EDUCATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT WEAPON THAT ONE CAN CHOOSE TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
-NELSON MANDELA
A good campus not only offers the path for a grander carrier ahead but also helps to shape a person's character, belief's and thoughts which leads to a successful life. Earlier MBA programme was synonymous with IIM, but with the advent of so many other good colleges like IIFT, MDI, FMS, XLRI etc., the selection has become challenging. Definitely, reputation plays a major role in the selection of any B-school, but we need to look beyond it and find particular reasons for the success of a particular institute. And after doing a thorough online research and consulting seniors from different institutes, I have selected IIM Raipur as my B-school campus. The following were the major factors – PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY People have always been apprehensive in mentioning the fact that they are in B-school for placements. So there is no point beating around the bush; yes, if not all, at least 80% of the batch is here for it. I did not make the mistake of only going through the average and median package given in the placement reports as the reports of all B-schools are generally inflated. I went through the companies that come for placements and looked for the profiles they offer. Also, IIM Raipur has relatively smaller batch strength, and an extremely dedicated and excellent placement committee helps to cater the needs of placement. Talking about International final placement and summer internship; IIM Raipur has it all. Also since the course fee is comparatively lower, the RoI (Return of Investment) is good enough. ANALYSIS OF ONESELF We always forget about ourselves while choosing a B-school. Our major focus on selecting a B-school should be myself, me and I. We should analyze our strengths and weakness, and most importantly know our major reason for doing an MBA. For me, it was a simple decision. I have a 23-month work experience in Operations and 12 months experience in Business Development in one of India’s top construction company. I wanted to major in Strategy Marketing and IIM Raipur has undoubtedly the best exposure and faculty for the same. The curriculum at IIM Raipur has a mix of lectures, case studies (both Harvard, International and Indian cases), business games, simulation exercises, role plays, group discussions, field visits, industry-based projects and a lot of self-realized conceptual reflection. This different approach to the course will make the course more practical. CAMPUS LIFE AND INFRASTRUCTURE Campus life is a very important factor in choosing any B-school. I did a thorough research on the profile of students; work experience, academic background etc. I also spoke with the alumni of various colleges and made my decision. IIM Raipur has one of the most diverse batches, with people having diverse credentials. Diverse batch helps in having a different and varied perspective to any problem. IIM Raipur is also known for the various events that it organizes throughout the year. The clubs and committees are highly active and it helps in the overall development of an individual. Infrastructure is an important aspect but should not be the only criteria for selecting a B-school. The new campus of IIM Raipur (200 acres) is almost complete and our batch is going to be the first batch to be in it. And, even the old campus at Sejbahar with GEC and IIT Bhilai has all the facilities required for a B-school; a modern library, simulation lab, hostel, mess, and playground. INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE Who does not want to study abroad? I, at least have a dream for it. IIM Raipur boasts of one of the best student exchange program in India. With almost 30% of the batch having an opportunity to be a part of this program in 19 prestigious universities throughout the world, it was the deciding factor for me choosing IIM Raipur. The international exposure will add diversity and provide us with learning to understand and manage multi-cultural people and teams in the future. And finally, choosing a B-school is not a one way process. No matter what B-school you select, the college also has to choose you. Fortunately, IIM Raipur has selected me to be a part of their flagship PGP for the year 2018-20.
Which ABG Company would you want to work at and why?
India is a developing country, and infrastructure development is going to be the way forward. I am a Civil Engineer and have work experience in Operations and Business Development in one of the most renowned Construction firm in India. Having a keen interest in strategic marketing, I would like to work for Ultratech Cements Ltd. Ultratech is India's largest exporter of cement based in Mumbai. With infrastructure being the buzzword, cement would an industry to look out for in the future.
– Akash Kumar is a first-year student at IIM Raipur
