Vanessa Suares’ journey at the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV) is a story of determination, transformation, and a deep commitment to self-growth. As a Senior Placement Representative, Vanessa’s reflections on her MBA experience encapsulate not just the academic challenges but also the personal milestones that helped shape her professional journey. For Vanessa Suares, the past 21 months at IIMV have been a whirlwind of learning, overcoming obstacles, and forging connections that will last a lifetime.
Vanessa Suares began her MBA journey with a sense of clarity about the purpose of pursuing an MBA early in her career. After spending two years in a manufacturing setup that offered both enjoyment and challenges, she recognized an untapped potential within herself. She believed that an MBA would provide the key to unlocking that potential, and looking back, she affirms that this belief was indeed correct. Vanessa Suares was not simply looking for academic rigor; she was on a quest to grow both personally and professionally.
The first month at IIMV was a pivotal moment in Vanessa Suares’ transformation. Her approach to this new chapter was driven by a simple mantra: “embrace the new.” Coming from a background where she had been actively involved in student bodies ranging from administration to sports and cultural activities she was familiar with the importance of teamwork and leadership. However, she knew that to truly push her boundaries, she needed to step into unfamiliar territory. This led Vanessa Suares to join the Placement Committee (Placecom), a decision that would define much of her MBA journey.
For someone who was naturally inclined towards texting over phone calls, joining Placecom seemed like a leap of faith. Vanessa Suares, who had never imagined herself in a role that required cold calling, networking, and extensive communication, found herself thrown into a fast-paced environment that demanded not only new skills but also resilience. In her own words, she calls Placecom “my crash course in the art of selling,” and indeed, it was. Through sleepless nights and inevitable rejections, Vanessa Suares honed her ability to network, cold call, and reach out to professionals with confidence. Despite the initial discomfort, she found that this decision was one of the best she made during her MBA. The experiences, relationships, and lessons she gained from her Placecom family will remain with her throughout her career.
But the journey was not without its challenges. A major health scare in the form of dengue struck Vanessa Suares right before the end-term exams, leaving her worried about her academic progress. Lying in an ambulance, she feared that this setback might derail her MBA journey. However, the support she received from her friends, who became a second family to her during this crisis, made all the difference. This experience, though testing, reinforced the power of community and the importance of lifelong friendships that transcended the boundaries of academics.
As Vanessa Suares progressed through her MBA, she embraced more opportunities to grow. She took part in case competitions, cultural events, and sports, all of which initially seemed overwhelming but became manageable with time management skills. The diverse set of experiences she accumulated not only shaped her professional acumen but also gave her the confidence to handle multifaceted challenges with a composed mind.
One of the defining moments of Vanessa Suares’ journey was her internship at TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited in Hyderabad. This opportunity provided her with valuable exposure to the corporate world and helped her navigate the challenges of independent living in a new city. The mentors, colleagues, and friends she met during this time left an indelible mark on her professional trajectory. Her time at TATA AIG became a key milestone in her MBA journey, adding practical experience to the theoretical knowledge she was gaining.
As her second year at IIMV unfolded, Vanessa Suares found herself taking on the additional responsibility of being a Senior Placement Representative. This role, during which she navigated placements for the largest batch in IIMV’s history, was no small feat. However, the lessons she learned in this position were invaluable. Organizing conclaves and hosting industry leaders gave her unparalleled insights into the world of human resources and corporate placements. The chance to interact with senior industry figures during panel discussions was a rare opportunity that enhanced her perspective on the professional world.
The industrial immersion trip to Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia further enriched Vanessa Suares’ MBA experience. It blended learning with adventure, offering her the chance to gain global exposure while also bonding with her peers. These experiences were not just about traveling to new countries they were about gaining insights into different cultures, markets, and approaches to business, all of which contributed to her growth as a well-rounded professional.
As Vanessa Suares reflects on her 21-month journey at IIMV, she recognizes it as a rollercoaster of experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. From stepping out of her comfort zone to learning how to manage her time more efficiently, the transformation she underwent is evident. Her ability to build lifelong relationships, overcome adversity, and develop crucial professional skills reflects the true essence of an MBA program. Vanessa Suares’ time at IIMV was not just about earning a degree it was about embracing the challenges, pushing her boundaries, and emerging stronger and more equipped for the next phase of her career.
In the end, Vanessa Suares’ story is not just one of academic achievement. It is a testament to resilience, growth, and the importance of taking risks in order to unlock one’s true potential. Her journey at IIMV will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Until her next academic calling, Vanessa Suares has proven that the pursuit of growth is a lifelong journey, one that never truly ends.
