Divya Raj, EMBA 2016, Conquers Everest Base Camp
I am someone who loves outdoor adventure. I never miss an opportunity to try something new whenever I can.
Reading a blog somewhere in 2020 inspired me to include Mount Kilimanjaro in my Bucket list. And it was pure coincidence that one of our Toastmasters friends, who is also an avid hiker, mentioned Kilimanjaro in the group, and I took that opportunity.
While I have done smaller hikes in India, Kili was the first major hike, and we started serious preparations in 2020. In July 2021, we summited Kili. Sameera Khan an alumni of SP Jain Global, is a dear friend, a toastmaster and my driving force for these hikes as we began this hiking journey together.
The course structure of SP Jain Global was well-curated, and I especially enjoyed all related lectures as each student got the attention and ability to speak up their mind. During these lectures, my classmates from similar SCM backgrounds shared their rich experiences, and we all learned a lot from each other.
The highlight was the DHL industry visit; it was one of the most informative sessions, during which we saw all the classroom learnings come to life and gained immense exposure to warehouse management. My internships at Jeebly and HP also helped me deploy all my learnings, connect with the industry, and keep in touch with the corporate side of the world.
My favourite memory in SP Jain Global is during the course – Effective Business Communication, where we took an in-depth ‘True Colour’ personality test on various parameters like life values, communication, relationships, work ethics, etc. The colour for me was GOLD, which helped me understand who I am and what I should aspire to be. I could resonate more with my strengths and thus began the journey to act on them to achieve my dream job.
They say mountains have a way of calling you back! From Mount Kili, it was the picturesque Kashmir Great Lakes and then the grand finale, the Everest Base Camp, that Marquee hike everyone aspires to go on!
Several key aspects inspired the ambition to reach the Everest Base Camp:
Thinking back to my time during the Executive MBA at SP Jain Global, I can’t help but appreciate how it equipped me with the essential skills to manage my professional, academic, and personal responsibilities effectively. Juggling a demanding job and the responsibility of caring for a young child was challenging. Still, the program’s rigorous curriculum, combined with the support of a diverse cohort, created a dynamic learning environment. This balance fostered both my personal and professional growth. Some key aspects of how the EMBA helped me include:
The EMBA program’s demanding schedule necessitated a high level of time management and prioritisation. Balancing coursework with professional duties and personal life taught me how to Set Priorities, Efficiently Plan and Delegate,
The program emphasised collaborative learning through group projects, case studies, and discussions. This experience honed my leadership and teamwork skills through diverse group discussions and effective communication.
Courses in strategy, finance, and operations gave me a broader perspective on business challenges. I learned to analyse complex problems, make data-driven decisions, and develop and implement strategic plans that align with organisations’ goals.
SP Jain Global’s diverse and international cohort provided ample opportunities to build a robust professional network.
The EMBA program’s challenging nature required me to adapt quickly and remain resilient despite obstacles.
The program encouraged self-reflection and personal development, helping me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. It prioritised work-life balance and fostered the mindset of lifelong learning.
The discipline and time management skills I gained during my EMBA at SP Jain Global have been invaluable in my professional and personal life. Prioritising and executing consistently have been key to my success. These lessons were especially crucial during my Everest Base Camp expedition, where strategic planning, risk management, and teamwork helped me overcome challenges and reach my goal. These experiences have driven me to push boundaries and achieve new milestones.