Have you ever imagined being taught by people who have built successful businesses, while studying alongside students who come from businesses worth $100,000 or more? Wouldn’t that be a dream for any business student?
When I joined SP Jain Global, my expectations were shaped by university rankings, recommendations, and the reputation of the institution. I imagined the usual university experience: attending lectures, learning from professors, completing assignments, and participating in a few college activities. However, after one year, I have realised that SP Jain Global offers much more than just a business degree. The experience extends beyond classrooms, bringing you closer to the people, businesses, and opportunities that make the business world what it is.
Learning from people who have been there
One of the most valuable parts of my BBA experience has been learning from our faculty. Many of them have built successful businesses, worked with multinational corporations, and established themselves in their respective industries. Their experiences bring a different perspective to classroom discussions because they can connect theories to actual business situations.
Another thing worth mentioning is how accessible they are. Whether it is asking questions, discussing an idea, or seeking guidance, interacting with faculty members has been much easier than I expected. You get the opportunity to learn from people who have experienced the business world firsthand, and that makes classroom learning much more meaningful.
The people around you matter
The students at SP Jain Global bring their own experiences, ambitions, and perspectives to the table. Some come from established family businesses, while others have different backgrounds and goals. This diversity makes conversations more interesting because everyone has a different way of looking at things.
You begin to understand that your classmates could eventually become entrepreneurs, investors, or business leaders. Being surrounded by ambitious people naturally pushes you to think bigger and look beyond your own experiences. In a business school, the people you learn alongside can be just as important as the subjects you study.
More than just your own batch
One of the things I enjoyed was the opportunity to participate in competitions involving both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It brought different groups together and gave us a chance to exchange ideas and compete with people who had different levels of experience.
These interactions made campus life more collaborative. You were not limited to your own classroom or friend circle; there were opportunities to engage with students across programs, learn from their approaches, and test your own abilities. For someone studying business, this kind of exposure is valuable because the professional world requires you to work with people from different backgrounds and levels of experience.
GLSL: Beyond industrial visits
Before joining, I expected GLSL or Global Learning and Student Life activities to include industrial visits and a few fun events. What we experienced was a much wider mix of activities, including educational events, guest lectures, industry exposure, and opportunities to spend time with our batchmates.
What made GLSL particularly interesting was the involvement of students in shaping these experiences. We could recommend activities, and when there was sufficient interest among the batch, those suggestions could be considered for inclusion in the GLSL calendar.
This created a sense of ownership. Instead of simply attending events organised by the college, we had an opportunity to contribute ideas about what we wanted to experience. It made campus life more engaging because student interests could actually influence the activities being planned.
Having a voice in college life
Student involvement also extended to planning and discussions around activities. Through collaborative opportunities, including GLSL planning, we were brought into decision-making discussions and asked about our preferences.
I think this makes a real difference. Students often spend years following schedules and instructions, but university is also a time to develop independence and learn to take responsibility. Having the opportunity to share ideas, discuss plans, and help organise activities teaches you how to collaborate and turn suggestions into something practical.
Of course, not every idea can be implemented. However, being included in the process makes you feel that you are contributing to the university experience rather than simply being a part of it. In many ways, these are lessons in leadership and teamwork that complement what we learn academically.
Two cities, different experiences
My experiences in Mumbai and Dubai have added another dimension to my time at SP Jain Global. In Mumbai, our campus is located in Vios Tower, surrounded by established businesses and financial firms, including Tata and Motilal Oswal. Being in that environment gave us opportunities to interact with professionals working in the same business setting. It showed me how exposure can come from the environment around you, not just from organised visits or special events.
Dubai has offered a different perspective. Studying in Academic City, alongside institutions such as IIM and Middlesex University, brings you into an environment with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and educational systems. You get a broader understanding of how people approach business and communicate across different environments.
For me, this is what makes the experience global. It is not simply about studying in another country; it is about learning to engage with people and perspectives beyond your own.
So, was SP Jain Global what I expected?
Looking back at the past year, I can say that SP Jain Global has been more than I expected. I joined the BBA program because of its reputation, but the experience has been shaped by much more: the faculty I learn from, the students I interact with, the competitions I participate in, and the opportunity to contribute to campus life.
The biggest takeaway is that a university experience depends on more than its curriculum or rankings. It also depends on the people around you, the environment you are placed in, and the opportunities you get to explore. Of course, these opportunities mean little if you do not take the initiative to make use of them.
One year later, I see SP Jain Global as more than a place where I learn about business. It is a place where I get to experience different parts of the business world, interact with people who bring it to life, and actively shape my own university journey. And that is much more than I initially expected.
About the author
Om Patil is our Bachelor of Business Administration student from the September 2026 intake.
Also read:
Three cities, one degree, and a lot of growing up
From Singapore to France: My BBA journey with SP Jain Global
My internship experience at Zolon Tech: Learning recruitment through research and AI
