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In this 3rd edition of As We Leave, Shreyansh Agarwal, a graduating Y20 student in the Department of Electrical Engineering, shares his transformative journey through college. Read his story of navigating different stages of college life, differently but happily.
Disclaimer:- The views presented below are the author’s own and are not in any manner representative of the views of Vox Populi as a body or IIT Kanpur in general. This is an informal account of the author’s experiences at IIT-K.
As I stand on the brink of my graduation and reflect on the past four years (well, technically 3.5, thanks to our cursed batch!),I can’t help but notice how much has changed from then till now. College has been a place where I have truly discovered myself – figuring out what I like, embracing my values, finding my tribe, and stumbling upon some unexpected adventures along the way. My story isn’t just about passing semesters; it’s about the “5 mistakes of my college life (according to ‘them’) that changed my life” Those missteps, often seen as the “road not taken,” actually shaped my journey and led me right here, typing away on a Google Doc with a big smile on my face. So, bear with me as we dive in!
Chapter 1: Picking the wrong major- a tough start, but worth it!
Cars have always captivated me, and they were my very first love (I might have declared my affection for them even before saying “ma” or “pa”). They played a big part in why I chose Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur to kick off my journey. Things began with some pretty dull orientation sessions (more like lectures, less like fun, especially since they were virtual), followed by introductions to Gymkhana events, clubs, and all the usual first-month rituals.
It was during one of those departmental bulla sessions in the first week of my “online college” that reality hit me hard: Mechanical Engineering wasn’t exactly about building actual cars; it was more about studying principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer. The real engineering happened in the garage of IITK Motorsports, which I cannot explore in this remote setting 😣.
I was pretty bummed out by my hasty decision, and my dislike for the department grew when I learned about the branch hierarchy at IIT Kanpur, which could potentially mess up my future career. This realisation kickstarted the first gear of my college life with one simple goal: to change my branch.
Getting a branch change turned out to be relatively easy during an online semester, thanks to all the tools at our disposal (except ChatGPT, unfortunately). I made sure to attend all my lectures by the weekend (yes, we had the luxury of missing classes and catching up on weekends at double speed), completed all my assignments diligently, and cleared my doubts with professors during the sessions. Basically, I did everything possible to maintain a high CPI. Just to clarify, I wasn’t exactly a maggu; more on that later in my essay.
This phase of my college life taught me about perseverance and the consequences of skipping lectures (which I learned the hard way for the remaining 75% of my college life 😂). I ended my first semester with a 9.8 CPI and the second with a 9.6, ultimately landing me in the world of bulbs and tube lights. The Electrical Engineering department wasn’t exactly a fairyland, but it fit me better. I enjoyed maths and circuits (before EE210 came and ruined that interest). Most of the friends I made (virtually) in my first year were from the Batti department itself (somehow), so transitioning wasn’t too difficult.
The only way we could celebrate it in an online semester
According to “them”, being studious in the first year counts as a mistake because this period is supposed to be enjoyable, but they never really define what enjoyment means. In an online semester, the peak of enjoyment was hanging out with friends (whom I hadn’t met yet) on a video call, listening to music, making jokes, watching movies together, or just chatting about random stuff. I did all of that, but I also took advantage of the online mode to boost my CPI and safeguard my future years from any potential setbacks (if that’s what a disastrous semester means to you). Looking back, I realise that spending most of my time on academics wasn’t a mistake after all. During that time, books were my best buddies (the only time xD), and good grades brought me joy. Things changed drastically later, but I’m grateful I put in the hard work at least once during my engineering degree.
Chapter 2: Not caring enough about the "wing" culture and making friends outside my bubble - risky but rewarding.
I have always been a bit of an oddball, you see. Finding “my people” has been a bit of a quest for me, and it seems like I always end up wandering outside of my usual circles. Back in Mechanical Engineering, I had hardly any friends in my department but plenty in every other department. And when it came to living in Hall 5, well, let’s say my friends were mainly from Hall 12 and 3, not so much in Hall 5 itself. Even when I was leading a group, I found myself bonding more with other club leaders than with my own club members. It was a strange pattern, but it somehow worked out well for me.
“They” always say you should have your closest friends in your own wing because they are the closest to you. Well, for me, it was quite the opposite. My go-to buddies were from a completely different hall, which made things a bit complicated. Because of this, it was tough to find people with similar interests and mindsets, especially since there were so many people in my batch to choose from. And things got even trickier when we finally returned to college after 1.5 years of online semesters. By then, most people had already formed their own groups, and it felt nearly impossible to break into them out of the blue. So, I stuck to a small circle of friends.
At one point, my circle was so tiny it was practically just a ‘dot’. But I believed in destiny and kept talking to new people, hanging out with friends of friends, and slowly but surely, things started to change. It took me 2 whole years of college to find a stable group of people I could trust and share everything without any filters. Surprisingly, I found them through random interactions and course meetups. My philosophy was simple: I didn’t want to settle for surface-level friendships just because I lived with certain people or was in the same department. I wanted friends with whom I could be completely myself and truly understand me from the inside out. While I understand the importance of compromise in fostering good friendships, I also firmly believe that great friendships are formed when there’s an instant connection and mutual understanding, without anyone feeling pressured to settle for something they are not entirely comfortable with. True friends are like reflections of ourselves; finding them might take time and be unpredictable, but it’s certainly worth it when you find that perfect match. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Always strive to find your own tribe, even if they may not all be part of the same close-knit group.
The “dot” that saw all phases of friendship together at a time
Thankfully, after all these years, I can proudly say that I have had people who have been there for me through thick and thin. Apart from celebrating birthdays and special occasions together, we also went through the lows of 19th November 2023 (for those who know, there was an event in Ahmedabad that trashed a million hearts) and celebrated the joy of 22nd January 2024 (after a wait of 500 years lol) together. This is what I gained from my friendships at IIT Kanpur – pure, unfiltered love.
My “tribe” that stayed, through thick and thin, from academics to outings, everywhere
Since I am talking about friendships, I also want to touch upon a belief of mine that “they” questioned a lot. I have always stood by the principle of treating everyone with equal respect, regardless of their seniority or juniority. It’s important to recognize that both seniors and juniors are human beings, first and foremost, AS SIMPLE AS THAT! While seniors offer valuable experience to learn from, juniors possess an inherent eagerness to be moulded and guided towards excellence. This might seem strange in a college setting (and for that fact, IIT Kanpur is no exception), where there’s often a hierarchy between batches – seniors act all superior. At the same time, juniors usually feel like they’re just not as important. But I think it’s essential for everyone to interact and get to know each other. I acknowledge that the initial phase of “interaction”, even if mildly challenging, somehow contributes to personal growth. Once that initial awkwardness subsides, the divide between different batches should diminish to the point where individuals, whether seniors or juniors, feel comfortable initiating conversations and forming real, meaningful bonds rather than limiting it to exchanging alcohol and cigarettes.
Apparently, I made some really awesome friends with my junior batchmates, and hanging out with them was just as fun as hanging out with my own batchmates. We all bonded over shared interests without any ulterior motives. But sadly, not everyone sees it that way. Even at places like IIT, it almost feels like talking to a junior is a crime, and hanging out with them is even worse! I got a lot of flak for my behaviour, even from some of my close friends. But somehow, I didn’t let it bother me. My juniors respected me, and that’s all that mattered. I will keep emphasising it until you get bored of it, but “find your tribe“, and this tribe shouldn’t be limited to just your own batchmates.
My people, who worked with me, laughed and cried with me, and respected me
The best part was that my closest friends never questioned me about it. They knew there was nothing wrong with treating everyone equally. I had some awesome senior friends, too. All I ever wanted was to replicate that same kind of friendship with my junior batch. So whether we were working together or just chilling at CCD, I always treated everyone with the same respect and love, no matter which batch they were from.
So, for those reading this, my advice is to choose your friends wisely and never take those friendships for granted. They are some of the most precious gems you’ll ever find in your life. And if you relate to my story, don’t let things like age, batch, or petty things like a hall of residence define who your friends should be. Go out there and find “your people.” Trust me, you’ll have the time of your life. I have partied in clubs, planned impromptu trips (more of it in next section), gone to MotoGP races, screamed my throat out in the CWC ’23 India-England match in the stadium, danced at fests, hung out in cafes, taken long walks around campus – all with “my people,” who come from all ages and batches. And you know what? We have never had a problem with it. It’s been nothing but sweet and fun.
Chapter 3: Placing experiences out of IIT Kanpur at a higher priority and not just confining myself to the bounds of campus
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.“
– Confucius
Travelling is my ultimate therapy, and I have always craved new experiences. IIT Kanpur gave me the freedom to wander, friends to join me, and the chance to explore beyond its gates. While I cherished the places within the campus, I believed that the world outside, even just beyond the main gate, was waiting to be discovered. Kanpur, a place we may not revisit for a long time, deserves to be fully explored. And why stop at Kanpur? Why not nearby places and beyond?
As soon as the COVID restrictions eased and we came to campus for the first time (around December 29, 2021), I found myself itching to break free from the monotony of campus life. Within just three days, I grew bored of the same old routine, so I decided to venture out and explore the eateries near the front gate. From that moment on, there was no looking back. I spent my fourth-semester exploring malls and cafes in the heart of Kanpur City. During my second-year summers, every weekend was an opportunity to discover a new fine dining restaurant or cafe with different groups of friends.
But the real turning point came when I met my best friend at IIT Kanpur, someone who shared my passion for travel. We were both shortlisted for Bain & Co.’s interview rounds and were invited to a networking dinner event at their Gurgaon office. That trip to Delhi was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Our first adventure as a duo was a meticulously planned trip to Agra during the mid-semester break of our fifth semester. It was fun, luxurious and smooth, but it also included my first experience of missing a train – a memorable mishap, to say the least!
This is how it started from Bain and Co. dinner
From there, our travels only grew more adventurous. We embarked on group trips to Varanasi, Delhi, Lonavla, and Mumbai, each filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable memories. Lucknow became our go-to weekend getaway, and we often decided on a whim to explore the city at the crack of dawn. As time passed, our hangout spots evolved, from the rooftop of the IITK faculty building to the rooftop bar of Hotel Renaissance in Lucknow.
By our fourth year, we were executing long-distance trips to places like Guwahati, Diu, Pondicherry, Goa, Kovalam, and Rameswaram, along with countless short trips practically every other weekend. Now, you might wonder how we afforded all these trips. It’s simple – save or earn it, and plan it out. Once you start travelling, you’ll discover countless ways to explore without breaking the bank. Begin by setting aside a portion of your monthly pocket money, or consider taking on internships to earn extra cash. Invest wisely, build up your capital, and then see the world. Life is too short to stay in one place, repeating the same routine day after day. These college years are precious, and the friendships you make during this time are invaluable. There’s a unique energy to travelling with grounded friends, experiencing the world together while still navigating the challenges of youth (often termed “duniyadari seekhna” by our parents). College may provide knowledge from textbooks and presentations, but true understanding comes from stepping out into the world and experiencing it firsthand.
“They” might call it a mistake, thinking college life is confined to the walls of IIT Kanpur. Step out of your comfort zone, take a long bicycle ride to the Ganga barrage one day, and plan a similar excursion to Bithoor the following weekend. Upgrade your mode of transportation from a bicycle to something more practical yet affordable, and embark on journeys spanning hundreds and eventually thousands of kilometres. The spectrum is pretty broad, from organising a budget-friendly three-day, 500-kilometre round trip for less than INR 600 per person to splurging over 20,000 INR for a rejuvenating getaway at a 5-star property. Each journey, whether modest or grand, economical or luxurious, offers invaluable lessons. And it all begins with a single bicycle ride.
Just a glimpse, much more content on Instagram: _shreyanshagarwal_
My philosophy is straightforward: I want stories to share with my children beyond the routine campus spots. So, make the most of your college years – travel, explore, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Develop the confidence to step out and experience the genuine world beyond the confines of social media. Confront challenges head-on and embrace the lessons they bring to you, ultimately making your parents proud of the independent, capable adult you are evolving into. And if you are interested, I am putting together a travel book about all my experiences. Feel free to reach out if you want to know more about travel experiences and how I made them!
Chapter 4: Joined everything and chose the most unconventional path to lead:
Let’s delve into the Gymkhana and related activities, where I truly grew as an individual. It all kicked off with an Adobe Photoshop workshop organised by the DnA club during our first online semester, igniting my passion for digital design. I have always had a knack for art, recalling my creative imagination on the walls of my childhood home. This inherent interest resurfaced after about a decade through this workshop, further fueled by delving into Adobe Illustrator. I found myself constantly exploring new features of these applications, dedicating 5-6 hours daily to creating caricatures, cartoons, and other creative ventures. This not only balanced out my studious side in the first year but also garnered recognition for my efforts to enhance the Design and Animation club’s profile. That’s how I utilised my ‘me time’ during the first year: business dealing through E-Cell and dabbling in the Astro club, exploring my cosmic interests – a notably enriching experience guided by a phenomenal senior mentor.
My second year was marked by a flurry of Positions of Responsibility (PORs), as I had already pushed myself academically in the previous year. Consequently, I took on six roles in my sophomore year, from organising fests to serving as the MnC and SnT secretaries, SPO Coco, and being part of the web team of Counseling Services. This shift led to a slight dip in my CPI, but my focus had shifted away from academic pursuits by then. Juggling multiple responsibilities became challenging, with deadlines always looming close by. My approach to taking on PORs was driven by a desire to learn and grow personally rather than merely for the sake of titles, which added an extra layer of pressure. The transition to on-campus activities in the fourth semester further intensified the workload, as we spent those three months making up for lost time from the virtual semesters – a trend observed across various clubs, including those I was involved in.
Then came one of the best decisions of my college life – a seemingly random decision to participate in a high-prep Inter IIT Tech Meet problem statement competition centred around reducing carbon footprints and building sustainable supply chains. This experience, shared with a team comprising members from different batches, was a whirlwind of learning, laughter, and camaraderie. Our collective efforts culminated in winning the only gold medal of that time in the Inter IIT High Prep Problem Statement category, surpassing even the “famous” IIT Kharagpur by a significant margin. The memories of those two months, filled with intense energy, late-night poker games, and shared triumphs, remain etched in my mind as an irreplaceable experience. The individuals I collaborated with during this time are among the sweetest souls I have had the pleasure of knowing, with the seniors who led us to become invaluable mentors and go-to people, each one of them being an inspiration.
The unbeatable team @ Blueyonders, Inter IIT Tech Meet 2022
This event paved the way for me to consider taking on the leadership of ICG, the institute’s consulting group. The competition was fierce, with everyone vying for this POR. Ironically, my teammates from the Inter IIT competition became my competitors here. April 2022 was a month of tough decisions – whether to continue with DnA, SPO, Techkriti or pursue leadership in ICG. While I had viable chances in each of them, I ultimately chose the less-travelled and more challenging path – the role of ICG leader. I dedicated all my time and effort to this endeavour, contacting previous leaders and engaging in discussions with consulting club leaders across India to gain insights and identify new opportunities. Finally, I made it to the position of ICG leader, fulfilling my last wish in college. After this, with the dedication and rigour I had cultivated throughout my tenure, everything fell into place naturally. ICG was a relatively unknown group on campus then, but my goal was to make it inclusive and accessible to all, fostering an environment of collaboration through projects and competitions. I aimed to lead it as I wished a senior had led me in my sophomore year – with tranquillity, openness, and enjoyment. The connections forged, projects undertaken, friendships formed, and the unwavering support from juniors were truly surreal. For a more detailed account of my journey with ICG, feel free to visit my LinkedIn and Instagram profiles because I cannot write everything down here; Vox’s website might not just be able to handle it, lol.
In essence, my decision to lead ICG stemmed from my experience with the Inter IIT, fundamentally altering my perception of consulting and data science. I transitioned from being a tech enthusiast who spent his entire second year developing interactive websites to confidently delivering arguments and presentations in a more professional setting while devising real-world solutions. This journey has transformed the world I once admired, offering new perspectives and opportunities for growth.
From co-leads to best-buddies
The best team I have had the privilege to lead. Their smiles have my heart forever!
“They” called it a mistake to take on the leadership of ICG during my third year (since it was a new group and had a low campus presence), but today, “they” acknowledge the heights the group has scaled and the personal growth it fostered among its members. As someone once said, “You are just one decision away from a completely different life,” and for me, that decision was opting for ICG. The rest, as they say, is history, with the impact of ICG’s endeavours evident to all – an outcome I had envisioned at the outset of my tenure.
Chapter 5: Took a blind shot with Boston Consulting Group, a path that no one travelled
“The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s
changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to
fail is not taking risks.”
– Mark Zuckerberg
The summer of 2022 was a time of sheer beauty on campus. Amidst hanging out with my closest friends in canteens, libraries, and coding sessions day and night, preparing fervently for the upcoming internship drive, I found myself succumbing to the allure of caffeine at CCD. One ordinary night, an extraordinary email landed in our inboxes from Bain & Co., signalling an upcoming internship drive. The mere thought that top consulting firms like MBBs would visit IIT Kanpur for internships was beyond our expectations. The interest I had always harboured in the consulting field reached its pinnacle when Bain delivered a captivating presentation to all interested students. By then, my profile was strong enough to secure initial shortlists, leaving me in a dilemma of where to focus: on software development and coding, which I had pursued until then, or on the relatively unexplored consulting field at IIT Kanpur.
Balancing my preparations, I took on all the Data Structures and Algorithms tests and secured day-one shortlists from some tech firms, as well as from Bain and BCG. Just a week before the internship drive, Bain’s networking event tilted the scales decisively in favour of the consulting industry for me. The allure of its luxurious lifestyle perfectly resonated with my passion for travelling. Consequently, I made the bold choice to opt for BCG over other tech firms during the interviews. I was very worried, and it was a risky decision, as the landscape of interning at a consulting firm was largely unknown, with scarce advice besides insights from BCG alums who had climbed the ranks post-MBA.
My stint with ICG provided me with invaluable opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into the inner workings of consulting firms, instilling in me the confidence to excel in my internship. The summer of 2023 unfolded as the most memorable, industrious, and opulent chapter of my college life. Nestled in a five-star hotel on Marine Drive in Mumbai, BCG afforded me breathtaking views from my room on the 29th floor, offering a whole new perspective of India’s landscape.
This building (Trident, Nariman Point) has all the emotions for my 2 months @ BCG.
Working on a finance case with one of India’s largest public sector banks was a truly rewarding experience characterised by professionalism, interactivity, and fulfilment. The vibrant culture at BCG, marked by endless parties and an irresistible allure to Mumbai’s nightlife, perfectly encapsulated the ethos of “work hard, party harder.” Even amidst corporate commitments, I made it a point to cherish weekends with my IITK batchmates, indulging in events, cafes, or simply beach therapy. It was a harmonious blend of bustling weekdays and rejuvenating weekends, punctuated by Saturday brunches and Sunday clubbing.
In retrospect, my stint at Boston Consulting Group was exceptional, culminating in a pre-placement offer that spared me from the chaos of final-year placements. Now, as I eagerly anticipate making an impact in my full-time role at BCG, I aspire to be staffed on intriguing cases, ideally in the automotive sector (for obvious reasons).
Reflecting on my consulting industry experience, I implore others to heed their innermost preferences and gravitate towards what they love, where they truly belong, and where they derive genuine joy from their work. Let’s break free from the herd mentality of following friends, senior recommendations, or parental expectations. Ultimately, the satisfaction derived from our work lulls us to sleep with contentment and awakens our souls with vigour each morning.
Conclusion:
My journey began with strong academics, but now, as it draws to a close, I find myself with grades far below what I had ever imagined. My career trajectory has shifted from web development to software development and finally to the consulting industry, where I’ve secured a pre-placement offer. The friends who pledged to stand by me forever in my first year have drifted away in the last, while individuals I barely knew initially have become my chosen family. Once an ambivert in my first year, I have completely transformed into an unabashed extrovert.
Though I have stumbled along the way, each misstep has ultimately led to positive outcomes, allowing me to rest easy with a sense of fulfilment. This is the opportune time to embrace risks and explore your innate utility curves. Throughout my engineering years, I viewed them as a period for experimenting, testing and validating my ideas. Such opportunities are scarce later in life unless one decides to pause and restart – and that’s rare!
“They” will always have their opinions, criticisms, and comments, but it’s up to us to discern their value. Change is inevitable and, indeed, necessary. Nothing remains permanent except, perhaps, the enduring words of this AWL on Vox’s website (fingers crossed). So, let’s welcome this journey, embracing change, making space for new experiences, and accepting the unfolding of events.
Never hesitate to reach out to others, whether for assistance, companionship, or to share a few moments of camaraderie. And let’s extend a hand to our juniors, fostering the same sense of warmth and inclusivity within their ranks. My time at IIT Kanpur has been a whirlwind ride, filled with highs and lows, laughter and tears, praise and criticism, and above all, the unwavering support of my chosen family. These years in this enchanted realm have been truly invaluable. As I prepare to move forward, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a determination to make my alma mater proud through my future endeavours. And if someday I feel restless and dissatisfied with the routine, you might find me on Instagram, cruising in the Queen’s Rolls Royce in London, baking wood-fired pizzas at Trattoria Vecchia Roma, or simply wandering to remote and untouched landscapes, hills, and beaches around the world (maybe even Mars? Let’s wait and see).
To all those reading these words, remember that I am just a call or text away, ready to lend an ear during both your brightest moments and your darkest hours. Adios!
Written by : Shreyansh Agarwal
Edited by: Brinda Fadadu, Vedanshi Aggarwal
Designed by: Sanyam Shivhare
