Orientation Programme for Batch 2024-26
Location: SIIB Auditorium
Date of event: 3rd June – 15th June, 22nd June, 24th June and 25th June 2024
No of students, Faculty & Staff: 250+
Report of the Orientation Programme 2024:
The orientation programme for the Batch 2024–2026 began on 3rd June – 15th June, 22nd June, 24th June and ended on 25th June 2024 that marked the beginning of a 15 day’s journey filled with valuable insights and guidance. Esteemed guests and alumni were cordially invited to share their invaluable expertise and experiences with the incoming batch. The students had the privilege to engage in enriching interactions with instructors, fellow students, and accomplished professionals from various industries. This was made possible through a diverse range of lectures, workshops, and networking events, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and fostering valuable connections. The sessions conducted for the orientation programme were:
June 3rd:
Briefing by the Head of the Department on Finance, Marketing, HR, IT, International Business, and SCM – The session featured Dr. Jeevan Nagarkar, Assistant Professor; Dr. Suchita Jha, Assistant Professor; Dr. Dharmesh K. Mishra, Professor; Dr. Viraja Bhat, Associate Professor; Dr. Sandip Solanki, Associate Professor; and Dr. Chetan Prabhu, faculty member from the Department of Supply Chain Management, who introduced their departments and faculty to students. Each head provided valuable insights into their fields, discussing current trends, challenges, and career opportunities in Finance, Marketing, HR, IT, International Business, and SCM. Topics covered included financial strategies, market dynamics, HR management, technological innovations, global business trends, and supply chain management. The session included interactive Q&A segments where students could delve deeper into specific areas of interest. Furthermore, students were informed about various clubs tailored to each department, offering opportunities for hands-on experience and professional networking.
Library Session- The library session provided comprehensive information on student access to resources, including the issuance of library cards and procedures for borrowing and returning books. Discussions covered the number of books, magazines, and eBooks available for student use, along with access to databases and e-learning resources. Detailed library timings for weekends and weekdays were outlined to facilitate convenient access. Additionally, the session addressed the consequences of book damage or loss by students, emphasizing responsible use of library materials.
Briefing by the IT Department – The IT Department conducted a briefing to familiarize students with essential technical aspects at SIIB. Topics covered included guidelines on connecting laptops to the campus WiFi network, highlighting the fully centralized WiFi system in place. The session provided instructions on accessing the WiFi login portal and registration process, ensuring students could seamlessly connect to network services. Additionally, the use of smartboards in classrooms was introduced, emphasizing their role in enhancing interactive learning experiences. The IT team was also introduced, assuring students of support for any technical issues they may encounter during their academic journey at SIIB.
Briefing by the Administrative Officer at SIIB – Mr. Yogesh Kalbhor, Administrative Officer at SIIB, conducted a session outlining essential guidelines and policies for students. Discussions covered night attendance requirements for hostel residents, academic attendance policies, modes of communication to students, procedures for hostel leave approval, fee payment processes, available facilities at SIIB, and the institution’s code of conduct, including disciplinary procedures. The session emphasized the robust student support system available throughout the students’ journey at SIIB. Additionally, details were provided on the specific laptop requirements for the MBA programme, along with key contacts for addressing classroom-related concerns.
June 4th:
Briefing by the Head of the Department on MBA – Agri Business and MBA – Energy & Environment – Dr. Nisha Bharti, Assistance Professor & Head of Department of MBA- Agri Business and Dr. Prakash Rao, Officiating Director & Head of Department of MBA- Energy and Environment addressed the new batch and gave valuable insight about the course and curriculum that is well designed to equip students with knowledge of respective courses along with core managerial skills. They highlighted the outcomes of the course through practice of value-based learning by understanding & demonstrating ethical practices through sustained efforts.
Session on Gender Sensitization by Ms. Renuka Mukadam, POSH and DEI Consultant and Trainer– Ms. Renuka Mukadam a renowned POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Consultant and Trainer, conducted a session on gender sensitization. She explained POSH comprehensively, discussed various forms of sexual harassment, and emphasized the importance of consent. She also addressed biases that should be discouraged in any setting, empowering students to create a respectful work environment.
Session on MH Connect, an e-learning platform, by Ms. Mansi Negi, Product Expert from McGraw Hill andDr. CA Madhura Ranade, Assistant Professor, SIIB – Ms. Manasi Negi introduced the students to the MH Connect platform through an online session. Ms. Negi highlighted the e-learning platform’s benefits, while Dr. Ranade guided students through the Financial and Accounting course. MH Connect offers features like smart view assignments, task tracking, e-books, interactive quizzes, and automatic grading, facilitating effective student-instructor interaction in a seamless learning environment.
Session on Bloomberg Terminal by Ms. Juhi Chowdhri, Equity Product Specialist at Bloomberg- Ms Juhi Chowdhri delivered a session on the Bloomberg Terminal, covering aspects such as navigating Bloomberg, accessing real-time data, utilizing analysis tools, and managing portfolios. She explained the functionalities of the color-coded keyboard, providing students with valuable skills for data-driven decision-making and staying updated with global financial news.
Address by Ms. Sujata Kolekar, Managing Director, Accenture Ltd. Japan on Japanese Language- Ms Sujata Kolekar conducted a session on the Japanese language, emphasizing its importance for securing job opportunities in Japan. She highlighted the benefits of knowing Japanese for competitive compensation and noted the language’s similarities to Indian languages. Ms. Kolekar discussed Japan’s safety, its growing Indian population, and the industrial success of its unique culture. She also talked about the post-COVID focus on self-reliance, leading to Japanese Industrial Townships in India. The session concluded with an overview of certification courses and a Q&A segment.
June 5th:
Briefing by Col. S.K. Mishra, Campus Administrator at SIC –Col. S.K. Mishra addressed the batch by informing them about the rules, regulations, and code of conduct that are to be followed in the Symbiosis Infotech Campus. He made the students aware of his roles and responsibilities as the campus administrator and concluded by advising the students to maintain decorum and behave in a professionally sound manner on campus.
Address by Dr. Prakash Rao, Officiating Director– Dr. Prakash Rao provided insights on balancing rigorous academics with fast-evolving industry requirements. He emphasized the significance of International Business, Agribusiness, and Energy and Environment, highlighting SIIB’s modern curriculum. Dr. Rao discussed the distribution of credits, pedagogical methods, and resources like the Knowledge Resources Center. He stressed the importance of certifications, international collaborations, and active participation in committees, concluding with a Q&A segment.
Session on Internationalization by Ms. Mansi Joshi, Senior Officer at Symbiosis Centre for International Education (SCIE)– Ms Mansi Joshi conducted an enlightening session on internationalization, showcasing SIU’s excellent rankings and global perspective. She explained SCIE’s role in promoting international activities and detailed the Global Immersion Program (GIP) and partnerships with over 81 universities. Ms. Joshi highlighted benefits like cultural experiences and enhanced career opportunities, covering semester exchange selection, dual degree options, and expanded scholarship opportunities.
Session on “Mind Tap” by the team from Cengage publication house- The team of Cengage publication House, Ms Ameesha Shanker, Digital Product Specialist and Mr Onkar Dudhane, Assistant Area Manager – Higher Education, introduced the students to Mind Tap which is online learning platform. Cengage Learning is a provider of learning and research solutions for the academic, professional, and library markets. MINDTAP from Cengage Learning exhibits a novel approach to a highly personalized, online learning platform.
Interaction with Mr. Rajib Kar, SIIB Student at Berlin School of Economics and Law under the StudentExchange Programme– led an interactive session on the exchange programme with the Berlin School of Economics and Law (BSEL), Germany. He detailed the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits of the dual degree programme, explaining the academic curriculum, financial expenses, and visa application process. Mr. Kar shared firsthand experiences and discussed the opportunities and exposure available to students in this exchange programme, concluding with a Q&A session.
June 6th:
Alumni Session by Mr. Yatin Sonkusare from Yantra Inc.- Mr. Yatin Sonkusare, conducted a session on resume and CV building, sharing his professional journey and discussing the importance of well-crafted resumes and CVs. He explained the differences between hard and soft skills, stressing the need to tailor resumes to match job descriptions and build profiles accordingly. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment.
Committee Briefing on Sports and Sparsh-The briefing started with a video introduction of the committee. The graphical representation helped the students understand the vision and mission of the committee. After the video, the core committee members introduced themselves and their roles to the students. They then provided an elaborate and detailed description of the activities and events held by the committee, such as regular quizzes and competitions. The briefing concluded with the team mailing out the interest forms to the students.
June 7th & 8th:
Outbound Session- SIIB held an outbound session for the Batch 2024-26 at Surya Shibir. Students eagerly gathered at the SIC campus early in the morning and enjoyed music and dancing on their way to the venue. The day featured, a Zumba session, yoga, and various group activities, including a creative egg drop challenge. The evening ended with a lively DJ night. The next morning, students completed a challenging six-kilometer trek and participated in a fashion show. This two-day event fostered engagement, creativity, and teamwork, setting a positive tone for their MBA journey, emphasized by insightful speeches from guests and alumni on continuous learning and growth, marking the beginning of a promising academic journey for the new students.
June 10th:
Session on Heartfulness by Ms. Pooja Sinha, Peace Faculty at MIT-WPU, Pune– Ms. Pooja Sinha led a session on heartfulness meditation, explaining this simple, globally practiced method for fostering self-connection. The session, part of a three-part series, focused on relaxation and meditation, highlighting the power of intention. Participants reflected on their aspirations to align goals with actions, and the session ended with an interactive Q&A segment.
June 11th:
Session on Basics of Yoga by Ms. Abhishri Rajput, Sports Officer from DSRW – Ms. Abhishri Rajput conducted a chair yoga session in which she showcased and helped the students learn yoga poses they can perform in their everyday life, even while attending classes. After a very relaxing chair yoga session, she concluded by urging the students to perform and participate in physical activities like yoga to maintain good health and posture.
June 12th:
Session by Mr. Aditya Bhagat, CEO & Co-Founder at Affinsys AI during the Induction Programme– Mr. Aditya Bhagat shared his professional journey since graduating from SIIB. He described his SIIB experience as transformative, emphasizing the continued relevance of his education. Reflecting on SIIB’s role in producing numerous CEOs, he encouraged students to embrace uncertainties and network actively. He discussed the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly changing business world and the success of his entrepreneurial venture, inspiring students to build a durable foundation for future success.
Alumni Session by Mr. Ajay Mishra (APM), Transformational Communication Coach and Trainer– Mr. Ajay Prakash Mishra, emphasized the importance of planning, networking, and communication skills in his session, sharing his journey from a vernacular school student to a senior position at Adobe. He inspired students to overcome challenges with perseverance, stressing the importance of gratitude, adapting to change, and setting clear goals. He encouraged students to track progress monthly and value differing opinions, highlighting meaningful networking over mere LinkedIn connections.
Committee Briefing by Placecom, Alcom, PR & Media – The online briefing provided a comprehensive introduction to the operations and responsibilities of the three core committees at SIIB. Students were encouraged to actively participate in the selection processes for these committees. The session highlighted the significant professional growth and development opportunities that come with committee involvement, emphasizing how such engagement can distinguish an SIIB student from a typical MBA graduate. It was made clear that being part of these committees not only enhances one’s leadership and teamwork skills but also provides a unique platform to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, thereby enriching the overall MBA experience.
June 14th:
Alumni Session by Mr. Prabhash Chaudhary, Founder and CEO of Magistral Consulting– Mr. Prabhash Chaudhary shared his professional journey, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing learning over money in one’s 30s for long-term success. Starting as an average student with the lowest CTC in his batch, he went on to found his own company. Using humor and anecdotes, he explained strategy consulting and encouraged grassroots-level career beginnings. Mr. Chaudhary actively engaged the students and expressed interest in hiring from the college, concluding with a vibrant Q&A session.
Alumni Session by Mr. Vivek Khatri, Associate Director at LTI Mindtree- Mr. Vivek Khatri shared insights on the dynamic IT landscape, emphasizing the importance of upskilling in IT and highlighting IT-Enabled Services (ITES). He discussed the critical role of robust IT infrastructure and agile software solutions, stressing continuous learning and innovation for organizational growth. Mr. Khatri underscored secure communication networks for global collaboration and concluded with AI’s transformative impact on software capabilities and the resilience of the IT industry.
Committee Briefing by E-Cell and Kshitij- ISR Committee – The online briefing provided an in-depth overview of the committee dedicated to enhancing entrepreneurial skills among MBA graduates, equipping them for success in the corporate world. The Kshitij committee, is highly regarded for its emphasis on nurturing the human aspect within individuals. During the session, students were thoroughly briefed on the various initiatives and campaigns that the Kshitij committee has successfully implemented. It emphasized how each student, regardless of whether they are an official member of the committee, can actively participate and contribute to these meaningful endeavors, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
June 22nd:
Symbiosis International University Main Campus Induction Tour- SIIB organized a comprehensive tour of the Symbiosis International University, Lavale Campus, for the MBA Batch of 2024-26. They explored various institutes like SIMC, SIBM Pune, SIDTM, and SSBF, each offering unique programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Highlights included SIMC’s advanced audio studio and visits to the Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre and the Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT). The visit ended, leaving the students enriched by the experience and inspired by the diverse educational opportunities offered by Symbiosis.
June 24th:
Session by the SymbiCare Team– The team from following departments had visited SIIB to brief the students about the support, services and facilities available through SIU
- Department of Student Welfare, SIU – DSW
- Symbiosis Centre for Health Care – SCHC
- Symbiosis Centre of Emotional Wellbeing – SCEW
- Department of Sports Recreation and Wellness – DSRW
- Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre – SUHRC
June 25th:
Session on Coursera by Mr. Siddharth Nagar, Customer Success Manager at Coursera- Mr. Siddharth Nagar started by introducing himself to the batch and his position in the Coursera team. He provided a complete analysis and overview of all the functions of Coursera to the students and also enlightened them about the benefits of the certification courses offered by the platform. He explained in detail the structure of the courses and the learnings they provide. He concluded his session by encouraging students to make the utmost use of this opportunity and upskill themselves through Coursera.
The orientation programme concluded with enlightening and enriching experiences for all the students of batch 2024-2026. Sessions delivered by distinguished speakers, industry experts, and esteemed alumni imparted valuable knowledge and skills, preparing the students to be future-ready.
Key learnings / takeaways:
“I learned a lot about industry trends and the importance of continuous learning and networking. The hands-on
sessions and real-world examples were particularly valuable for understanding how to apply theoretical
concepts.”
— Nishtha, MBA-IB, 2024-2026
“The diverse topics covered provided a holistic view of what to expect and how to prepare for future challenges. The
focus on self-awareness and building a respectful, inclusive work environment was truly eye-opening.”
— Aryananda SR, ABM 2024-26
“The orientation program was an enriching experience, blending academic insights with practical applications. It has
equipped me with the tools and confidence to excel in both personal and professional arenas.”
— Tanushree Bhindwale E&E, 2024-26
