In a world where education is getting more and more democratized thanks to digital interventions, the road to an MBA is also fast-changing. More and more students from different fields are opting for an MBA and are exploring the world of opportunities. SDA Bocconi’s International Master in Business(IMB) program has a very diverse batch split with over 40% of students being in streams other than the traditional Engineering(31%), Commerce (28%) backgrounds.
The current batch has a very balanced gender ratio, with 51% female and 49% male students. With students coming from various academic, professional backgrounds and different states; comes unique perspectives.
We spoke with some IMB students with unique profiles to understand their perspectives & goals. Here is the excerpt:
Steffy Choudhary, B Pharma
Bachelor of Pharmacy with a great 9.49 CGPA and then deciding to opt for an MBA? How did this decision come through?
While doing my Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, I realized that I need to explore beyond just the Pharmaceutical Industry. I realized during my undergraduation years that I have latent managerial skills in me and also public speaking is something that has always interested me. So, shifting gears to management felt natural.
Coming to a completely different Curriculum, how difficult does it feel? What are the few things that you absolutely love about your institute?
I have studied medical science for 7 years, initially it was very tough for me, and somewhere it still is. But the best part of enrolling myself in the IMB program is that it has given me so much exposure in such a short period. I have always been a keen learner and there is so much to learn from my peers, interactions with global faculty, and the Guest lecturers. The learning process here at SDA Bocconi and the atmosphere that goes beyond just the academics has been a great learning experience so far and as they say, the best view comes after the hardest climb, I am on that climb.
Why do you think that SDA Bocconi’s International Master in Business (IMB) would be a perfect fit for you for your future aspirations?
One thing I always wanted in my B-school experience was to have was an International Exposure. SDA Bocconi Asia center offers 4 months term in Milan and that for me was the distinguishing factor. Also, the brand name in itself is a huge deal as we are getting the same curriculum design, faculty, and final Master what one will get in Milan campus. The Triple Crown accreditation AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS which is held by less than 1% of the business schools around the world and SDA Bocconi is one of the top schools to have this triple crown accreditation so, I feel proud of being part of this B-school.
Devesh Tahiliani, Former Model and Actor
A model and an actor turning towards the world of business? Why did this shift happen?
In 2015 I got a chance to live my passion for Acting and I took a few steps towards it. But developing management skills was always on the cards since business runs in my blood. I have grown up in awe of successful entrepreneurs in my family.
What are some of the attributes from your past life, as an actor, that you think are helping you attain your B-school degree at present?
I have always associated my entire career with 3 words – Academics, Arts, Athletics. I truly believe in the holistic development of my personality.
Performing arts was a childhood dream that came true when I played a supporting role in the film ‘Baazaar’ in 2018. It was inspiring to see someone as successful as Saif Ali Khan, being humble, putting in the hours of effort behind the scenes yet managing to bring fun and positivity into the work place.
Having control on emotions, facial expressions always help in good negotiation skills.
Perseverance, having given audition after audition, motivates you in working towards a goal.
After the call, ‘Lights, Camera and Action’ when you just live the moment, surely helps sailing through challenges. And I feel this learning will continue to be with me throughout my life.
What next for Devesh after he is done with his IMB program at SDA Bocconi Asia Center?
I look forward to landing a finance job placement later so that I can really understand how an organization works and gain crucial industry experience. While, I will also continue to pursue my passion for acting and entrepreneurship.
Anushua Nath, Law Student
Entrepreneurship and start-ups are your interest areas. Was that the reason you shifted from law to do an MBA?
I have never imagined doing the conventional practice of law after graduation. In my 4th year of law, I had decided to pursue an MBA and use my acquired legal skills in a business environment. The idea of having my own start-up does kick up my adrenaline but I plan to execute the same after acquiring some professional work experience. I believe that in today's times many sectors are riddled with challenges and are heavily regulated so a person with multiple hats like me can offer an effective solution as opposed to a vanilla approach. This inspired me to take the journey of becoming a business decision-maker rather than just a business facilitator in the legal department.
How is the SDA Bocconi’s IMB program facilitating in you honing your strengths?
SDA Bocconi has helped me build my business skills by giving a plethora of opportunities in terms of clubs, competitions, and industry interactions. The international faculty uses non-conventional application-based teaching which helps me hone my domain knowledge and apply it in the various live projects and internships. The college also gives access to external training programs which further strengthens managerial competence. With this, I think I am at the right place learning from the best.
What are the three things that you have liked the most about SDA Bocconi Asia Center so far?
- The international faculty- A pragmatic teaching methodology where learning and industry training is given primary importance along with live exercises and assignments makes the whole learning journey fun and experiential.
- The curriculum -The whole curriculum is structured, comprehensive, unique, and combined with live case analysis, discussions, business games, and stimulations make the learning experience distinct.
- Career Development Services (CDS)- It plays a critical role in bridging the professional gap by providing continuous guidance in improving one's core competencies and creating a conducive learning environment to transfer oneself into a successful career journey.
Rohit Dhing, Entrepreneur
You worked at EY, a firm that a lot of aspirants want to join. What prompted you to take a leap into pursuing a Masters’s program? And how did you narrow down on SDA Bocconi Asia Center?
While working at Ernst and Young, I got various opportunities to exhibit my leadership and management skills which were recognized & appreciated by the senior management. And upon reflection, I thought of pursuing the IMB course which I believe will help me channelizing my skillsets and accelerate my growth further.
Take us to the journey of founding your own startup The Viral Bee? How is the B-school experience helping you with your startup?
Before the beginning of my classes at SDA Bocconi, I wanted to upskill myself by understanding Marketing and Digital Marketing better. So I started doing some industry-recognized courses and meanwhile got an idea to start “The Viral Bee” to gain real-world experience while pursuing my MBA. I thought this will help me build my professional network and learn to execute ideas that I will gain in the classroom. The pool of knowledgeable faculties not only supports us during classes but also are very approachable for any kind of support, which is a true blessing for any aspiring entrepreneur or intrapreneur at a B-school.
Where do you see yourself in the time to come and what would be your advice to all the other budding entrepreneurs like you who may have an inclination towards pursuing an MBA?
Down the line I see myself to be an individual who is trying to build a better world each day with my creativity, innovation and hard work in any field I will be into because I want to be recognized as a changemaker and not just a professional. IMB’s curriculum includes a lot of case studies of both successful and unsuccessful organizations which gives us a lot of unique perspectives that will help any aspiring entrepreneur/intrapreneur in his venture or profession. Moreover, these case studies are being delivered to us by not only great international academicians but also industry leaders. Hence, I believe in pursuing a program like MBA/IMB with the focused intention of learning from the best each day; will be beneficial for holistic and career growth.
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