market. I was mesmerised to learn the hard work that goes into resurrecting a small firm that withstands bolts of competition and later captures a share of market that remains loyal to them.

The journey to sail the turfs had just begun when I entered the fifth trimester. The placement preparedness training began with full vigour. Anxiety and the peer pressure to achieve a whopping salary package had drowned on the seabed. Nevertheless I mustered up the courage to sit for the interviews devoid of facing rejection in case I don’t match up the expectations.

As an old adage goes, life is not a bed of roses; I had to choose between a job in Delhi or going back to my hometown after the completion of course. But I took the road less travelled by grabbing a job opportunity with Naukri.com as a Business Development Associate.

The two-years of my life were quite a roller-coaster ride that brought a unique learning experience for me. Retrospectively, the memories, unbound wisdom, supportive faculty, and the campus adventures have helped me evolve as a person who completely fits into the corporate world puzzle.

About the author

Sargam Bhanot is a final year PGDM student at JIMS Rohini, Jagan Institute of Management Studies.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha