When I look back at my time at Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies (DSIMS), I feel a mix of emotions: pride, gratitude, and a little nostalgia. It was one of the most exciting periods of my life, a time when I got to plan the next chapter of my journey, from launching my career as a management professional to stepping into another educational experience. Looking back, I can clearly see how DSIMS has made its mark and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of its students.
The MMS Course: Purposeful, challenging and stimulating
The MMS program at DSIMS was well structured, and the various methods of assessment made the course purposeful, challenging and stimulating. It pushed us to think out of the box and look at problems from different angles, a skill I use every day in my career today.
Leading the ISR Club
One of the memories I cherish most is serving as the President of the Institutional Social Responsibility (ISR) Club of DSIMS, along with taking part in many other college events. It played a big role in developing my overall personality.
ISR opened my eyes to a completely different side of business: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). I learned how a business can contribute to the development of the country through societal and environmental programmes. By taking part in activities aimed at the betterment and upliftment of society, I developed a more sensitised approach towards people and the environment.
As head of the club, I got hands-on experience in organising events. I formulated strategies for each event, from bringing in sponsorships to planning marketing campaigns to promote them. These were lessons no textbook could have taught me.
Growth, confidence and lifelong bonds
All of these experiences gave me self-confidence and helped me become a person who people recognise even after the program has ended. The warmth of my batchmates and the constant support of the faculty members made my stay at DSIMS memorable and worthwhile.
Reflections: More than a degree
I am immensely proud to be associated with DSIMS, which offers the best possible grounding for the path one is about to take. It is always a pleasure to come back to the Alma Mater that laid the foundation of my career, and I hope to continue my association with DSIMS in whatever manner possible.
For students who are about to begin their MMS journey, my advice is simple: don't limit yourself to the classroom. Join clubs, take up leadership roles, and organise events. These experiences build the confidence, skills and perspective that will stay with you long after the degree is done.
About the Author:
Alifya Ebrahim Contractor is an MMS alumna of DSIMS (Batch of 2023) and currently works as a Tax Consultant at Deloitte.