Before appearing for an interview to convert the call of any b-school, one question that the candidate must be clear about is “Why does he want to join that b-school”? Why would he go for that b-school over others? This article covers the response to the question –“Why IIFT?”
This article will give you a perspective on how you can actually frame the answer when you’re asked the same in your IIFT interview!
AACSB Accreditation
IIFT is all set to join the elite-league B-schools and get the accreditation by AACSB International. The AACSB International accreditation is a globally recognized hallmark. It is given only to 5% of the world’s schools offering business degrees at the bachelor level or higher. AACSB accreditation ensures an excellent quality of processes, faculty qualification and learning processes. It also takes into account placements after graduation and where the students are after 5 years of placement.
IIFT-the Mecca of Trade
When it comes to trade, none does it better than IIFT.IIFT is one of the few institutes giving degrees in International Business in India and IIFT is the leader in the industry.
IIFT has developed specialized courses like Trade Analytics, International Trade Operations and Documentation etc. to bring the best to the students when it comes to trade. These courses are unique to IIFT and are not a part of any other b-school. IIFT also takes care of teaching you a foreign language to ensure you have smooth international exposure.
Real-Time Learning-Port Visit
IIFT believes that learning should not be confined only to the classroom. As IIFT focuses on “International” business, all 2nd year students are given an opportunity to visit an international or a domestic port such as Mumbai, Malaysia, Vizag, Dubai, Singapore etc. It becomes a great getaway with friends along with being an amazing learning experience.
Faculty
Faculty at IIFT consists of academicians who also have rich industry experience. IIFT comes under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce. As such,
IIFT’s professors work constantly with Government of India on various national and international issues-be it opting out of RCEP or maintaining relations with Africa, IIFT has had a key role to play and acts as the think tank of government of India. It has been regularly called upon by the Government of India to undertake research and provide independent analytical inputs and help it develop positions in its various trade negotiations, both at the WTO and other international forums. As such,
students at times get opportunities to work on live projects of great significance to the government under the guidance of the professors.
Course Curriculum
Apart from the fact that the student selection happens through one of the most rigorous selection procedures in the country (only about 200 of the roughly 60000 that apply, make it), IIFT has always been known for its robust course curriculum and has constantly been ranked among the top 3 institutes for Best Course Structure by several industry ranking authorities. A committee comprising industry stalwarts, academicians and IIFT's illustrious alumni constantly reviews the course and strives to align it with the requirements of the industry at large. As an added advantage every subject has an aspect of international practices is being taught at IIFT which makes students global business managers in true sense. Needless to say, there is no institute beyond IIFT when it comes to curriculum in foreign trade which apart from regular domains like finance, marketing, strategy, operations and systems provides an additional domain to specialize in. With the flexible option of a dual major along with multiple options for minor degrees, students get to specialize in whichever domain they want to.
Small Batch Strength-More Opportunities to Shine
IIFT’s batch strength is around 340 (divided between 2 campuses of Delhi and Kolkata).Small batch strength makes it easy to network with others and one does not feel lost in the crowd. (It also increases your chances of better placements :P) IIFT is mainly a student-run organization when it comes to organizing various events be it the annual sports fest of Adrenaline or annual management fest of Quo Vadis. As such, IIFT provides you with ample opportunities to show and furnish your management skills and gives you many opportunities to shine.
IIFT cares for the society – Social Awareness Program
IIFT believes in creating modern-day managers who in addition to being responsible corporate citizens are also compassionate denizens of the country and believe in giving back to society in every possible way. The Social Awareness Program is a testament to this fact, wherein every student undertakes a one-month long internship with various NGOs across the city that provides care for the elderly and destitute, drug and alcohol addicts, orphans, women and fight evils like people trafficking, child abuse and so on.
For the rest of the year, IIFT’s highly active social awareness cell, Koshish, organizes various fundraisers and food, book and clothes drives and keeps the spirit of giving alive on campus.
Alumni
IIFT was established in 1963. More than 55 years of continued excellence in management education has resulted in a rich and diverse network of 10,000+ alumni with presence across industries in almost every major country of the world. IIFT has produced some huge industry stalwarts who are now at the helm of affairs not only in business organizations but also other domains like cricket. Manu Sawhney, CEO of ICC, is a proud alumnus of IIFT. Be it HUL, Louis Dreyfus, Edelweiss, Cargill or any other leading company, IIFTians are at the top of these organizations.
Needless to say, IIFT has one of the best placements with average salary hovering around 21 lakhs P.A as of 2019 with many international offers and highest salary offered crossing the amount of 1 crore.
All these points are indicative of the fact that IIFT provides a great platform for any candidate to be groomed into a successful global leader, thus making it one of the most coveted B-Schools in India.