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1. Tell us more about your role and responsibilities at your college ?
As a child I have always been outspoken and confident. Being on the stage, for me is the most ecstatic feeling ever. Surrounded by people who want to listen you, who appreciate you, what more could you want! I am a student of Mata Sundri college for Women, Delhi university. When I stepped into the college orientation, there was only one thing that stuck out to me, the Commerce society.
The way society members presented themselves and the auditorium fell silent, listening to them, reminded me of my school days. From that moment I knew I had to join INVICTUS. I waited for hours to get the chance to the interview, and after a week there it was, a call telling I was the Core Member of Invictus! This was only the start of the journey. A year of ups and downs, learning and unlearning. Through Invictus I have been able to stand out of the crowd and be a better version of myself. The memories I have made and the lessons I have learnt will always stay with me.
I was also given a chance to head an event in the Annual commerce fest of MSC, in my first year only. Through this, I refined my organisational and leadership skills. With almost 10 volunteers working under me I learnt how to delegate and motivate. Calling for performers and sponsors I learnt networking and communication.
Today when I look back at the photos of students filled all around the stage, eager to participate and enjoy it reminds me of what I am capable of. It is only through invictus I have learnt to be punctual and always be on your toes. Once again in the Annual fest of MSC I was part of organisational team, one successful event after another invictus help me boost my confidence ten folds. With two more years to go I look forward to take inspiration from my heads and make this society the face of MSC!
2. How can we encourage more young students like yourself to take up leadership roles?
It is not new to anyone that Delhi University is the hub of opportunities and societies. To all the fellow students I would advise, get up and get out of your comfort zone, this is the best chance you’ll get! Find out what you’re good at, be it dance, singing, debating, acting or even strategizing.
I could not imagine my college life without my society- Invictus. It becomes a part of your character, people start knowing you through it. The amount of exposure you get is tremendous. Taking leadership roles is not fun but preparation for future. Having lead various teams in my college as well as school life, now I know what is it to grow together and move forward.
You learn to multitask; you explore the world as well as yourself. Find a society that fits you, if there is none create one! Be the initator, I know it can seem hard sometimes but once you do it, there is no better feeling. From working under the seniors for months to then having the responsibility to handle a main event, I have grown and improved. Speak out and make yourself heard, we are the youth, we have the power and the opportunities. Remember, Learning is important but so is the practical implication.
3. What have been your biggest challenges and learning from what you do?
For me going to college was my first introduction to the real world, I was a no longer surrounded by the protective walls. You make mistakes and you learn along the way. As I have mentioned I had organised events before, I thought this time will be the same. It never is, always remember that the world is ever changing and odds are not always in your favour.
This year, on 25th February I was part of the organising committee for an event in the Annual Union fest of My College. I was second in command the Team leader coincidentally got held up too. This was the day when Trump was visiting Delhi. All the roads and metros were jammed.
The event was about to start, the judges were on their way but the participants were not. It was a state of panic for me as I was also the head of the Tech team. With so many responsibilities at hand, I knew I had to do something. So, I called upon some volunteers from other events, explained them the details, put them to work. Asked the teacher in charge to take care of safe passage for the participants, and she agreed to get them via her car!
I couldn't believe it, things were starting to fall in place. Even people at higher posts than me were listening to me! I basically delegated the situation to the connections I had made during my college year and through proper communication I was able to handle the event single handedly till the Team leader finally arrived. I was appreciated by the staff for my efforts and instantaneous decision making.
This taught me a very important lesson, always talk to people to build a connection not to forget them the next day. Make people remember you by the kind deeds you do. NETWORK, even without knowing the purpose at the moment. You never know when it might help you!I even wrote about this experience of mine on Linkedin!
4. What are your career goals and how is what you’re doing going to help you with that?
Currently I am pursuing B.Com Hons. There are a lot of options in front of my eyes. As of now, I would say that I am passionate about marketing, specially Digital Marketing. In this age of Technology it is a very demanding field with a lot of scope. Me being part of a society has been a huge contributor of this decision. I was able to go around and meet corporates and students who have a clear path and goals.
I learnt to network and created bonds with highly motivated people. When you’re surrounded by people who help you grow instead of pushing you down you can go to great places. It is through the exposure provided by my current role I am clear about what I am doing and how I would move forward.
5. What is your message to encourage students to do internships and attend conferences?
College life is for creating memories and having fun, that’s what most of us think right? But this is not the truth, do enjoy your life but also plan ahead. I would be lying if I said all I did was study and work for the past year, I also found moments of joy. When you do something you’re passionate about you will never feel pressured. Don’t take up internships for the sake of it, explore and find out your niche.
The best thing you can do for that is attended conferences, events and webinars, you’ll get the opportunity to talk to people who are at the same place as you and listen to the ones who have succeeded. You might not find your area of interest at one go, it will take a lot of tries and failures.
In this pandemic situation there are a lot of work from home internships available, go ahead and do some research. You have got to stop wondering and imagining, take real steps and initiatives. I have done a handful of internships myself and am still doing them, this gives me an edge over the other students who might be planning to work in the same field. Make yourself stand out, work on yourself and for yourself.
- Kinjal Khandelwal
Interviewed by- Gurleen Kaur
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