The Post Graduate Programme in International Management, launched by MDI in 2006, was the first of its kind in India. The programme is currently offered under an arrangement with ESCP Europe Business School, which has been ranked 2nd in Europe by the Financial Times in the year 2018. The PGP-IM is a dual degree programme delivered partly in India (MDI Gurgaon) and partly in Europe (ESCP Europe campuses).
1. How is the IM Program Structured?
The first phase of the programme is delivered at the MDI campus in Gurgaon, while the second phase to be delivered in ESCP Europe at the Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and London campuses. The students earn another degree, Master in Management (MIM) which is offered by the partner institute on completion of a minimum number of credits and fulfilment of other conditions.
The course is currently structured in the following way:
The Term I, II & VI (equivalent to Semester 1 & 4 of ESCP Europe, MIM Programme) are delivered at MDI Gurgaon campus. The focus during the first two terms is to provide basic inputs in qualitative and quantitative domains and develop analytical, integrative and communication skills.
Term III, IV & V (equivalent to Semester-2 & 3 of MIM Programme of ESCP Europe) are delivered at ESCP Europe on one of the allocated locations - Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and London. In semesters 2 & 3 the focus is given on International Management perspective to the students including the company Internship to provide in-company exposure in a global context.
2. Which all colleges are covered?
Currently, MDI has partnered with the four campuses of ESCP – Paris, Madrid, Berlin and London for the International term of PGPIM.
Paris Campus: The Paris Campus (located on the République Street) is conveniently located in the centre of the city, in the 11th arrondissement. It is the largest of the campuses and hosts the greatest number of faculty and students. The building is classified as a historical monument. With extensive campus facilities and over fifty active student clubs and associations, a strong sense of school spirit and community prevails. The campus is literally at the crossroads of new economic and societal trends shaping the future of the French capital.
Madrid Campus: Madrid is one of the most visited cities in Europe, with an exceptional lifestyle, incredible gastronomy and thousands of places to visit, including some of the best museums in the world. Talking about Madrid Campus is synonymous of Vanguardia. It’s the madrileño attitude - a love of socialising, cultural flare, and the warmth of its people. Every corner you turn reveals something to surprise and delights you.
Berlin Campus: Berlin is a fast-growing city which offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. Cultural diversity shapes the character of the city, imbuing it with cultural flair and variety. As a state-recognized university, ESCP counts among the most prestigious and leading business schools in Germany. ESCP regularly occupy top spots in both national and international rankings (#1 European business school in Germany, #1 Master in Management, #1 Executive MBA and #1 in Custom Executive Education in Germany).
London Campus: Whether you’re heading for a career in the Finance sector or dreaming of working for a leading Luxury brand or Tech company, London has it all. Located in West Hampstead in North West London, ESCP’s UK campus offers students state-of-the-art facilities in a traditional Victorian building. The bright city lights and the business community are only a tube ride away, while the fashionable area of West Hampstead offers a broad cultural experience away from the hustle and bustle of inner-city life.
3. What are the unique courses?
While ESCP offers wide variety of courses, there are some unique courses which one won’t be able to find in any B-School in India like Negotiation, Rounding up the CEO's job, Design thinking, Marketing of innovations, Digital Transformation, Breaking the code of true leadership, Philanthropy, Me-business, What does the brain do?, Real estate, Human Rights, Behavioural Finance and many more. Courses like Entrepreneurship lets you come up with an idea and pitch it in front of an Investor, if fortunate enough then you can start a company of your own. Consulting lets you work with multiple companies along with its employees on complex problems. There are other courses where you interview the CEO’s of start-ups, find out insightful information and suggest them on how to improve its operations. There are also multiple opportunities to travel across the globe as a part of learning expedition to countries such as the US, Israel etc.
4. How stringent is the course curricula at ESCP?
The course curriculum is not as stringent at ESCP as it is in MDI (where you complete 21 subjects in just 2 terms). A typical student would be attending 5 to 6 classes of 3 hours each in a week and there’s more emphasis on the practical implementation of the learning. However, everyone is usually busy in working on multiple projects, finding an internship/job and travelling.
5. What suggestions would you like to give to anyone wanting to come for IM at MDI Gurgaon?
Start working on any European language skill to increase your chances of getting some really good offers. Unlike in India, in Europe more importance is given to the culture and not grades. Network with everyone and maintain good relationships with everyone. Improve your communication and presentation skills, fashion sense (Yes, it is important in Europe) and last but not the least, learn how to cook.
6. What is the current batch size of the PGP-IM program?
The current size for the batch of 2019-2021 is 120 students.
7. How is it different from the PGPM program?
PGPIM is a highly intensive in its course curriculum, has huge employment opportunities abroad and of course, the chance for immense international exposure. This is proper twinning program where you stay one year in Europe and complete your degree where you’re exposed to 90 different cultures. A lot of top companies in the western society give huge importance to international exposure and you can have a lot of talking points in your job interviews.
Europe is the heaven on earth. You need to put little effort to travel and making a Euro Trip is not uncommon. Each and every country is unique and gives you a memorable experience along with lifelong friends during your adventure. Also, you become an expert travel adviser to all your friends at India :)
Students studying abroad develop an independent nature and find new interests which they didn’t think of or didn’t know earlier and discover their real selves.
8. What’s the placement scenario and process like?
Every student is required to complete 3 months of internship in Europe and this is where students give all their effort because a lot of international companies look more for Person-Organization fit and attitude rather than completely on knowledge. If you do well, there are high chances of getting a PPO from top International Company.
PGPIM students can choose to work in Europe as well as come back to India and sit for placements along with PGPM and PGPIM. So basically you’re getting double the chances to get placed than any other MBA student. Most important thing about studying in Europe is that you can get job opportunity anywhere in the world and is very easy to get it in Europe if you possess the skills. Alumni of PGPIM course work in companies like Accenture, Accor, Airbus, Amazon, Apple, AT Kearney, AXA, Axel Springer, Bain & Company, Banco Santander, BearingPoint, Bertelsmann, Bloomberg, BMW, BNP Paribas, Bombardier, BCG, CHANEL, Coca-Cola, Commerzbank, Deloitte, E.ON, Eaton Corporation, EY, Ferrero, GE, Google, Heineken, HSBC, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, KPMG, L’Oréal, Lavazza, Lazard, Luxottica, LVMH, McKinsey & Company, Michelin, Microsoft, Mondelēz, Natixis, Nestle, Nomura, Novartis, Oracle, Pfizer, PwC, Procter & Gamble, Renault, Roland Berger, Royal Bank of Scotland, SAP, Société Générale, Sony, Telefónica, Thales, Total, Uber, Ubisoft, UBS, Unilever, Vodafone and others.
Credits: Chimakurthi Phani Sekhar