Finding home and growth at IIT Madras: A journey beyond academics | Life in an IIT

During my last year at VIT, I interned, managed organisations on campus, and spoke to mentors who made me realise I had a knack for management. I could envision better career opportunities for myself in this field, and with that clarity, I decided to take the plunge and apply for an MBA. My first attempt at the Common Admission Test (CAT) was in 2022. I had not even expected to clear the exam — it was more about understanding what B-school entrance exams were like.

But then came interview calls, including one from IIT Madras. My interview was on-campus, and it was my first time here. I almost instantly fell in love with the campus, its greenery, and the homely, welcoming atmosphere. When I got the acceptance, it was an easy “yes” — this was where I wanted to be.

I am from a small town in Kerala’s Cochin-Ernakulum region, and the greenery on campus made me feel close to home. It reminded me of my grandparents’ house, with all its trees and plants. Being here, I never felt out of place, even though I was away from home. Staying in a hostel wasn’t new to me, thanks to my time at VIT, so that part was easy.

The first week on campus was all about figuring things out — where to find the passport-size photo studio, catch the bus, or get a good meal. It was overwhelming, but with the help of friends — some BTech students who had been here for years — everything fell into place.

One of my favourite parts of campus life here is the little tea shops by our department. I often take breaks to walk there, grab a cup of tea, and chat with friends before diving back into the day’s work. I usually have classes from 8 am to 5 pm, so moments like these are refreshing. As a huge cat lover, I have found that our campus — home to so many cats — is the perfect place to unwind. I always take time to pet them or watch them roam around, which helps me recharge.

In my first week at IIT, I got to work with students from other batches on a farewell event for the graduating class. It was a wonderful way to connect with people from different departments, and it felt like the campus opened up to me in a way I had not expected.

I joined our department’s alumni committee, which allowed me to network with past graduates, and I also became a project lead in 180 Degrees Consulting, a student-run consulting firm that works with NGOs and organisations focused on social impact. These experiences have shown me the incredible things that can happen when you connect with others and work toward a common goal.

When I think of what I have gained here, the personal growth stands out just as much as the academic learning. IIT Madras has transformed me — not just professionally but personally as well. I have developed skills I never knew I had, especially in areas like communication, public speaking, and networking. I have also learned to trust in myself and my abilities.

Interestingly, there’s little direct overlap between my BTech in Biotechnology and the management subjects I study now, but I find myself drawing connections. The analytical mindset I developed in research has been a huge asset here, helping me dive deeper into business problems. Some management concepts actually have roots in biology — like the way materials move in and out of a cell, mirroring how businesses manage resources. It is all about learning to adapt knowledge across different fields, and that is something I enjoy.

I am excited to enter the world of business strategy and consulting after graduation, hopefully in a role that keeps me on my toes with new challenges each day. I thrive on variety and the dynamic nature of consulting appeals to me.

Beyond my career goals, I have many interests that keep me balanced. I am an avid reader — fiction mostly — and (Haruki) Murakami is a favourite. I also write poetry and I am passionate about learning foreign languages; I speak seven languages in total, including French, Japanese, and German. Lately, I have been experimenting with Korean cuisine and cooking has become a big hobby of mine. I also love spending time with animals, which makes living here on campus with all its friendly cats an extra joy.

Life at IIT has been everything I hoped for and more. It is a journey I would not trade for anything. The challenges, the friendships, and even the daily rituals like a quiet cup of tea or a walk to the beach with friends have shaped me profoundly. Here, I have found not just a career path but also a community that has become an extension of my family.