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“It’s Not Just Grades: Sensemaking and Emotional Strain Among Indian MBA Students During Campus Placements”

 

Kavitha Bagilesh 1*, Manimegalai D 2, Kavitha Shanmugam 3
1&2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management, SRM Institute of Science and
Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai-89, Tamil Nadu, India
(Corresponding Author email id: kavithabagilesh@gmail.com)
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, College of Engineering Guindy,
Anna University, Chennai – 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India

 

Abstract
For Indian MBA students, campus placement season is more than a recruitment drive—it is a defining life moment. Beyond grades and résumés, students must navigate uncertainty, peer comparisons, and high family expectations, all of which can take a heavy emotional toll. While existing research highlights technical skills and academic performance as predictors of placement success, far less attention has been given to how students make sense of this stressful journey and how that sensemaking shapes their well-being. This study explores the psychological side of placements, focusing on how interpretations of ambiguous events influence emotional strain. Drawing on sensemaking theory (Weick, 1995) alongside perspectives from social comparison, stress appraisal, employability, and organizational justice, the paper
develops an integrative framework. We argue that adaptive sensemaking can act as a protective factor, reducing stress, while perceptions of employability serve as a key mediator. Conversely, placement uncertainty and constant peer comparisons are expected to intensify strain, with recruiter fairness shaping whether students feel confident or discouraged. By weaving together these theoretical insights, the study aims to shift the conversation from “How good are your grades?” to “How do you interpret and cope with the pressure of placement?” The findings are intended not only for scholars but also for business schools, recruiters, and counselors working to design fairer, more supportive placement environments that protect student well-being while enhancing employability.

Keywords: Campus placements, MBA students, sensemaking, emotional strain, employability, fairness

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