Management Studies

 The Big Question - What to do post NSIT?

Three years ago this was the question that occupied my mind day and night. As I looked around, some of my friends were planning to pursue a career in engineering and research and prepared for their GRE; others were busy trying to crack the CAT and geared up for campus placements. While the jobs on campus were stellar, I did not see myself doing any of those for the next few years of my life. Deciding on studying further and keen on exploring more avenues, I felt that I need not restrict my options to an MS, MBA or campus placement. I believed that there were endless opportunities out in the world and the only think I lacked was the global exposure needed to reach them, and that’s when I decided to study abroad. Being an engineer who wanted to make a transition into the realm of business, the Master of Engineering Management program at Dartmouth seemed like a perfect fit.

As I look back now with my masters degree, the journey seems long and enlightening. I don’t think I really understood before I started, about the transformation that this experience would bring in me. Not only did it introduce me to a global network of students, professors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, but inculcated in me a spirit of professionalism that changed the way I think, talk and interact. Frequent discussions and group projects in multi-cultural teams on topics of international importance, introduced me to diverse opinions and in that sense made me- a true global citizen. Even though today I am working for a much coveted firm, this job is not my greatest take away from this education. I believe it has made me aware of my short term and long term goals by changing my definition of success and perspective on life. Interactions with young, dynamic colleagues from all over the world, have inspired me to let go of conventional paths and social expectations, and to believe in and pursue my deepest passions.

The purpose of this article is not necessarily to motivate you to study abroad, but to encourage you to think – about your true passions, and what you want out of life. The purpose is to make you understand that cracking the CAT or getting a grade A job on campus are not the most important things in the bigger picture of life. I can guarantee that coming out of NSIT, each one of you has a bright future and financial stability in your life ahead, but it is important to awaken now and realize that this is the time for you to challenge conventions, ask questions and as Steve Jobs said – ‘You’ve got to find what you love’! Finding this answer however is not easy because of your limited exposure to people and other sources of information. Here I would strongly advise you to –

• Expand your friend circle and talk to as many people as you can, from different professions, educational backgrounds, cultures etc. Seek advice from friends and alumni’s who are pursuing various career paths and ask them why they chose to do that, and what they like/ don’t like about it.

• Make the internet your best friend; it is the ultimate source of all information. I am not telling you anything new here but trust me; we do not fully utilize the resources it has to offer. Conduct extensive research on the fields of your interest, and read about people who have excelled in those. 

Once you know what you want - don’t be scared to pursue it even if it involves changing your line partly or completely. Most of us took only a semi-informed decision when we chose to study engineering, but make sure that your next step is well thought out. You have a long life ahead, and this is your time to take risks and follow what your heart says. Remember - it is the ability to take risks and assume responsibility for your actions that sets you apart from the crowd, as a leader.

I hope I have been successful in making you realize that you are a young, smart individual with unlimited potential and the opportunities in front of you are endless. Your job is simply to know what you want and make an informed decision! Now that doesn’t sound difficult, does it?

I know that once you close this magazine you’ll probably retain only 10% of what you just read. But even if you forget everything else written here, try and remember these -

1. Think, think, and think… until you know what you want to do with your life.
2. Expand your horizon - use the internet and talk to as many people as you can.
3. Do not be afraid to take risks, especially right now<li>If you want something in life, reach out and grab it” (Into The Wild)

Good Luck ahead and as Steve Jobs said – “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”