Alumni Diaries: Five things every MBA student in XLRI should watch out for

Posted on 20 Jan 2017 By Ishani Bose

The countdown to Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) results has begun, and it is all set to release in the last week of January. If you’re going to be one of the lucky ones to get a good XAT score, remember it’s only half the battle won. You still have the GDPI round to tackle. Should you successfully conquer all the levels to gain entry into XLRI, know that you’ve embarked upon one of your life’s most challenging yet enjoyable phases. At least, that’s what the alumni of XLRI had to say when PaGaLGuY contacted them to learn about their experiences. With just a few months remaining before the next batch of students walk into campus, XLRI alumni share five things they believe every fresher should know and be prepared for before the academic year commences. 

Learn to work under strict deadlines: If you’re laidback and not used to working under strict deadlines, you have a tough road ahead. However, it will teach you to do your work quickly—something corporate life post-college will demand.

Balance between Academic and Extracurricular Activities

The academic pressure at XLRI will keep you on your toes throughout the term. But, fun at XLRI comes in the form of many on-campus activities, from a quizzing league to Public Prod to parliamentary debates to senior vs. junior sports meets to adventure treks. The management fest of the institute, Ensemble, is one of the most sought-after events among B schools.

Don’t get into a mundane rat race

XLRI always has a talented and intelligent bunch of students, and chances are that you will unknowingly develop a competitive streak. While being competitive is not entirely bad, there must be some limit to it. Always remember what you want to do and why you were in the program in the first place. That will help you focus and stop losing sight of what you want.

Student Exchange

The institute also has tie-ups with leading international schools such as Darden School of Business (Univerity of Virginia), ESADE (University of Barcelona, Spain), EMLyon (University of France), Muenster (Germany), etc, for its exchange program. Nearly 20 percent of the batch spends a semester in one of the above partner institutions. The seats are available to both Human Resource Management and Business Management programs.

XLRI Life

While you’ll be busy dwindling between a hectic academic schedule and an equally crazy timetable of extracurricular activities ( as well as placements pressure in your second year), take some time to experience ‘The XLRI Life.’ Listening to Bodhi Tree songs (XLRI band), having late-night snacks at Bishudas (night canteen), attending numerous ‘on-campus parties’ etc will all make life more ‘happening’ in the Institute. Cherish those moments.