Taking risks in B-school: The safest environment for growth
SPJIMR Marketing and Communications Dept.
When most people think of management, they imagine a high-stakes game – a competitive environment where students are vying for positions at prestigious companies, hoping to land lucrative, high-paying jobs. While that’s certainly a part of the management experience, there’s another aspect that’s often overlooked but just as important: the freedom to take risks.
A management programme offers a unique opportunity to try new things, make bold career choices, and even fail – all in a safe and supportive environment. It’s not just a launchpad for your career; it’s also a platform for personal growth and experimentation.
The courage to chart your own path
My own journey through the Post Graduate Diploma in Management at S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) was filled with decisions that many might have considered risky. But for me, it was the perfect time to step outside of the conventional career path and pursue what I truly wanted.
“In my management days, I made a bold decision that most wouldn’t consider – it wasn’t about landing a high-paying job at a famous company, but about following my passion.
The value of taking risks in a B-school environment
Taking risks in a B-school environment is not the same as taking them in the ‘real world’. During your management, the stakes are different. You’re surrounded by peers who are going through similar challenges, faculty who are there to guide and mentor you, and an ecosystem that encourages you to experiment, fail, and learn.
Whether it’s applying for unconventional jobs, launching a start-up, or simply trying something completely new, the management programme gives you the safety net to take those risks. Even if you fail, the consequences are far less severe than they would be later in your career.
This is what makes a management programme so valuable – it’s not just about academics or job placements, but about pushing your limits, exploring your passions, and building the resilience to handle setbacks.
“What made this risk-taking possible wasn’t just personal determination, it was the B-school environment itself. Business schools like SPJIMR are designed to encourage bold moves, fostering a culture where it’s okay to fail, learn, and try again. Whether it’s choosing a non-traditional career or challenging yourself with new experiences, management education offers the ideal setting to explore.
Why are your management days the perfect time to experiment?
Failure is often seen as something to be feared, but in a B-school, it’s part of the process. Whether you’re pitching an idea in class, trying out for the debating team, or aiming for a company outside of your comfort zone, the management gives you a platform to test your ideas without the harsh judgement of the corporate world.
“One of the biggest advantages of pursuing management education is that failure doesn’t carry the same weight as it does later in your career. You’re surrounded by peers who are also learning, growing, and sometimes failing. It’s better to fail in front of 300 batchmates than to face the pressure of failing in a professional setting.
My safe place to build confidence and resilience
“SPJIMR played a crucial role in helping me build the confidence to take these risks. The B-school’s culture is one that encourages experimentation. You’re not just learning from textbooks; you’re constantly engaging in activities that push you out of your comfort zone. The B-school gave me the courage to take risks, knowing I had a strong support system to fall back on.
Back yourself to take risks!
If there’s one takeaway from my management journey, it’s this: back yourself to take risks. Whether they’re career-defining decisions or smaller personal challenges, this is the perfect environment to push your boundaries. The risks you take during your management will shape not just your career, but your outlook on life.
Chetan Kejriwal
Product Manager, Kotak Cherry | SPJIMR