Gaganpreet Siddhartha In Conversation with Alumni on Convocation day
The very first convocation ceremony for Sunstone PGPM students of 3 batches, Class of 2012, Spring class of 2013 and Fall Class of 2013 was held at India Habitat Centre on 18th Jan 2014. Industry guest Mr Dilip Modi, CEO at Spice Communications and Owner, Sunstone faculty and entire Sunstone team attended the ceremony. The students looked vibrant, the atmosphere was joyous and pleasantly informal keeping with the Sunstone philosophy of doing things differently.
The convocation day was filled with recollection of good old memories, batch reunions and some introspection. Having closely worked with all the 3 batches, I took the opportunity to understand what these students had gained from this program, and more importantly what their vision for their future looked like ( and I must say I am proud of the fact that their vision is big and they are all excited!). Here are few excerpts
Do you feel your perspective has changed?
Avneet: My perspective towards problem solving in both professional and in personal life has changed drastically. At Sunstone, I was made to believe that I can do anything if I wish to. By solving different kind of activities and assignments given by them, I feel more confident in real life too. I am more open to risk taking. I try to see the problem with a top down approach rather than bottom to top approach.
Tejas: My thought process has broadened. Now I am at ease in joining the dots between engineering and business expectations for my product and able to articulate my thoughts in structured way. I have started to find out how my contributions can positively influence the outcomes in the big picture.
Anupam: I think for me the change was 360, from my personal life to professional, and my attitude towards people has changed. Along with the knowledge to lead, at both tactical and strategic level, it also provided understanding and importance of people management.
What are the learnings that have stayed with you?
Avneet: a. Networking. It is the only skill that cannot be delegated. Your network remains yours, no matter wherever you go. Add as much as professionals in your network. Use LinkedIn more than Facebook! b. Unless you don’t trust yourself, no one else will. Start behaving like what you want to become. All other things will follow if you use a disciplined approach. c. Communicate your thoughts / ideas well. You might have a great idea, but unless you express it clearly it is worthless.
Anupam: Three values of Sunstone – “Vision-Directed” , “Positive” and “Grounded”, had a huge impact on my professional and personal life.
to be continued…
Original Article Published in:
http://sunstone.in/management-program/2014/02/in-conversation-with-alumni-on-convocation-day/
Gaganpreet Siddharta
Gaganpreet is a program manager with Sunstone Business School. She takes care of Alumni relations and admissions for prospective students.