How life at IIM Sambalpur looks like for its ‘COVID batch’ of 2020-22 -By Deepanshi Sahu
On 10th August, 2020, IIM Sambalpur commenced its 5-day induction program for what it calls the 'COVID Batch'. This marks the beginning for the sixth batch of the campus, which has successfully witnessed a rise in gender diversity since last year. Since the induction program was held from our laptop screens itself, it managed to leave an impact on the houses of students across India.
An outline of the 5-day program
The induction program started with the lighting of the lamps, to mark the auspicious welcoming of the new batch. This was followed by an introduction to the MBA program by the professors so that we could get an idea of what our life at IIM Sambalpur will be like.
In the following days, the induction program was graced by several eminent guests. One of them included the President for Uber (South Asia and India), who inspired us with his motivating words about the journey we have ahead. He also gave an overview of the challenges we might face, and how we should manage our hectic schedules while pursuing an MBA degree.
We also attended a day-long interactive session with esteemed professors from IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Lucknow, who taught us the fundamentals of a case study, and how to analyse it. They also encouraged us to view cases from a different perspective, especially when it comes to a real-life scenario.
The program also gave us space to assimilate our life at IIM Sambalpur by interacting with our seniors. The seniors introduced us to the clubs and committees of the college, and what it has achieved in the past. In their conversations, they invigorated the new batch to take forward the remarkable achievements the campus has made.
A 'flipped' classroom
In order to help our batch get acquainted with one another, a new concept of 'Flipped Classroom' has been introduced. The technology encourages us to regularly interact with our peers and professors over video calls. By logging in, we can also access reading material which is important for our course.
One of the best parts of the flipped classroom is the quizzes and group tasks it assigns us. Such assignments do not only help us revise the curriculum, but also interact and work with our batch mates. Other than this, there have been activities like 'Know Your Peers and Seniors', which include ice-breaking sessions to make us feel comfortable with one another.
Managing a hectic schedule from home
Without a doubt, pursuing an MBA degree is quite hectic. When it comes to life at IIM Sambalpur, classes begin as early as 8:30 am, and end around six in the evening. It entails sleepless nights and endless tasks. However, one factor that keeps us going through such schedules is our interactive sessions with seniors. The seniors not only clear our doubts but push us towards staying committed to the tasks we are doing.
Other than our weekly quizzes and assignments, we are also participating in clubs and societies to make the most of our virtual life at IIM Sambalpur. Working on several deadlines, understanding and learning our interest for different clubs, and taking this first step towards the corporate world are just some of the things we have done till now. Our schedule is definitely jam-packed, but the end result of accumulating vital knowledge and being able to apply it will be worth it!