Life at an IIM is definitely not cake walk – Pratik Shinde, IIM Jammu ( 2020-22)

We recently caught up with Pratik Shinde, who is presently pursuing his MBA at Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu. Here’s the excerpt of our conversation.

Q1. Tell us something about your journey so far?

Currently I am pursuing my MBA and also serving as a member of Placement Prep Cell in Indian Institute of Management Jammu. I have a total work experience of around 24 months, one year in one of the top Chemical (pigment) manufacturing industry in India and also Start-up experience for a year. I have completed my B.Tech from Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai.

Q2. Tell us something about your experience in IIM Jammu. How is that experience helping in shaping you as a professional?

Life at an IIM is definitely not cake walk. It is a demanding tenure, but is equally rewarding in terms of shaping your career. We have tough preparation and practice schedules and need to complete assignments by non-negotiable deadlines. The constant battle against time arms students with time management skills and the discipline to focus on a task at hand. We also learn to practice the art of prioritizing things. Life at IIM makes students more mature and self-assured. This is because professors and classmates expect them to already start behaving like managers and decision-makers.Case studies and internship give MBA students the skills necessary to approach challenges with equanimity. We also learn to accept and respond to feedback, instead of becoming overwhelmed or frustrated.The knowledge and skills learned during MBA provide IIM graduates with a high level of credibility in the eyes of recruiters and other representatives of organizations. I am enjoying and learning a lot at IIM Jammu. Overall, an MBA life is one of the best things that can happen to you. It teaches you how to juggle your many responsibilities with fun, friends, and your life outside the institute.

Q3. Tell us something about your daily work routine. How do you manage your stress levels in your professional life?

Most of the day is spent-

• Attending classes
• Giving presentations
• Giving quizzes
• Marking CP (Class Participation)
• Discussing case studies
• Trying to be awake in class
• Committee work

Life at IIM is unpredictable. And you will fall in love with it, that’s for sure. I manage stress in my professional life by making good friends and interacting with as many people as I can. More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment. More love, less hate.More blessed, less stressed.

Q4. What or who has been the biggest influence in your career so far? How do you balance your personal and professional career?

Biggest influencers in my life are my Parents and Indian King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“Work smarter, not harder!”- I follow this piece of advice. I find that with the right company, it’s pretty simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do, it doesn’t feel like a chore. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself.

Q5. Which is the biggest challenge you have faced so far? What are your future plans?

Challenge is not tough, but the way we choose to tackle challenge actually matters. If you are capable enough to take the right decision, any challenge will convert into to a great opportunity.

Future plans- To become a successful entrepreneur.

Q6. How has the lockdown impacted you as a professional?

I joined MBA for the sole purpose of interacting face-to-face with my faculty members and peers in order to learn from their experiences. But connected virtually. “Am I audible?”, “Can you see my screen?”, “I am having some network issues, can you repeat” has become the new-normal now.

Q7. What would be your advice to young professionals and MBA students? How can our readers connect with you?

Life is full of surprises. You don’t know what will happen so enjoy and be ready for surprises. Sometimes things are not going to be as you expected. Don’t lose hope and just enjoy the moment and have faith in yourself.  I can be reached on Linkedin and Instagram .

We wish you the very best in your career ahead !

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