Says Sakshi Sharda, second year student from Fergusson College who actively participates in the annual flora and zoovolution fest in her college,“ You learn the art of multitasking and you explore what you are capable of doing under pressure. You learn time management and the traits of a manager get sharpened in you.”

There are several success stories coming out of college experiences. Like the case of Neeraj Sharma, senior event manager of Total Sports Asia, and an ex student of Jai Hind College, Mumbai. “I wanted to get into advertising and be a copywriter earlier, but getting involved in the events committee of my college motivated me to pursue this instead,” he says. “While still in college, I began to freelance for events at nightclubs. Not only did that plump my CV, it’s also helping me in my current job,” the 24-year-old adds of this “passion-driven” career choice.

There are personal advantages as well. For students who are shy or are introverts, dealing with others on a scale like this brings out their hidden social skills. In the case of engineering students especially, planning and executing college events is a break from conventional studies and they are drawn out of their shells. Manish Narang , second year student of D.Y. Patil who was actively involved with the Robotics competition in his college says his interpersonal skills have markedly improved. “When you organise an event it builds a certain sense of confidence in you. You get to learn to co-ordinate and work as a team. Also you get a fair idea of managing things in a public domain. I think all the fests, exhibitions and competitions held in colleges bring out the traits of a good manager in you. Although I am going to pursue my technical stream, I have learned invaluable managerial skills,” he says.