PGPX IV - 2009-10: Application Process and Beyond

[RLCMAC]

Hi Thomas,

I also have IV on 16 let us have a discussion sometime.
regards

Rahul

[goformba]

Woah woah, guys... I don't have such heavy terms in my armor to throw around. I am going in for an MBA just for this reason

Here are a few articles on the web, which talk about the ROI for MBA programs.

The ROI on your MBA - September 1, 2005

Determine Return on Investment of an MBA Program | Cash Money Life

Assess the R.O.I.

The intangibles, which RR_ez mentions, are somewhat applicable to any good MBA program. I agree that such intangibles are invaluable.... but they are just that intangibles and can't be measured. So, the only thing we can consider are the tangibles. I strongly feel that the ROI is going to be different for each person - because the opportunity costs and post MBA salaries will be different for everyone. An average range could possibly be predicted. However I am not a huge fan of such predictions, because:

1. Validity - The problem with such calculations is that you have to assume some conditions. My problem is that those very conditions are dynamic in nature. How good were these financial wizards predictions about the economy.
2. My ROI - Moreover, I am a very selfish person in this regard and am more interested in knowing my own ROI rather than an average range.

However, better to have a few calculations (even if wrong) than none

Cheers!!!

Originally Posted by RR_ez

Nicely written post, Dichotomy.

My mistake, I missed out adding 'context of education' when dismissing ROIC. ROIC ( as in NOPLAT/IC) forms the cornerstone of DCF model for finding real value of businesses. However, for finding the TRUE value, cash flows till perpetuity are to be discounted. This investment in education is more akin to Pharma domain where real cash flows materialize long after the regular predictable periods in DCF model. For periods after 10 yrs, typically only Continuing Value is considered.

If we really plan to value the return from IIMA, we need to be able to tell how economy will behave 15 yrs from now? If it goes on to be extremely healthy, how will you account for sudden change from VP to CEO in another or same company? Leaving aside professional part, this program will make a better personal financial planner out of most of us. We need to value the better investments. Also, we will need to take into account the scenarios like what if you get VC funding for your ideas riding on IIMA background etc.

So, all in all, it is an investment with better returns on my sweat till perpetuity. It make an year more for breaking even. For breaking even quicker, there is always of option of seeking run-of-the-mill onsite position. But then coming back to valuation, in such cases long term economic profit will be eroded, thus reducing valuation of our careers.

I agree that 2-yr program will be less impacted than 1-yr program. Primary reason, impo, is lack of flexibility associate with someone who has spent close to a decade in an industry. As for me, I am ready to take up jobs that are offered to 5 yrs exp out of IIMA 2-yr program. Suppose, if I plan to go into Business Dev, then I do not think anybody will pick me as Senior Bus Dev Mgr (as I am primarily an engineer in terms of roles throughout), I'll need to adjust a bit and plan for fast track progress into next level roles.

I am not bothered as much about slowdown, as about general placements at this program. As of now, I'll wait to bring on Trouble Signal, as I do believe that weakness in our growth will turn into our strength as our growth is driven inhouse. We are likely to be among the least impacted, unless there is complete meltdown of financial structure.

[civ_ad]

dichotomy,

When/where is your interview at? I see that you are frm Pune also- maybe we could meet up and discuss?

[dichotomy]

CIV_AD

My interview is in AHD on 25/10. When are you scheduled? IS there anyone else from Pune?

Cheers

Originally Posted by civ_ad

dichotomy,

When/where is your interview at? I see that you are frm Pune also- maybe we could meet up and discuss?

[civ_ad]

My int. is at BLR on Oct 19th.I think there were a couple of other ppl from Pune who were scheduled earlier in September. Not sure how their interviews went..

[__Will__]

There is almost no sharing of interview experiences. Is interview on?
Puys, pls share your experiences.

[subh29]

Mine is on 25th Oct, 1 pm.

[civ_ad]

dichotomy, subh29,

lets' try to meet up if we can for interview prep.. if not, a pre-interview beer would be a great stress buster

good luck

[RLCMAC]

Hi All,

I am having IV on 16 Oct.
AdCom mail said that they have changed the venue.
Hope everyone is aware.

If interested we can have a chat and discuss about preparation.

Cheers


Rahul

[RR_ez]

Agreed Dichotomy. Maybe all are better off without these terms in front of the i/v panel made of profs. However, this stuff serves another purpose as well. Instead of using these terms as is, one can derive a framework to hold conversation on and have well-rounded discussion just by keeping these concepts at back of mind. Best of both worlds...isn't it? No getting into mess and still using the framework to respond. Helps you cover wider range of perspectives when responding to a question.

Moreso, it does not take an expert to talk about all this. Just read it once and apply it to industry. That should be enough for i/v. Details will, of course, follow at IIMA

Originally Posted by dichotomy

My take is that interview panels would not expect us to be experts. While it is good to have an understanding of things like 5F/BSC etc, we should refrain from applying them during the interview because of obvious lack of depth in many of us (more important, courses at IIMA would be covering these topics in detail). Lucky ones can definitely talk about them, if they know good deal about it. We might want to spark an interest but should tread very carefully.

On the other hand, we should definitely be well prepared about our respective sectors and some other issues that are daily headlines.

Above all, a little understanding about the courses being offered in PGPX would not harm the prospects