Empowering Careers through Student-led Clubs and Initiatives

Imagine stepping into a university where classrooms are launchpads, not confinement. Ashoka University opens the doors to a world where education explodes beyond textbooks, igniting a passion for discovery and shaping one into a well-rounded individual. This transformation happens not just within walls, but at the heart of the university’s spirit – its student-led clubs.

Ashoka’s clubs are buzzing hives of ideas, where your talents take flight and your curiosity is celebrated. Here, there are stories of resilience, innovation and collaboration. It is a supportive community where every challenge becomes a stepping stone, every effort propels you towards excellence, and every dream ignites a fire within. Ashoka’s clubs are more than just places to congregate. They are dynamic bridges that connect the knowledge students gain in classrooms to real-world experiences.

it’s the beginning of the semester, and you are feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about navigating the job market. Enter the Placement Committee, which is a tireless force, guiding students through the intricacies of career exploration and job placements. From meticulously reviewing resumes to addressing those late-night panicked emails, the Placement Committee went above and beyond, ensuring students felt supported every step of the way in their career journeys. 

The committee is dedicated to helping students navigate the job search process with finesse. Rather than scrolling through reels, the committee members are constantly networking on LinkedIn, forging connections with companies that could be the perfect launchpad for a student’s dream career. Their efforts extend far beyond the confines of the classroom as they don’t just sit behind screens – they actively engage with their peers, understanding each individual’s aspirations mapping them to suitable roles and positioning them for success during pivotal interactions with potential employers. 

The academic year 2022-2023 witnessed the Placement Committee’s unwavering commitment to empowering students. They commenced their endeavours with the Placement Townhall, followed by the Superset Townhall on navigating the online job portal. Throughout the year, they organised case study competitions, and mock interviews led by industry experts from top organisations that provided a taste of the real world while offering constructive feedback and networking events to connect students with potential employers – because in this game, it’s not just what you know, but who you know. The committee also organised an alumni mentorship programme, pairing students with seasoned professionals who could offer invaluable guidance based on their own experiences. The Placement Committee’s efforts culminated in internship and placement drives, where students could showcase their true potential and secure coveted positions within diverse organisations ranging from start-ups to Multinational Companies.

Complementing this journey is our Ashoka Internship Cell (AIC) which plays a crucial role in providing students with real-world experience alongside their academic journey. Over the past year, AIC has organised impactful events to facilitate student-recruiter interaction. This year, the internship season at Ashoka University started with marquee organisations like HUL, BCG, Nestle, Amuse Labs, Swiggy, DE Shaw, Axis Bank, PayPal, Indus Insights, Spencer Stuart, UNIQLO, and JSW participating in hiring talented Ashokans for summer internships. 

The internship fair provided a platform for students to connect with representatives from diverse organisations. Last year, the internship recruitment season witnessed 130+ companies making 350+ offers. TAIC also organised one-on-one consultation sessions to help students confidently navigate the application process. Additionally, collaborations with external organisations for workshops on essential skills such as crafting a LinkedIn profile and writing attention-grabbing cover letters were important. AIC’s Social Media department launched a dedicated Instagram page, revived the LinkedIn account, and created an Outreach Brochure to ensure that students stay updated on important announcements and events, thereby amplifying our reach. This student committee has also actively worked on student profile verifications and created a comprehensive database of companies to reach out to a significant number of organisations for summer internships. AIC’s efforts in connecting students with valuable internships have been instrumental in shaping career paths.

Beyond professional development, Ashoka’s clubs cater to student’s holistic development. The Negotiation Club at Ashoka believes negotiation skills are essential for success, both in personal and professional life. The club started the year with a “Negotiation 101” workshop, diving deep into principles and strategies like Principled Negotiation, Conditional Bargaining, BATNA, and ZOPA. But this wasn’t a theoretical exercise – the interactive format allowed everyone to practice and refine their newfound skills in real-time scenarios.

Collaboration is another key tenet of the club. They joined forces with the Ashoka University Economics Society (AUES) where club members engaged in a thought-provoking podcast discussion titled ‘Econversations’. Ashoka alumnus Abhinit Anand, the club’s founder, shared insights on the synergies between economics, technology, and negotiation tactics, showcasing how negotiation skills are crucial in both business and economics. They didn’t stop there; a joint session was conducted with the Orators Club combining persuasive speaking with sharp bargaining skills, giving students the confidence to ace any negotiation. This blend of theoretical learning and practical application not only enhanced students’ interpersonal skills but also prepared them for leadership roles in diverse professional settings.

Similarly, the Marketing Club at Ashoka University is a haven for creative minds and strategic thinkers, a launchpad for those who dream of making a mark in the ever-evolving world of marketing. Founded in August 2023, the club has quickly become a vibrant community with over 50 members. Last academic year, they organised two case competitions, one flagship speaker series and numerous informal events. The club’s clients for the first year included Gifting Essence, Coding Zen, Lovsy, Quintino Labs, Chhaya, and Tele Upchar amongst many others. The speaker session with Gunjan Arya, CEO of OML Entertainment Private Limited, and the successful execution of other events underscore the club’s commitment to providing students with hands-on marketing experience and industry exposure. Such initiatives not only sharpen students’ marketing acumen but also cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset essential for thriving in today’s dynamic business landscape.

The Product Management (PM) Club at Ashoka University is another testament to the university’s commitment to holistic student development. The Club has been on a roll, igniting a passion for product management within its 25-member community. Their innovative “Winter Project Challenge” saw members delve deep into real-world products through 11 teardowns and presentations, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge. This focus on practical learning translated into real-world success and led to an impressive 9 internships and placements for members. The PM Club’s influence extended beyond its walls through collaborations with Women in Computer Science (WiCS) for a session and the Entrepreneurship Department for a dedicated PM course, highlighting the growing recognition of product management’s importance. The Club has a power-packed summer planned, featuring regular internal learning calls to keep those PM skills sharp, skill-based guest sessions led by industry experts and their own talented members and the ultimate test – an online product hackathon. Through these initiatives, the PM Club is solidifying its position as a dynamic and forward-thinking community.

Imagine a university that feels like an ignition switch, ready to launch students towards their dreams. At Ashoka, student-led clubs are the spark plugs. Ashoka fosters a collaborative environment where students negotiate deals, craft marketing campaigns, and tackle real-world problems alongside passionate peers. This isn’t just about acquiring knowledge – it’s about actively shaping their future.  Ashoka empowers students to collaborate, innovate, and discover their full potential within a vibrant ecosystem.