Q. How does an MBA degree bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be in future? How do skills acquired after doing an MBA improve one’s job performance?

A. The MBA essentially exposes students to the business framework, but more importantly it gives students an opportunity to actually practice the science and art of management. A well designed MBA will ensure that students are ready from Day 1 with the essential problem solving, analytical, team management, ability to cope with pressure and taking ownership of issues. These soft skills coupled with the hard skills of Finance, Marketing, Operations and Human Resources bring the right intellect to the fore, which companies are willing to pay for. 

Q. Many students succumb to herd mentality when it comes to choosing a career path. On what criteria should a student base his/her decision to pursue business management?

A. Business Management is for those who harbour a dream of either becoming an Entrepreneur to set up their own business or those keen on working for a quality organisation in pursuing their corporate careers. If you have good Communication skills, a keen interest in business and the economy, willingness to work extremely hard in the early years of your career then an MBA is the right choice.

Q. According to common notion, taking up an MBA course is more about getting into a fancy brand and huge pay package rather than actual learning. How true is this? Please elaborate.

A. I have no issue with the end goal of getting a fancy package and a huge pay packet. However, that can only be possible if you focus on learning the core business management skills and acquiring the soft skills essential for you to succeed in the competitive world of business and finance. I like students who want to give value to their organisations, rather than asking ‘what is in it for me’. Those students that give value to their organisations get promoted, get fancy houses, cars and packages. Those that focus on the salary don’t even land a job.

Q. How do you think the MBA market has changed in the last 5 years?

A. The student has becoming more careful in his choice of an institution which is excellent. Good quality Business Schools are also upping the quality of their faculty, and continuously innovating on the curriculum and pedagogy to stay competitive. There has been a severe backlash against schools who are not investing in their student experience. These are all good signs of a maturing of the business schools and the discerning students.

Q. Basis your observation, what are the major challenges in India’s management education that you think need immediate attention?

A. Unfortunately, most of the leaders in the space of management Education have never run a successful large complex Indian or multinational business. As management education evolves, so must the models of delivery. The challenges range from the paucity of practioneers who accept faculty positions. How many b-schools can say that they have the equivalent of Tendulkar’s or Dravid’s teaching their students? Most faculty are below average, with little or no senior corporate experience. How are they going to captivate their students and discuss real-life business case examples? 

Q. With increasing demand for MBA education in India, management colleges are mushrooming like anything. So, on what factors must a student base his/her choice of an MBA college?

A. Students must chose a college on the following basis:

• Has the key person leading the faculty (Chairman/Dean) ever run a multi-million / billion dollar multinational organisation successfully?
• Has the majority of the Faculty been in business or Academics? If it is the latter avoid.
• Is the curriculum truly International? Ask for proof, not some cut & paste of international curriculum?
• Are you getting an Indian and Internationally Accredited MBA Degree?
• Is the Infrastructure at world standards? Check to be sure
• Are top Multinationals like Unilever, Amazon, Deloitte etc. visiting the Campus for Placements?
• Does the Institute have a Board of International CEOs / MDs?

Q. What are the attributes every admissions committee wants to see in a prospective MBA student?

A. Prospective students must have the following attributes to get selected in a top management institute.
1. Go-Getter with a Positive Attitude
2. High Achiever in Academics & Extra-curricular Activities
3. Excellent Communication Skills
4. Well rounded Personality
5. Worked with an NGO or Passionate about a Cause
6. Avid Reader and follower of Indian & global markets

Q. How can a student strengthen his/her MBA application?

A. Students can strengthen their Applications in the following ways:

• Write a Statement of Purpose which describes your thinking, your goals and your passion
• Submit Letters of Reference from their Professors or Professional experiences
• Highlight the Extra-curricular activities and achievements in this regard
• Write about a Social Cause that you are passionate about and have contributed towards

Q. What are the factors one should keep in mind when choosing an MBA specialization?

A. If students have had prior exposure to the field they are keen to pursue then that’s great, because there is real life practical exposure and the student has enjoyed the same. If not, I believe that students should not decide, but first experience the specialization in the first 3 months and then decide which Professor / Subjects actually the student enjoys. Do what you enjoy and you will excel in that field. It is akin to going into an Ice cream shop, taste the ones you are considering and then select the one which appeals to you most. 

Q. How important is networking for MBA students?

A. I believe in the phrase ‘DIG YOUR OWN WELL BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY’. Those that build a great network never go thirsty. In today’s world of business you have an opportunity to network like never before on platforms like Linkedin, where you can follow prospective companies, reach out to key persons in target companies, understand the culture, job roles and land a job on campus, even before the Placement process. And eventually in the world of business to be successful, a LARGE NETWORK will mean a LARGE NETWORTH 

Q. Considering India’s growing youth population, do you think our courses should be designed to have more job creators than job seekers? Pls. elaborate.

A. I am a firm believer that if India needs to succeed then job creators and Entrepreneurs are going to be key to our success. With the ecommerce boom, and funding available for the right idea, it is critical for students to take the road less travelled. The most important ingredient is the RISK appetite, which I feel is still low though growing which is an encouraging sign.

Q. What are top employers looking for when hiring MBA graduates?

A. Top Employers are focussed on the Attitude, Soft skills and the passion for the company & Industry with a willingness to build their career. Students must be willing to get out of the 9 to 5 mentality and need to be hungry to learn constantly and contribute value to the company.  

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