When I first stepped onto the Great Lakes campus, I was hit with mixed emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a deep curiosity about what lay ahead. Coming from a background filled with leadership roles, event management, and even national-level darts competitions, I thought I had a solid grip on teamwork and strategy. But nothing could have prepared me for how this journey would reshape my understanding of leadership, collaboration, and personal growth in the most unexpected ways.
A Classroom Insight That Changed Everything
Some lessons stay with you forever, and one of my biggest takeaways at Great Lakes happened in a strategy and leadership session. What started as a discussion on motivation theories quickly turned into a deep dive into decision-making under pressure, consumer psychology, supply chain management, and ethical leadership. We tackled cases like "Maruti: Trouble at the Plant", "Terror at Taj", and "The Power of Perception in Branding", breaking down the impact of leadership in high-stakes situations.
And if that wasn’t intense enough, in operations management, we ran real-world simulations where we had to optimize supply chains under extreme constraints. The pressure was real, but so was the learning. These experiences transformed my perspective—leadership isn't just about making decisions or being the loudest voice in the room; it's about staying calm in chaos, making ethical choices, and leading with resilience and empathy.
Beyond the Books: Events That Shaped My Leadership Skills
Great Lakes thrives on experiential learning, and for me, one of the biggest tests of my leadership skills was Xavotsav, the flagship cultural event I helped organize during my undergraduate years at St. Xavier’s College.
Raising ₹10.5 Lacs in sponsorships and securing the title sponsor—all single-handedly—was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I learned the power of perseverance, the art of negotiation, and the importance of never taking a “no” at face value. Fast forward to Great Lakes, and my involvement with the Entrepreneurship and Marketing Clubs has only taken these skills to the next level.
From running digital campaigns to cracking real-world business problems, I’ve learned to make quick, data-driven decisions and pivot strategies on the fly. Participating in live case competitions has further sharpened my problem-solving abilities, especially when tackling challenges in industries like fintech and healthcare.
The Power of Friendships & Community
An MBA isn’t just about grades and case studies—it’s about the people you meet and the friendships you build along the way. The bonds I’ve formed at Great Lakes have been nothing short of life-changing.
From pulling all-nighters before case submissions to spontaneous weekend road trips, every moment has been enriched by the people around me. My study group, a mix of finance wizards, tech geeks, and marketing strategists, has become my intellectual and emotional support system. We challenge each other, celebrate the small wins, and keep each other sane when deadlines pile up.
One of my favourite memories? The night before our first major presentation—we rehearsed until sunrise, tweaking every little detail and hyping each other up. It was a reminder that an MBA isn’t just about individual success; it’s about growing together, pushing each other forward, and celebrating the journey as a team.
Advice for Future Great Lakers
If you're about to begin your Great Lakes journey, here are a few things I wish I had known from day one:
- Step outside your comfort zone – Whether it's taking on a leadership role, pitching in a competition, or diving into a subject you know nothing about, growth happens when you push yourself beyond the familiar.
- Network with purpose – Your professors, batchmates, and alumni network are your greatest assets. Make the effort to connect, learn, and exchange ideas.
- Embrace failures – Not everything will go your way, and that’s okay. The key is to adapt, pivot, and come back stronger.
- Find what excites you – Explore different industries, subjects, and career paths to discover what truly interests you. Be curious, experiment, and don’t be afraid to take detours.
- Have fun along the way – The MBA grind is real, but so is the opportunity to make unforgettable memories. Join clubs, participate in cultural events, play a sport (darts, anyone?), and enjoy the experience.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my journey so far, I realize that every challenge, every late-night brainstorming session, and every unexpected detour has shaped me into a more confident, capable version of myself. Great Lakes has given me not just knowledge, but perspective; not just friendships, but a family; not just a degree, but an experience that has transformed me at my core.
To those just beginning this journey—embrace every moment, push your boundaries, and let this experience shape you in ways you never imagined. Because one day, you’ll look back, just like I am now, and realize that these two years weren’t just about an MBA.
They were about discovering who you truly are—and who you’re meant to become.
