Building perspectives, developing business skills, and embracing change that impacts beyond the classroom walls is how I describe my first year of the MBA programme at Ahmedabad University's Amrut Mody School of Management. This journey is more than an academic pursuit. It has been about discovering new ways of thinking, building meaningful relationships, and cultivating competence with conscience.
My favourite programme highlight? The faculty. I vividly recall my strategy class where the professor encouraged us to challenge even the most deeply ingrained paradigms. What began as a simple discussion turned into a spirited debate that spilled into the corridors, with classmates offering contrasting views shaped by their professional and academic backgrounds. That moment taught me that management education isn't about revering established models but questioning them, reshaping them, and applying them in real-world contexts.
Equally rewarding has been learning from my peers. Coming from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, they've constantly pushed me to think beyond my assumptions. Group projects have become more than assignments; they are live lessons in teamwork, negotiation, and leadership, skills recruiters look for, crucial in today's dynamic job market.
The programme's industry elective course left a notable impact on me. One such session from the course was delivered by Abhishek Sharma of Bain & Co. on Servant Leadership. His focus on empowering rather than commanding people reshaped my understanding of leadership. It reinforced the idea that humility and empathy, combined with strategic decision-making, can be a powerful force for organisational success.
The most differentiating factor of this programme is how intentionally the University integrates interdisciplinarity into everything we do. It encourages drawing knowledge from varied disciplines, be it finance, marketing, psychology, or even philosophy, through a bouquet of elective courses. It also gives ample opportunities to apply what is learned to solve complex business issues. That interdisciplinary approach, I believe, is what prepares one to navigate the uncertainties of industries disrupted by technology, globalisation, and evolving consumer demands.
My internship experiences further validated this. Live projects allowed me to apply classroom learnings in real-world contexts, whether analysing market gaps or designing strategies. They reminded me that this MBA is not just about solving today's business challenges but also about being future-ready. The programme builds a strong foundation in strategy, market analysis, and critical thinking, skills crucial for a successful professional journey in management.
Campus life has been another enriching dimension. From alumni engagements and conclaves to cultural festivals and peer-led initiatives, every experience contributes to holistic growth. I've come to see these not as "added" activities but as essential learning spaces that hone leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
As I look ahead to my second year, I'm excited about the LIVE Route Camp project, which will test my research, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a consulting context. I'm also looking forward to electives in digital transformation and strategy, areas where I want to deepen my expertise. Placement prep sessions will be yet another opportunity to sharpen my readiness for the industry.
But what excites me most is the continuity of growth, learning from peers, business leaders, and faculty, and applying those learnings to shape my career and contribute meaningfully to the business world.
Till now the programme has given me the mindset to adapt, the skills to lead, and the courage to question. And as I step into the next phase of the programme, I carry with me the conviction that true management education lies not in answers, but in asking better questions.