As part of the Knowledge Dialogue Series, a webinar was held on 4th July, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., for the students of MBA and BBA, on the topic “Get Real in the Virtual World”, which focused mainly on opportunities that can be explored by the students in scenarios like this when physical infrastructure and f2f meetings etc. are not an option. It spoke about career and personal development for growth in general, covered the power of networks, importance of mentors, personal branding, pertinent use of online resources. More than 100 students from MBA and BBA were part of the seminar.

Sri Rabindra Jena, who is also a Konfidant (Corporate Mentoring program) mentor, was the Guest Speaker. Rabindra has nearly 1.5 decades of corporate experience into areas like Strategy, Finance, Analytics, Operations and Program Management. He specializes in handling large and complex programs spread across multi geographies. Currently, he works as the Strategy and Program Manager for a Global Program in Credit Suisse. Prior to this, he was heading Strategy and Operations for the largest Business Unit of Capgemini Financial Services. He is an avid reader, a die-hard quizzer and has a great passion for coaching and mentoring young career starters. He holds a B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from VSSUT Burla & MBA (Finance & Strategy) from XIMB. The webinar was co-ordinated by Prof. Isa Mishra.

Key takeaways from the program:

1. How to make the best use of time and available resources during lockdown situations like this.
2. How to utilize our existing network and also expand the same by connecting with people who can add value to our career growth.
3. Efficiently use all the available virtual platforms to create an impact leading to personal branding.
4. Look for fresh new opportunities with a creative bent of mind, instead of getting lost amidst the clutter – the “Blue Ocean” concept.
5. Seek the right kind of mentorship/coaching and avoid any off the shelf career coaching floating in the market these days.