How to groom yourself in college? Aswini Bajaj on Upskilling

Summary

This video offers valuable advice on navigating college and career decisions. It highlights the importance of gaining practical experience through internships, personal projects, and participation in extracurricular activities. The speaker shares insights on improving skills outside of traditional academic environments, emphasizing the need for self-motivation and initiative. While gap years for undergraduates are not recommended, the video suggests finding ways to maximize exposure and growth through external events, networking, and challenges, rather than waiting for the 'perfect' college experience. The speaker also touches on post-graduate decisions, mentioning how a calculated gap year can be useful for some.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be proactive in participating in extracurricular activities and events, even if your college doesn't offer many opportunities. It can provide valuable exposure and help you grow.
• 😀 Don't rely solely on your college for career growth. Take charge of your own development by engaging in outside events or even forming teams with students from other colleges.
• 😀 A gap year is generally not recommended for undergraduates unless there's a very specific reason, such as additional preparation for better opportunities.
• 😀 It's important to assess whether your college placement services are necessary or if you can develop your skills independently to secure a job later on.
• 😀 You can gain valuable experience by participating in inter-college events, even if they don't seem directly related to your field of study. These can help build essential skills like teamwork and problem-solving.
• 😀 Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Participating in events where you may fail or lose can still be beneficial for personal growth and skill development.
• 😀 You can create opportunities for yourself even in a competitive environment by networking with students from different colleges and learning from their experiences.
• 😀 Being flexible and open to different types of events and competitions can help you overcome inhibitions and build confidence, no matter the outcome.
• 😀 A gap year could be worth considering for postgraduate studies if you’re aiming for a higher rank or a better opportunity, but it's a costly and time-consuming decision that requires careful consideration.
• 😀 Focus on developing a broad range of skills, not just those tied to your academic discipline. Building versatile skills can make you more adaptable and attractive to future employers.

Q & A

What is the speaker's general stance on taking a gap year during undergrad?

The speaker generally does not recommend taking a gap year during undergrad. They suggest focusing on personal development, such as participating in events or gaining work experience, rather than delaying academic progress.

How does the speaker suggest you can still develop yourself even if your college doesn't provide many opportunities?

The speaker advises reaching out to other colleges or cities to participate in inter-college events. They stress the importance of gaining exposure and experience outside of the classroom, even if your college isn't actively offering those opportunities.

What personal experience does the speaker share to emphasize the value of stepping out of your comfort zone?

The speaker shares a story of participating in an event in Pune where they had to dance on the street and sell 'masala thumbs up.' This experience helped them overcome inhibitions and gain real-world skills while having fun.

Why does the speaker mention the idea of taking a drop for a better placement in postgrad?

The speaker mentions a friend who took a drop in postgrad to improve their B-school ranking. This serves to illustrate that while a gap year might not be ideal for undergrad, it could be considered for postgrad if it helps improve future opportunities.

What is the speaker’s advice about whether or not you need a placement from your college?

The speaker suggests evaluating if you need a placement from your college. If you can groom yourself and gain relevant experience outside of college, a college placement might not be as essential.

What does the speaker mean by ‘grooming yourself’ during college?

By 'grooming yourself,' the speaker refers to taking proactive steps to build your skills, expand your knowledge, and participate in relevant activities or events that contribute to personal and professional growth.

What is the speaker’s opinion on participating in events outside of college?

The speaker strongly encourages participating in events outside of college. Even if your college doesn't provide these opportunities, reaching out to other institutions or organizing your own team can be valuable for exposure, networking, and personal development.

What is the significance of the speaker’s anecdote about selling masala thumbs up?

The significance of this anecdote is to illustrate how unconventional experiences, such as selling products on the street while performing, can teach resilience, teamwork, and creativity—all essential skills that can boost personal growth.

How does the speaker view the financial aspect of taking a gap year or drop?

The speaker points out that taking a drop for postgrad can be expensive, as seen in the example of their friend, who was willing to invest in a first year of college with a non-refundable fee and spend additional money for better opportunities. Financial feasibility is a key consideration when deciding on a gap year.

What advice does the speaker give if you're not able to secure admission to a top college?

The speaker advises you to continue your personal development even if you're not in a top college. You can still participate in events, take on projects, and improve your skills through other avenues, making up for what the college might not provide.