Dr Mylavaram Chandra Shekar

Every July, as new batches of management students walk into B-School classrooms with fresh hopes and excitement, the immense responsibility that higher education carries comes with it. An MBA or any postgraduate programme in management is not just about textbooks, case studies, or exams. It is about shaping their lives, careers, and futures in ways that ripple far beyond the campus. The stories of young graduates prove this time and again, offering lessons worth sharing with a wider audience to prepare well in advance to achieve success.

Resilience in career journeys

Take the case of a graduate who joined a global financial research firm. The job was prestigious, and they successfully completed on-the-job training, but the night shifts took a toll on their health. Instead of resigning themselves to fate, they prepared again, took on a role at a leading private-sector bank, and later moved to a nationalised bank. This journey shows resilience, the ability to adapt, re-strategise, and move forward. In today’s uncertain job market, resilience is perhaps the most important skill a graduate can carry with them.

Building portfolios beyond degrees

Another example comes from two graduates who expanded their CVs from a single page to eight, showcasing not just academic achievements but also internships, projects, a business plan, pitches and certifications. Both secured roles in a Big Four consulting firm, one later pursuing a fully funded PhD while the other continued in corporate life. Their story highlights the importance of building a portfolio of experiences. Employers today are not just looking for degrees; they want evidence of initiative, curiosity, and the ability to learn continuously.

Choosing passion over comfort

Then there are those who choose passion over comfort. Two graduates who were placed at a fintech company left within a year. One transitioned to a global financial services firm; the other to a private-sector bank. Their decision was not about chasing higher salaries but about aligning work with their personal interests. In a world where “quiet quitting” and burnout are becoming common, these choices remind us that career satisfaction often comes from meaning, not money alone.

Success is not linear

A graduate at a multinational investment management firm shared “double good news”: a salary hike and a promotion. Another at a consulting firm completed his fast-track training and won a gold medal for outstanding performance. Alumni from earlier batches have moved across analytics, consulting, and international banking institutions, reaching leadership roles, and one is now pursuing certification in the airline industry at a premier Indian Institute of Technology. These journeys show that success is not linear. Careers evolve through experimentation, risk-taking, and sometimes sheer persistence.

The power of networking

Networking, in particular, is often underestimated. Graduates sometimes believe that grades alone will secure their future. But in reality, conversations, mentorship, and peer learning play a far greater role. Alumni networks are guiding forces of wisdom. A LinkedIn connection today can become a career opportunity tomorrow. In fact, the first assignment for new MBA admits is to connect with alumni online. It is not just a task; it is a habit that will serve them for life.

The future of work and AI

The future of work adds another layer of complexity. Chatbots are already shortlisting CVs and conducting interviews. In the next decade, graduates may find themselves reporting to AI supervisors that allocate tasks, track performance, and even design workflows. At the same time, AI colleagues will sit alongside them to handle routine analysis, resolve customer queries, or perform compliance checks. Some professionals may even become solopreneurs, running businesses with teams of AI “employees” managing finance, marketing, and operations. The challenge for management graduates is to embrace this reality rather than resist it, and to focus on the uniquely human skills, i.e. empathy, resilience, creativity, that machines cannot replicate.

Embracing uncertainty

At the same time, uncertainty will only grow. The ecosystem ahead will bring double the challenges. Economic cycles, technological disruptions, and global crises will test every professional. But living with discomfort is not a curse; it is a catalyst for growth. Graduates who learn to embrace uncertainty will not just survive; they will thrive.

Balancing technology with humanity

Of course, AI cannot replace lived experiences. It cannot narrate the struggles of someone who worked nights and studied days, or the joy of someone who cracked a tough exam after repeated failures. But AI can help connect people, analyse trends, and open doors. The human element, such as empathy, resilience, and creativity, will remain irreplaceable. That is why management education must balance technology with humanity.

Lessons from contemporary trends

Contemporary examples reinforce this. Consider the rise of gig work platforms where professionals are building careers outside traditional corporate structures, leveraging networks and skills rather than degrees alone. Or look at the startup ecosystem in India, where founders often come from diverse educational backgrounds but succeed through adaptability and networking.

Even global leaders echo these lessons. Satya Nadella of Microsoft often speaks about empathy as a leadership skill. Sundar Pichai of Google emphasises curiosity and continuous learning. These are not abstract ideas; they are practical traits that determine success in volatile environments. Management graduates must internalise them early.

A roadmap for graduates

So what should graduates do? First, talk to people. Learn from experiences, both successes and failures. Second, build networks, not just for jobs but for knowledge and support. Third, plan careers with flexibility. Ask: Where do I want to be in two years? In five years? And be ready to change the answer as circumstances evolve. Fourth, embrace discomfort. Growth rarely comes from comfort zones. And finally, use technology wisely. Let AI be a tool, not a master.

The role of educators

For educators, the responsibility is equally heavy. We must design curricula that go beyond rote learning. We must encourage projects, internships, and real-world problem-solving. We must mentor students not just for exams but for life. And we must remind them that success is not about one big break but about small, consistent steps.

A message to the new batch

As I reflect on these journeys, I am convinced that management education is at a crossroads. The old model of teaching fixed skills for fixed jobs is fading. The new model must prepare students for fluid careers, uncertain futures, and evolving technologies. It must teach them to be lifelong learners, not just employees of companies.

To the new batch of MBA students, the message is simple: Your degree is not just about classes. It is about conversations, networks, and the courage to embrace uncertainty. Use these two years to build not just a career, but a future that is uniquely yours. And remember, success is not defined by where you start, but by how you adapt, connect, and grow.

(The writer is Associate Professor, Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad)