Dreams do come true. And in the most unrealistic ways. In the
last year, some instances happened that made me believe that someone somewhere
is watching over me.
Like every other
student I had this dream to study overseas in an international university. But
with limited resources it was not possible for me. When I got into RICS SBE for
my MBA degree that got to know that they offer students an opportunity to study
a semester at the University of Salford, Manchester in UK. I quickly applied
for it.
The idea of this
student exchange program is not about students getting promoted to a higher or
a better university. It’s about two universities having similar elite status,
best faculty as well as state-of-the-art facilities to provide a platform for
students to learn, explore and share in terms of global knowledge, latest
technology, methods and techniques being used in construction industries and understand
the problems they are facing.
Studying in
UK was a different experience altogether. I got to know people from a different
part of the world while sharing knowledge and skills. Studying at University of
Salford was a dream come true for me.
You can interact with the current students at RICS SBE here.
The subjects
and study material which were taught to us at the University of Salford RICS
SoBE were same as we were taught at RICS SBE India (which is also of
international standard). The only difference was the context in which they were
formulated. There the modules were framed in accordance to the UK construction industry.
This provided a better and a different insight about the sector due to the advancement
and development over there. The RICS SoBE is also running a research
organization which provides leadership in construction technology at the
national level.
With
assistance from RICS SBE, I even got an opportunity to do an internship with a real
estate consultancy company in UK. The organization worked in a totally
different format which provided a framework solution to all the stakeholder
members involved in delivering social group housing in the north of England.
Working there provided me with a better understanding of the construction industry
in UK.
One of the
high points was being invited by the University Vice Chancellor, Mr Martin Hall
for an informal dinner at his place which was also attended by the RICS India
Head, Mr Ian P Perry and Prof. Arif, Director of International School at
University of Salford. Sharing a drink with the esteemed personalities was a lifetime
experience and I will always cherish this memory.
While
studying at the University of Salford, we as students felt competent with the
other students from across the world due to the knowledge and education shared
with us at RICS SBE India by our faculties and mentors in the previous
semesters. The institute and faculties in India supported the students for this
program coming out of their way to help and assist.
While I was gaining international exposure in the UK,
placements for our batch began in India. There were many global companies
coming at the institute from diversified domains like contractors, developers
and project managers offering different profiles. As it is rightly said that a right start sets the course of a successful
journey. At RICS SBE, many top companies offered handsome packages to the
students and reputed designations which is a great platform to start. I really did not want to miss any
chance of applying to the companies of my choice and interest. It was like
stepping on two boats. But RICS SBE made it possible for me. I got the best of
both worlds.
RICS SBE organized
Skype sessions for the exchange program students to prepare them for their
interviews. Not only did they arrange final
interviews on video conferencing, but also provided each student with a mentor
that guided and motivated them throughout the experience. I got a mentor who
supported and encouraged me to go through the interviews with a clear mind. After
having an exposure of studying in an international university and working in a real
estate consultancy firm in U.K, I wanted to work in an International Property
Consultancy (IPC) company. I applied for KPMG and I gave my interview through Skype,
which was also my first interview.
I
got selected in KPMG, which is a really big achievement for me. I realized
that the performance of a student in an interview is not merely based on the
last two weeks learning, but it’s about the knowledge inculcated throughout the
course, management skills developed at the internship and competency gained
through a series of presentations, case studies and industry interaction. Thus,
all these factors contribute to a successful placement selection. I owe my
success to RICS SBE. They helped me fulfill my dreams.
Ayush Jain
MBA -CPM
Final year student
(2013-15)
RICS SBE
You can get more details about the admissions at RICS SBE here