Cheers to a Summer of Immense Growth and Learning in Canada!

As I reflect on the summer that followed my first year in my MBA program, I can't help but feel awash with gratitude and invigorated with a renewed sense of direction. To aspiring B-school candidates out there: don't get hung up on landing a full-time internship. Remember, there's a treasure trove of opportunities for skill development and networking around every corner! I've distilled my summer experiences into bite-sized insights, in the interest of your time. ??

A Detailed Insight into My Summer:

1. Venture Analyst at York Angel Investors :

Last week I concluded my volunteering role as a Venture Analyst at York Angel Investors . It was an enlightening immersion into the complexities of startup investment. From screening promising startups to conducting rigorous due diligence, every task was a learning curve. This role served as a critical junction, linking my past six years of professional pursuits—from an engineering-centric approach to being a founder—with the rich tapestry of investment strategies and decision-making. It not only fortified my capabilities in innovation assessment but also crystallized my educational focus on Entrepreneurship. A standing ovation for Rahul George and Sen Sachi , who generously shared their in-depth expertise and steered activities during my term.

2. Convocation Support Staff at 加拿大约克大学 :

Taking part in the orchestration of 13 convocation ceremonies for 10 faculties and over 6,000 graduates was both a monumental task and a deeply rewarding experience. My responsibilities spanned from supervising the line-ups of excited graduates to marshalling them as they took their momentous steps on stage. Amid the pomp and pageantry, the joy and sense of achievement emanating from both students and families were palpable, imbuing my role with a profound sense of gratification. A heartfelt thank-you to my exceptional manager, Prikankshit Mor, MBA , and to my invaluable teammates, special mentions Rafi Ahmed and Pallab Doley , for making this daunting endeavor not just feasible but meaningful.

3. Independent Consultant:

This summer was a playground for sharpening my consulting acumen, especially in the domains of generative AI, sales consulting, and the digital transformation across industries. These projects not only enriched my understanding of applying next-gen technologies but also shattered the myth that certain sectors are slow to adapt to tech innovations. The horizon of my professional journey has now broadened, filled with opportunities to offer cutting-edge solutions to organizations eager to ride the wave of technological advancement. A heartfelt thank you to Prof. Ajay Sirsi, PhD , for his invaluable mentorship across these projects, and a big shoutout to Amit Aggarwal , who has been my compass in the fast-changing landscape of AI-driven business strategies.

4. Wellness Director, Graduate Business Council at Schulich School of Business :

Kicking off the summer as the newly elected Wellness Director, I seized the opportunity to turn my vision into reality. Together with GBC Athletics, we launched a hiking event that reached full capacity within hours—a record-setting accomplishment for the school. Leading over 50 graduate students on a breathtaking trek was not just an honor but a confirmation of my passion for community wellness, something I'd cultivated as the founder of an adventure tourism initiative. The expressions of sheer joy and contentment I witnessed on the faces of participants were not only fulfilling but fueled my anticipation for future endeavors during my tenure.

Conference Experiences:

Collision Conf :

I had the privilege of being one of approximately 37,000 attendees at this technology maelstrom, where I wore multiple hats—MBA student, investment scout, and business integrator. The experience offered an invaluable glimpse into cutting-edge technologies and the pulsating startup world. My networking endeavors were rich and extensive, opening doors to potential collaborations while deepening my understanding of AI's ascending influence in public discourse.

Blockchain Futurist Conference :

This was a transformative platform for resuming my exploration of disruptive technologies, notably blockchain. It wasn't just about understanding the technology but also about grasping its ongoing journey toward mainstream relevance. The event served as a lens, focusing my attention on a wealth of untapped opportunities in the blockchain sphere. Additionally, the Venture Series talk by Schulich Start-ups provided me with insights worth their weight in crypto! Grateful for the enriching conversations and camaraderie with peers and friends, including Vinod Krishna , Salman Faridi , Asit K Deva , and Jessica Bulahan .

Each of these experiences has been a jigsaw piece in the grand puzzle of my professional development, providing me with opportunities to grow, network, and contribute in unique ways. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has supported me during this transformative journey.

A huge shoutout Chris Carder Schulich Startups Chelsea Gray for making it possible for me to attend the conferences and their support. Can't skip mentioning Rahul Nagaraj and Lekhani Kelam for their ever-supporting presence.

To those starting or in the thick of their MBA quest: every challenge is a stepping stone, and the light at the end of the tunnel is not an illusion, it's real.

Here's to an even more enriching academic year ahead! ??