MBA Before & After COVID-19 (Student Team 2020)

Before COVID Experience-

Senior 1: MBA life is indeed a roller coaster, and few lucky ones enjoy this ride right from the start, "My entry into the hostel was somewhat dramatic, I arrived on the back of a truck with seven bags outside the Khelgaon residential complex, thanks to the train that stopped one station before the actual destination” says Vishal, from the batch of 2019. “Not to forget the best part, hostel, and I was lucky enough to get one of the best rooms, next day, we headed for our Induction followed by Management challenges in which we were divided into teams of 25, getting to know people from varied backgrounds was a different experience altogether, and the awesome weather of Ranchi was making it even more beautiful” he added.

 A glimpse of IIM Ranchi students enjoying beautiful weather with friends and batchmates

Senior 2: “The first month at IIM Ranchi was nothing short of an adrenaline rush and a roller coaster ride. One week of Induction Process, R-ambh conducted by Student Council, began as soon as we are done with our formal registration, meeting seniors and getting the briefing on the entire process happened all quick. The entire batch of 282 students gathered together to witness the amazing time of their lives while our seniors guided us through the treacherous path of B-School life."

“Management Challenges are an eye-opener of what to expect from the B School life and the ever-changing business environment thereafter. Team Work and Discussions and consensus-building are key things we got to learn and not to forget that all-nighters we pulled together with the ongoing academic activities. The late-night discussions, preparations, and submissions actually gave us a glimpse of the fast-paced MBA life" these lines tell a lot about the importance of peer learning and teamwork in MBA life.

“The 3rd Management challenge followed with the Oath Ceremony to become part of IIM Ranchi Student Fraternity fully and completely being called Crow for lifetime.

In unison we read the Oath, With Humility, Hard work and Honesty throughout our lives, we will hold IIM Ranchi’s values always high in our hearts and strive for excellence."

    

Senior 3: Niveta, student of Batch 2019, felt nostalgic when asked about the first month at B-School, according to her hostel life is what she cherished the most. Let's hear that beautiful journey in her own words.

“We used to have festival celebrations and events organized by Cult, which promotes diversity, there is no better way than to socialize in mess area, till 3 am we have tuck shop opened, and it helped us stay us awake with Maggie, coffee and other stomach fillers.

We used to play cricket and football together in the evening, and believe me, that was the best time to interact with seniors. Holding lifts for each other, helping to carry bags, Small staircase talks, Interaction is imbibed in all of these activities; studying was also easier in groups."

Senior 4: According to Mebin, from the batch of 2019, "Things were quite hectic during the initial months, having sessions, induction, and whatnot, though we were remote from our home so we did not have to balance between home and college, that's different from the current batch who have to be a day scholar as of now. Moreover, it was easier to make friends, was more engaging for sure."

"Not to forget, the most awaited day, freshers party, after a month of hectic schedule, that was the day we forgot everything and danced our heart out, that was an amazing experience." he added.

Senior 5: “MBA life is all about networking, peer learning, and teamwork” rightly said by Sibi, batch of 2019. “ As soon as we entered IIM Ranchi campus, a lot of tasks were given to us. The task that I remembered the most are management challenges, we were divided into groups of 25, and we have to showcase our talents. One thing I loved the most about these group tasks is that I learned a lot of things that I did not know; some people were good at video-editing, some at presentation skills, excel, and whatnot. All those all-nighters were really worth it from the learning perspective too." he added. 

Senior 6: “I remember, when we entered the campus, I had mixed feelings, leaving home for the first time, I was not sure how I was going to deal with the hostel life and people from varied backgrounds. But now, when I look back, those assignments, group studies while eating Maggie in the hostel premises in what I cherish the most. Work was so much that catching up with family members and friends over the call became almost impossible, though we learned a lot during that time, taught me a lot."

“Also, waking up early for classes, then boarding the bus to campus, and the best time was the journey from hostel to academic block, we used to read newspapers, completing assignments; basically everything possible in those 25 minutes of commute" said a senior form 2019 batch.

Major Differences-

1. Networking: There is no doubt that Networking has been affected due to online classes; networking online lacks the same impact of meeting someone in person. 

“During induction week, we were brought up to speed on managing multiple tasks, prioritizing, and teaming up while being in different cities. So, it has been a bit tough to schedule tasks," says a student from the 2020 batch.

2. Peer Learning: Learning from each other while doing group tasks and projects is the essence of MBA Life, though colleges are trying their best to engage students in group activities, it sometimes becomes difficult due to variety of reasons such as network issues, not being fully involved in tasks because of the disturbance at home among others. 

3. Campus Life: Life on campus, away from home, in search of a new home, new friends, is what the batch of 2020 is missing the most.  "Though seniors and college tried their best to make it worth for us, still sometimes that essence of hostel and campus life was found missing, balancing between work and family was quite cumbersome at times." said Ritu from 2020 batch. Apart from the peer learning and access to library and college infrastructure, the fun part is also being missed, late-night hostel parties, freshers, and a lot more. 

4. Online lectures: The major difference that happened before and after COVID is the way of teaching and conducting classes. We are having online lectures now on various platforms such as Zoom, Google meet, Google classroom, among others.  It is indeed a new way of learning, and we are still adapting to it, but as professors and students gained experience, the efficiency levels have stabilized to being nearly equivalent to in-class work.

As every cloud has a silver lining, students are picking up new skills that could just serve them well in a world of remote work and physical distancing.

 “I had been so excited about going back to college, but I've found the online classes are great too, During our zoom sessions daily, we take turns to talk. This is actually better because if we were on campus, I doubt we'd each get so much individual attention” says Rajesh from 2020 batch.

I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the batch to add diversity to their skill sets, which will also help them in the long run, moreover, We’re the student cohort that will become a case study after the COVID situation comes under control. 

Till then, Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!

 

 - bharti.20@iimranchi.ac.in