Transitioning to college has given me a deeper, more nuanced understanding of what it means to “do research.” Growing up, I heard the word, “research” in various contexts: in the discussion of scientific discovery, in the review of historical events, and even in the creation of works of art. However, I never understood the details nor appreciated the rigor associated with quality research. Research is the wax seal on an envelope that brands the content as complete and veritable. Research is the invocation of science as proof of validity. Ultimately, research is the process of collecting, organ ..read more

It’s seven o’clock, and the bustling kitchen is not going to wait for me to catch up. I have a steel bowl, filled to the brim with celery stalks, and my task is to slice them over a mandolin into small crescents. The sous-chef is watching over the kitchen, ensuring that everyone is on track. Each person has a very specific job, and each has a part to play in the well-oiled machinery of the restaurant. The sous-chef spots my panic from the corner of her eye and me grabs another mandolin to help me. This moment stuck with me because the second in command of the kitchen was willing to work on th ..read more

Strategic thinking, logical thinking, and critical thinking are necessary terms to understand for developing strong problem-solving skills. What do these terms mean, and why are they important skills to develop in a professional workplace? For problems that require future-oriented thinking with a specific objective in mind, strategic thinking is the answer. Strategic thinking (as one might guess) requires developing a strategy in order to achieve a future goal. Organizing a charity fundraiser, for example, would require strategic thinking to hit a specific fundraising goal. Knowing that you h ..read more

Many parents default to aptitude tests to help their children determine a career path that suits their abilities and interests. The problem with aptitude tests, however, is that they only measure what someone is innately able to do, regardless of the knowledge they amass or amount of practice they put in. In today’s world of rapidly changing technologies, emerging business models, adaptive social frameworks, and so on, I argue that it’s just as valuable for young people to understand their interests and the areas in which they can build skills so that they can adapt to and excel in newly devel ..read more

A running joke amongst my teams, mentees, and employees is that I know “everyone”. While that isn’t actually true, I do know many people. Part of this can be chalked up to age – I’ve had many years to meet lots of and lots of people. But much of my connecting know-how stems from a keen appreciation of networks and the nuances of networking. In the first of this multi-part series, I will break down the concept of networking and its value. By sharing personal examples and easy-to-action tips, I hope that you are able to leverage the unique eco-systems of which you are a part. In subsequent piece ..read more

Networking is most efficient and rewarding when you follow a few rules and maintain protocol. Cultivate networks Your network is a living, breathing organism that should be nurtured. You need to “give” just as much as you “take” but that doesn’t mean that the pattern of engagement has to be one-for-one. There may be long stretches – weeks, months, years – during which you offer advice or connections without “receiving” anything in exchange. And then, in the future, you may tap the same network for insights on a new job or competitor. Remember, consider the totality of your network relationship ..read more

When building your network, keep in mind some pointers to maximize effectiveness. Know who’s on your team A network should be like a botanical garden, with different species and varieties that make the whole organism valuable and interesting. In much the same way, you should also know the types of relationships within your team. KC Haydon, a professor of psychology and education at Mount Holyoke College in the US aptly summarizes the types of people in your network. Support Squad: People who celebrate with you; those who lift you up when you are down Compatriots: Peers who share similar goal ..read more

When giving back to a network, also try to have a plan. The best way to learn to enjoy networking is to not think of it as transactional. Instead, focus on observing and reflecting on your interactions – learning about others’ experiences, celebrating their victories, appreciating their back stories. Over time, this approach will help you connect with different types of people, making your network more interesting, robust, and valuable. Efficient = Effective Harvard Business Review outlines six profiles of giving through which individuals can offer value to others. I found the framework useful ..read more

The global switch to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic may be the new normal for many educational institutions going forward. However, having lectures recorded and uploaded on to a learning management system (LMS) may not be enough to impart a holistic education. In fact, universities need to consider is classroom interaction with the teacher, peer-to-peer learning and team-based projects, as well. What can institutions, professors and tutors do to change the way they teach online? Here are seven practical tips: 1. Keep it simple Organise content on the LMS such that it is easy to ..read more

Allow us to introduce to Dr. Miloni Sanghvi, a Psychologist & Outreach Associate, at Mumbai’s Mpower - The Centre who offers valuable tips on maintaining relationships in the time of social distancing and social media. Wednesday, 1st April, 2020: I’d already lost count of what day of lockdown we’re in. I reached out for my heated phone, “Your average screen time has gone up by 50% from last week, to 5 hours and 43 minutes.” Within a second, I was imbued with a concoction of shock, embarrassment and denial…25% of my day on my phone?! I reassured myself that this was a “quarantine thing ..read more