Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Participation

The School of Business & Management (BBA), CHRIST University Pune Lavasa Campus, successfully organized an inspiring Alumni Interaction session for the 2025 Batch BBA students on 26th September 2025. The event, themed “Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Participation,” was designed to highlight the importance of holistic education and experiential learning for aspiring business professionals. The session was facilitated by Mr. Ansh Pandey, alumnus of the 2022 Batch, BBA Business Analytics, who has made significant strides in both academic and professional spheres since graduating.

The interaction was conducted in Class No. 2313, Management Block, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The session commenced with a warm welcome, following which Mr. Pandey was introduced to the students. His profile as a young alumnus, still closely connected to the realities of student life, made him an ideal speaker to address the current batch.

The central purpose of the session was to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications by presenting a live example of how an alumnus has transformed classroom concepts into professional success. Mr. Pandey began by sharing his academic journey at CHRIST University, reflecting on how structured learning and mentorship from faculty laid a solid foundation in business analytics. He emphasized that while academic knowledge is indispensable, participation beyond the classroom is equally vital for building skills that are not always taught through textbooks.

Drawing on his experiences, Mr. Pandey elaborated on how co-curricular engagement, such as involvement in university clubs, events, and competitions, enriched his learning journey. He stressed that these opportunities nurtured his abilities in leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking. Additionally, he spoke about the importance of extracurricular activities, ranging from cultural events to sports, which not only strengthened his personality but also helped him strike a balance between academics and personal growth.

Throughout his talk, Mr. Pandey maintained an approachable and engaging style, often pausing to invite reflections and questions from the students. This interactive approach allowed participants to voice their concerns, aspirations, and doubts regarding how they could best utilize their time at university. His relatable anecdotes—such as preparing for industry internships, handling group projects, and networking with peers—resonated deeply with the audience. Students appreciated the fact that he had faced challenges similar to theirs, yet had successfully navigated them with determination and proactive participation.

Another highlight of the session was his emphasis on networking and internships as key tools to bridge academia with industry. He explained how internships allowed him to test his skills in real-world environments, apply classroom concepts to business problems, and gain confidence in professional settings. He encouraged students to seek out opportunities proactively, reminding them that every project or participation effort contributes to personal branding and employability.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students asked about career planning, industry expectations, and strategies for self-improvement. Mr. Pandey patiently responded to each question, offering practical advice grounded in his own journey. His humility, combined with his achievements, left a lasting impression on the audience.

Overall, the event was a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing and motivation, reminding students that education is not confined to classrooms but is shaped by active participation in every opportunity available. It successfully fulfilled its goal of inspiring students to become well-rounded individuals prepared for both academic and professional challenges.