What is the future of Management Education in India?
Management Education in India has seen an evolution in the last few years with technology making inroads into the traditional curriculum. The onset of this evolution started with Big Data, IoT, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, steering towards becoming an integral part of this discipline. The Management Education scenario at present is largely colored by the influence of these factors. In the near future, they will dominate the industry and the only way B-Schools can keep up is by embracing digitization.
What are the key skills that B-schools inculcate in MBA students?
B-Schools essentially strive to instill the qualities that recruiters are looking for in the MBA graduates. Those are of course in addition to driving them towards academic excellence. We put emphasis on building the students’ critical thinking, analytical ability and social skills. We believe that if an individual has an ability to put rigorous efforts in tasks, and manage resources effectively, he is already a favored candidate. Our aim is to groom each student in a way that they are able to make optimal utilization of resources offered to them and operate in a highly competitive environment.
Please elaborate on the kind of priorities IIM Calcutta has laid for the coming days.
IIM Calcutta has made significant progress in its journey of providing excellent management education in the last six decades. Going into the future, apart from continued emphasis on academic excellence and research impact, the institute is focusing on enhancing its international footprint through its offerings.
What is the mantra behind consistent performance of IIM Calcutta in B-school Rankings?
The rankings of B Schools are based on a set of criteria which are laid down to us from time to time. We are analyzed based on our achievements, relative to the standards set by the ranking bodies. We hold this in high regard as it helps us understand where we stand, how we have fared and what aspects we need to improve on. In the event of a satisfactory review by the bodies, we ensure that we maintain the same standards in the years to follow. To sum it up, rankings have been instrumental in driving educational institutes towards displaying a multi-faceted ecosystem for their stakeholders.
IIM Calcutta has also done outstandingly in the recruitment this year. Is there anything special that the institute has done to achieve it?
Our constant endeavor towards meeting the expectations of recruiters is what makes them believe in the institute. The students who have graduated from IIM Calcutta have made their mark in different firms. Their accomplishments are also taken into account by recruiters when a fresh batch of graduates take part in the placement process. Also, the institute’s Summer Internship program lets the students get a hands-on exposure of the corporate world which acts as a facilitator for them to land their dream jobs.
Any suggestions for aspiring management students?
Management education is high in demand and an MBA degree can make one stand out in the job market. However, it is important to assess yourself and analyze your career path. The key is to be constantly updated with the latest industry trends and possess analytical skills. In addition to that, a display of promising qualities such as diligence, curiosity to gain knowledge and extracurricular activities are taken into account for aspiring students.