College story: The Most Valuable Lessons from my MBA - Collaboration and Networking!

College story: The Most Valuable Lessons from my MBA - Collaboration and Networking!

In 2011, I enrolled in an MBA program at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai. On the very first day, I crossed paths with Prasanna Krishna Venkat Rao (looking straight at the camera). 

He had seven more years of professional experience than me, but when it came to managing people, his expertise was far beyond years. Despite being a close friend, he never hesitated in providing constructive feedback when necessary. 

For instance, once I assured Prasanna that I would wait for him before going to college to submit an assignment. However, I left with another person before he could reach my room. Prasanna expressed his disappointment and reminded me that if I had made a commitment to wait, I should have either waited or at least informed him via phone.

Moreover, his stories, ranging from his experiences at IBM in the US to the sale of his agricultural land in Kerala, were so captivating that I would listen to them over breakfast and lunch daily. 

He has been a source of inspiration and a role model for me. Interestingly, even after completing his MBA, he pursued various courses in data analytics, which motivated me to undertake a D.Pharm. in 2021. 

As we step up in the corporate ladder, friendship and constructive feedback becomes rare. It is crucial to identify a mentor cum friend, from whom you can gain invaluable insights.