Student Leader Interview - Akanksha Sehgal from Kirori Mal College


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1. Tell us more about your role and responsibilities at your college.

Currently, I am a part of two student organizations at my college - The Commerce Society and Enactus. COMSOC represents the department of commerce, is mostly geared towards organising commerce events, seminars and competitions in the DU circuit. Enactus, on the other hand, tends to cultivate the spirit of social entrepreneurship among students. Both the organisations act as facilitator for our future careers. 

2. How can we encourage more young students such as yourself to take up leadership roles?

I only joined these organisations and took up leadership roles to know a bit more about myself and my interests. DU colleges have a lot to offer, and it would be a waste of potential if these opportunities are ignored. Books cannot teach you people skills, and having a leadership role in a student society is like a proof of having cultivated those skills. Besides, in college you can afford to experiment, 

3. What have been your biggest challenges and learning from what you do?  

I am not from Delhi, so living by myself was an obvious struggle. I would say that juggling between my studies, COMSOC and Enactus in the second semester really put me in a difficult state. It's really important to know what really matters to you, and what you wish to prioritise. I realised that I cannot do everything because I really shouldn't. 
 
4. What are your career goals and how is what you are doing going to help you with that? 

I am still getting a taste of everything, from taking up online courses to internships. I have an inclination for a lot of things, so I haven't figured it out yet. I can say that the student organisations definitely expand your field of view. Unless you're a part of a student organisation, there's a lesser chance you'll interact with your seniors with that much openness, who can guide you really really well. Of course, you build soft skills that eventually go a long way. 

5. What's your message to encourage students to do internships and attend conferences?

It's always a good idea to pursue internships for many reasons. Student organisations, although being amazing in their own ways, generally is more of a "friendly place" that has less to do with professionalism and actual work. Internships give you an opportunity to work on projects as well as a direction. As far as conferences are concerned, I am not too thrilled. In my opinion, one-on-one interactions with seniors and alumni works best. 

- Akanksha Sehgal

Interviewed by- Gurleen Kaur