Committees and clubs at the Indian B Schools
As the new batches join various B School campuses, I think it is apt time to share some gyan about the various clubs, committees and fests. Most of this gyan is based on my experiences and the experiences of my friends in various other campuses.
During the first few weeks the students in the new batch are wooed by the seniors from various clubs and committees. Let me give you a sneek peak into what the different clubs and committees have in store and how useful they are on your CV and for overall personal learning and development.
Placement Committee
Let’s face it guys. Most of the students join B School for placements. Placement Committee is one of the most coveted committee on the B School campuses. Those who get in this committee not only have great visibility about the various opportunities but also hone skills such as managing expectations, negotiation and networking. The potential recruiter insight that you get as a placement committee member helps you make better career choices. More so, it is a closely knit circle of people who work hard and hence have a strong team bonding. The only con of this committee is that you will have to slog a lot.
Word of Caution: Some of my friends who were in the placement committee in the first year became bit relaxed and at times were arrogant and hence were either not selected for the senior committee or were voted out by the batch. So if you are part of this group, please be humble and approachable.
Academic Committee
If you are bothered about marks and grades then Acad comm. is for you. This committee gives you a good visibility in the eyes of the faculty and most of the CRs get good grades in CP and Assignment components which can really jack up your grades. The work is kind of relaxed and everyone in the campus knows the CRs of the different sections. Some people get lucky and even get to date juniors. :P
IT/Mess/Hostel Committees
The heads of these committees are part of the SAC executive committee, however these committees are kind of CV fillers and don't add much values when it comes to placements (my personal opinion).
Clubs
Most of the clubs on campus add value to your resume as well as to you as an individual. You will get lots of opportunities to work across stream, bring in new projects and work on some of them. However, please find out your interest really is and join only that Club. Often recruiters ask pointed questions based on the membership of your club. At times these questions can be make or break. For example, if you are part of the Economics Club (Currenc-I at IIM Indore) and you don't have any idea about why rupee is depreciating then you are up for trouble.
Other than the regular subject/stream based clubs, interest clubs are something that a B School graduate must be part of. You should explore the Debating society, Toastmasters Club, Quiz Club and Drama Club at your campuses. These clubs help you develop soft skills that are really valued in the business world.
B School Fests
B School fests give you a good opportunity to test the skills that you are learning in your courses. Get your hands dirty in one of the teams. I personally found that getting Sponsorship is one of the most challenging aspects of a fest. You will learn the importance of money and funding and will also get first hand feel of Sales and Marketing. Another added benefit of fest teams is that you get to know lot of people. Develop your network and make new friends.
Projects
Projects sourced through the clubs are a good source of hands on experience. They are a good starting point in various discussions especially during campus recruitment. These projects also complement the learning that you get on campus.
This is more or less what I had to offer. Make the best use of the opportunities that the clubs and committees give you. But choose judiciously!
During the first few weeks the students in the new batch are wooed by the seniors from various clubs and committees. Let me give you a sneek peak into what the different clubs and committees have in store and how useful they are on your CV and for overall personal learning and development.
Placement Committee
Let’s face it guys. Most of the students join B School for placements. Placement Committee is one of the most coveted committee on the B School campuses. Those who get in this committee not only have great visibility about the various opportunities but also hone skills such as managing expectations, negotiation and networking. The potential recruiter insight that you get as a placement committee member helps you make better career choices. More so, it is a closely knit circle of people who work hard and hence have a strong team bonding. The only con of this committee is that you will have to slog a lot.
Word of Caution: Some of my friends who were in the placement committee in the first year became bit relaxed and at times were arrogant and hence were either not selected for the senior committee or were voted out by the batch. So if you are part of this group, please be humble and approachable.
Academic Committee
If you are bothered about marks and grades then Acad comm. is for you. This committee gives you a good visibility in the eyes of the faculty and most of the CRs get good grades in CP and Assignment components which can really jack up your grades. The work is kind of relaxed and everyone in the campus knows the CRs of the different sections. Some people get lucky and even get to date juniors. :P
IT/Mess/Hostel Committees
The heads of these committees are part of the SAC executive committee, however these committees are kind of CV fillers and don't add much values when it comes to placements (my personal opinion).
Clubs
Most of the clubs on campus add value to your resume as well as to you as an individual. You will get lots of opportunities to work across stream, bring in new projects and work on some of them. However, please find out your interest really is and join only that Club. Often recruiters ask pointed questions based on the membership of your club. At times these questions can be make or break. For example, if you are part of the Economics Club (Currenc-I at IIM Indore) and you don't have any idea about why rupee is depreciating then you are up for trouble.
Other than the regular subject/stream based clubs, interest clubs are something that a B School graduate must be part of. You should explore the Debating society, Toastmasters Club, Quiz Club and Drama Club at your campuses. These clubs help you develop soft skills that are really valued in the business world.
B School Fests
B School fests give you a good opportunity to test the skills that you are learning in your courses. Get your hands dirty in one of the teams. I personally found that getting Sponsorship is one of the most challenging aspects of a fest. You will learn the importance of money and funding and will also get first hand feel of Sales and Marketing. Another added benefit of fest teams is that you get to know lot of people. Develop your network and make new friends.
Projects
Projects sourced through the clubs are a good source of hands on experience. They are a good starting point in various discussions especially during campus recruitment. These projects also complement the learning that you get on campus.
This is more or less what I had to offer. Make the best use of the opportunities that the clubs and committees give you. But choose judiciously!
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