Nehal Lodha is a Master of Business Administration student of Institute of Management, Nirma University who has been continuously involved in beyond the classroom activities.
Here, Nehal is sharing her experience being a Social Media Coordinator & Creative Head at Karwaan and Overall Coordinator at Mess Committee. Her hard work has the potential to propel her ahead of the curve.
Go ahead and know what her story has to offer so that you can easily find a path of self-growth.
What was your role? Briefly list the responsibilities associated with it.
I was the Social media coordinator and the idea generator at the public speaking club; Karwaan. I was responsible for designing new campaigns for social media, handling the interaction between the students and the team, and also being the bridge between the faculties and the students as we were part of a B-school.
As a public speaking club, our main goal is to develop communication skills and provide a platform where students can perform. It also meant to evolve the thinking process of all the students by organizing different kinds of events all the time for all of them.
This was not all I was also a member of Mess committee where I was responsible for designing a menu for the year-long which included the dishes from all states of India, organizing events which were related to food and as you all know food has to be part of every big event happening in the college, so yes we were there.
The biggest responsibility for me was that this committee was for 365 days and 24/7. There is no break to it and that’s what you enjoy.
What’s it like to juggle between leadership roles and academics? Pen down the challenges you faced.
The main goal for a student in a B-school is not only to develop your individual self but also to maintain a balance between academics. Initially, when it all started it was hectic because you need to daily attend meetings, ideate on events, design campaigns, and whatnot. For me, it was on a different side because I was part of 2 clubs/committees so the work was double.
And the public speaking club was a newly formed club and we had no past records, so everything started from the roots. From deciding the domains, to deciding the team, to deciding the events, to deciding the judges, and to what not.
So you have to compromise on one or the other thing. The schedule we had was very hectic because we were not allowed to miss classes or assignments and also we were not allowed to miss on our events. The clock never stopped for us.
But let me tell you; all of this is not difficult if you have zeal in you and the ability to manage things properly. My perception and mindset helped me sail through this tough journey. When it starts it is hard but once you sit on the boat it starts becoming easy and then you are used to it.
Just one thing nobody would come your way to pressurize or to say something; it is you who have to do it on your own. You are the decision-maker.
Did you also get a chance to connect with any other activity while working on this post?
Yes, there were a lot of activities which gave us a chance to connect to the other colleges as an individual and as a team. I represented at IIT Delhi for a book synopsis competition and was amongst the top 10 participants across India, I was also a part of the Annual Management Fest of IIM Udaipur and was amongst the top 6 teams for a debate competition across India. I was also given an opportunity to present my B-plan at IIM Bangalore and was amongst the top 13 ideas across India. And last but not the least I was also the winner of National level presentation competition organized by Institute of Management, Nirma University.
What are the top learnings, skills and values that you acquired here?
I would start by learnings from Karwaan- The Public Speaking Club
- It helped me develop my communication skills.
- Provided me with the platform to present my ideas.
- Helped me in knowing how to pitch for sponsorship to different start-ups, restaurants, business outlets.
- It helped me analyze the people I was working around.
- It helped me open my wings and made me realize I was much more than my actual potentials.
Learnings from Mess Committee
- You have to be on your toes all the time
- You can do anything for the students but there is no appreciation [afterall it is mess food 😉 ]
- You learn to take the rejections
- I have learned to foster leadership here
- This place made me realize that leadership is more about service than the rule.
Do you feel your current role fills you with pride and gratitude? Illustrate how the experience gained will help you going forward?
I take the utmost pride in saying that I was part of Karwaan and Mess committee. When I was selected for this position I was very excited and nervous at the same time. I knew this would be the best part of my journey.
Whatever I have learned here like time management, the art of negotiation, understanding the team, developed managerial skills and other professional and non-professional skills as a part of this family would always be cherished and will help me become a better manager in the corporate world of which I would become a part soon. This experience will also me while I’ll be working with the teams incorporates.
As when we talk about leadership we have a whole team with us. How do you persuade others to accept your ideas/ways?
For me, leadership is not just speaking but also listening. I used to listen and ask the whole team about a particular idea. The key was to brainstorm always. We used to check how this idea is going to help us, or how a particular event will lead to higher participation. And what I believe leadership is not just making others accept your idea, but it is about accepting the idea which gives the best possible outcome in favour of the team. It is also the right way, not my way. And when you work in a team never hesitate to accept the better ideas given by others because in the end, it is the benefit for the team. I firmly believe seniors also play a crucial role in this journey. They make you realize your strengths and let you work for it. Positive motivation plays an important role in the journey of leadership.
What is your message to students, aspiring the same or a similar role to do?
My message is to all of you is
- Never hesitate while doing something new. Just take that step and trust me you would love the feeling.
- Once you are in it give 100% and the results will always be in your favour.
- Academics can easily be managed if you have the right mindset towards the journey.
- Never fear of anything, keep confidence in yourself; you can do wonders. Because you never fail you either learn or you succeed.
- The right attitude, right timing and right team can take you to great heights.
How can we (Friends, Family, YI Fraternity) encourage young students such as yourself to engage with co-curricular or extra-curricular activities?
- Try to grab opportunities, nothing is small or big; if you like it do it.
- Parents should also create a healthy environment for the kids at home.
- Don’t wait for the results, but just try.
- Keep learning, there is no age limit for learning anything new in life.
- Keep practising and never forget your roots.
Anything else would you like to say to the YI learners who’ll be reading your experience?
I am very thankful to Young Influx for providing me with this platform and to the readers just know telling you my motto of living life
Woods are lovely, dark and deep; Miles to go before I sleep, Miles to go before I sleep.
We at Young Influx would take this opportunity to thank Nehal for taking a leap of faith and sharing his impeccable story. We are humbled and grateful, your efforts mean a lot for the youth seeking growth and development.
And hello, dear readers, we welcome you to explore the platform with an open mind. Help yourself gain most out of the experiences and opportunities listed here.
And before you bid us adieu, we would like you to know that you can read more such student stories here.
Interesting and helpful.