Why is campus immersion key to a successful online learning experience?
In an era where virtual learning has become the norm, the tangible experiences of campus life are often missed. Top institutions like SPJIMR truly live up to these promises, offering a blend of online education and immersive on-campus experiences. SPJIMR’s PGDM Online programme includes a unique five-day campus immersion, transforming the virtual learning journey into a holistic educational experience.
The importance of campus immersion
Campus immersion is a crucial component of the PGDM Online programme at the S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), designed to bridge the gap between theoretical online learning and real-world business environments.
This immersive experience is essential for developing critical skills such as networking, practical problem-solving, and industry-specific knowledge. It offers students the opportunity to step out of their virtual classrooms and engage with the business world directly, fostering a deeper understanding and application of their studies.
Day-by-day breakdown of the five-day campus immersion at Mumbai’s top B-school
Campus immersion organised by the Post Graduate Diploma in Management Online programme at SPJIMR at their Mumbai campus features tailored immersive experiences, academic sessions, workshops, guest lectures, and networking events with leading business figures from various industries, along with our alumni network.
Experience the 2023-25 batch’s campus immersion tour and understand how in-person interactions enhance their educational experience, which significantly boosts their learning outcomes.
Day 1: Orientation and networking
Students gathered at the SPJIMR campus, settling into their new environment. The day commenced with a warm welcome and interaction with the programme chair, setting the stage for an enriching experience. Dean Varun Nagaraj delivered an engaging session on ‘wise innovation’, urging participants to remain curious and continuously seek knowledge in their professional domains. He emphasised the importance of wise innovation, blending wisdom and creativity in problem-solving. Following a short break, students embarked on a campus tour where they explored the state-of-the-art infrastructure, the cafeteria, various labs, classrooms where lectures were being held, conference rooms, the PGLab, the hostel accommodation, the jogging trail for fitness enthusiasts, and the stunning campus art by the resident artists. Students concluded the day by interacting with faculty members, followed by a delightful dinner where they had the opportunity to bond over a sumptuous meal and discuss matters of the world.
Day 2: Discovering unique strengths
The second day featured an inspiring session by Prof. Lata Dhir, who highlighted the significance of recognising and leveraging individual strengths. She encouraged participants to tap into their unique capabilities and use them to their advantage, stressing the importance of motivation in achieving personal and professional success. The day continued at Bhavan’s Nature Camp with invigorating activities designed for students. Participants collaborated on environmental projects, embarked on nature trails, and acquired essential survival skills. The camp also featured sessions on yoga, arts and crafts, personality development training, and exciting adventurous activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, and treasure hunts, among other enriching experiences.
The day concluded with a social dinner where the students took the opportunity to network with the institute’s world-class faculty and industry leaders.
Day 3: Leadership and career insights
Day three was marked by a profound session on leadership by Anant Talaulicar, an industry leader who shared his personal journey and the critical role of ethical boundaries and spirituality in both personal and professional life. He discussed the necessity of “unlearning and learning” throughout one’s career.
After a break, the Placement Director, Bhishm Chugani, conducted an insightful session on the do’s and don’ts of job interview preparation. The day concluded with another communal dinner, providing further opportunities for networking and camaraderie.
Day 4: Advanced academic sessions
Prof. Prem Chandrani led the day with specialised sessions on Enterprise Risk Management, Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Corporate Finance, Simulation and Decision Making, Management Accounting, Game Theory in Business, and Management Control Systems. These sessions were designed to deepen students’ understanding and broaden their perspectives. The day included breaks for reflection and informal discussions, followed by a group dinner, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
Day 5: Immersive Design Thinking
The final day was dedicated to an intensive exploration of Design Thinking. The sessions were conducted in a hybrid format, ensuring that participants who could not be present in person could still join online.
The immersive day included three comprehensive sessions on Design Thinking, providing students with practical tools and frameworks for innovative problem-solving. The immersion ended with a heartfelt farewell, leaving participants inspired and equipped with new skills and insights.
Student testimonials
Students report positive experiences with campus immersion. They appreciate the chance to interact with their peers and faculty in person, which has significantly enhanced their learning and personal development.
Being a young professional, I was on the lookout for opportunities to strengthen my profile. Enrolling in SPJIMR’s PGDM Online programme has been one of the best decisions. What we see in a traditional MBA classroom, whether they are group case studies, guest lectures, workshops, networking, etc. are all getting done and delivered in the online space. Moreover, SPJIMR’s reputation and legacy also promise to ensure top-notch high-quality education as well, which we are getting. It’s a very dynamic programme, two years of a very exciting journey which aims to make a solid stand in the whole education space.
~ Nongmaithem Galen Singh, Batch 2023-25
Watch the PGDM Online students sharing their unique experiences on a live chat
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Conclusion
Campus immersion offers real-time exposure and valuable experience for the holistic development of management students. Investing in an online management programme from a top B-school like SPJIMR is a wise choice. The PGDM Online programme designed for working professionals offers three campus immersions at the Mumbai campus, where they can engage with a diverse cohort and industry leaders for holistic development and take advantage of specially designed immersive experiences, academic sessions, hands-on workshops, outdoor team-building activities, and valuable networking events.
The first cohort of SPJIMR’s PGDM Online is a diverse mix of industry professionals from various sectors, geographic locations and experiences who came together during the campus immersion and engaged with the world-class faculty and industry leaders for innovative discussions and conversations. The outcomes of the brainstorming sessions exceeded expectations. The experience prompted participants to approach issues with a productive mindset and seek sustainable solutions.
The five-day itinerary was designed to facilitate maximum interaction, pushing participants beyond their perceived potential. It created an environment without boundaries for newer ideas and creativity, fostering a dynamic thinking hub.
The initiative offers numerous advantages, such as increased employee engagement and cultivating a sense of community within the organisation. Participant testimonials highlight campus immersion’s success, with many expressing enthusiasm for the adventurous activities, the invaluable networking opportunities, and the overall enjoyment they experienced. These positive reviews emphasise the initiative’s effectiveness in meeting its objectives and its promise as a treasured annual event.
Participate in SPJIMR’s PGDM Online programme and elevate your business education through immersive campus modules.
