Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) and the Alumni Association of XISS (AAXISS), Kolkata Chapter, organized the ‘Alumni Meet 2024’ on 28 September 2024.

Several esteemed alumni and students attended a panel discussion on the topic, "Navigating the Transition from Campus to Corporate: Overcoming Challenges in today’s Dynamic Work Environment." The alumni provided valuable insights and shared their expertise, offering a comprehensive perspective on the transition into the professional world. Their discourse focused on practical experiences and actionable advice, aimed at facilitating a smoother adjustment to corporate life.

The aim of the panel discussion was to provide valuable insights and guidance to the students of XISS batch 2023-25 as they prepare to transition from campus life to the corporate world. The moderator of the panel discussion was Mr Nadeem Kazim, CEO and founder of Splice HR Works, former Senior Executive at Tata Steel and Exide. The panelists included Ms Sneha Mukherjee, HR Advisor at AkzoNobel, Ms Shimona Rashi, Senior Manager at ICICI Lombard, Ms Annie Kisku, HR Manager at ICICI Bank, and Ms Pragya Prakash, Deputy Manager at Goldstone Cement.

Ms Sneha Mukherjee focused on the critical transition from campus to corporate life, particularly emphasizing the need for stress management among fresh graduates entering the corporate world. She outlined various strategies to navigate the demands of a fast-paced work environment, advocating for self-care and resilience as essential skills for early-career professionals.

Ms Shimona Rashi provided insights on excelling in group discussions (GD) and interviews. She underscored the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and maintaining a mindset geared toward continuous learning. She also encouraged embracing discomfort with composure and advised against becoming attached to specific job locations, emphasizing the need for flexibility in professional growth.

Ms Annie Kisku expanded on the theme of stress management in the workplace, noting that real learning begins after one joins the workforce. She highlighted the importance of seeking guidance from the right mentors and not fearing mistakes. Annie echoed Shimona's perspective on the importance of maintaining a learning attitude throughout one's career journey.

Ms Pragya Prakash shared her experience transitioning from the public sector (PSU) to private organizations. She compared decision-making processes and career growth trajectories between the two sectors, offering valuable insights into the structural differences in communication and the contrasting speeds of career progression.

The students gained valuable insights from the panel discussion, which was followed by a short Q&A session, emphasizing stress management, self-care, and adaptability as essential skills for transitioning into the corporate world. The session encouraged them to embrace authenticity, continuous learning, and seek mentorship for career development. Additionally, comparisons between public and private sector growth provided useful guidance for their future career decisions.

All the attendees, including students and alumni, took part in lively games, conversations, and social events following the panel discussions. This incredible evening was capped off with a sumptuous dinner.