[brandmanager]

Hi will,

I agree with Your viewpoints.Am not too sure that i would even apply to IIML.Non Existent Infrastructure, Very small Batch size,Distance from Main campus are all GAPING negatives which one considers seriously after working for 5-6 yrs in the Industry.Also no placement trends are known.

I was not eligible for IIMB,which leaves me only with ISB and may be XLRI(Though it does not give the desired motivation).I fancy my chances at ISB.If i dont get through ISB i would focus on Singapore or may be try for ISB.The reason is simple, i dont want to do an MBA for a degree( its a good investment,and with payback periods of 3-5 Years, one is putting extra pressure on many aspects) I only wanna do an MBA where there is learning from various walks life, with ppl of diff backgrounds.. so its ISB for me..

[deepak75]

Another negative to consider is the current market/ job recession.
If the worst fears come true, the placements would not be good and the payback time would be much longer.
I work for a European MNC and my employer has already imposed a total freeze on recruitment.

In this scenario, I prefer to try for only the best schools. If not admitted there, I would wait for a year or so.
I apologize for being a pessimist.


[quote=brandmanager;1240496]Hi will,

I agree with Your viewpoints.Am not too sure that i would even apply to IIML.Non Existent Infrastructure, Very small Batch size,Distance from Main campus are all GAPING negatives which one considers seriously after working for 5-6 yrs in the Industry.Also no placement trends are known.

[brandmanager]

Will,

Since you have a direct contact at IIML-1st Batch, could u pls help us with placement related info...Am on the verge of being promoted( My salary could increase my a health 35%),i would rather focus of ensuring the promotion rather than getting into a situation where i need to repend and regret...

Pls help everyone out here

[__Will__]

Brandmanager, et al

Let me clearly state my opinion that IIML-NC stands at least #4 in India (after IIMA, ISB, IIMC/IIMB). So pls do not under estimate this course. It is better than remaining other courses. And I am quite sure that after 3 yrs it would be in FT top 20 school. (you must be aware that to be in FT ranking, there must be minimum 3 batches passed). Current batch is first batch and thus there are few small hiccups. Students and faculties together addressing these small issues aggressively. So second batch would be in advantageous position :-)

Regarding placement:
of course this economic recession would make impact. But it is true for all college whether it is HBS, LBS or IIM. Unfortunately, one may attribute this slowdown in placement, if there any, to IIML' IPMX for other such reasons as separation from campus, and being first batch.

As per my knowledge (I am in close touch with IIML and ISB), IIML is even better than ISB in following area:
1) Smaller size, and diversed and experienced batch (very close and quality interactions)
2) Special attention from faculties -- focus on individual
3) Focused placement effort (as per individual interest)
4) Very well designed modules -- better academic focus

I am confident in IIML and applying for it. (indeed my first preference is IIMA)

Brandmanager,
Pls do not just go for MBA for salary hike or better job profile. Perhaps you are not yet confronted by mid career crisis. After few yrs, like me, you may want to go in past and change your career choice that may not necessary provide you a ritzy lifestyle. Know your interest, liking, disliking, strength, weakness, and family values. And then, opt a path that accommodate all mentioned (especially disliking and weakness). It is a tough exercise but it will make your vision quite clear. You might have already done but just review it.

Regarding placement in IIML first batch:
Efforts are going on. No clear information; however batch and faculties are confident that this batch will attract companies that go to IIMA/C. To be in Noida will be another advantage. Currently all the guys are in Canada for 1 month and they will get more info once they are back. So I think situation would be very clear much before you need to commit to join IPMX. So guys, in conclusion, it is a good choice and go for it :-)

I got my two letter of recommendation (seal packed - so do not know what is there inside). SOP is ready. Just waiting for Saturday to get bankdraft, and will send my form by next wk.

[NOTHING1954]

brandmanager,
your objective for doing MBA is laudable. If you don't get into ISB, will you then consider Singapore Unis? I can't figure out how Singapore Unis and Indian-schools substitute each other.
My understanding is that Indian B-schools have high brand value in India and any one who wants to pursue his career may be better off doing MBA from IIMs, ISB and even XLRI.
I am not sure whether NUS or NTU or SMU will be as good a brand as the above in Indian job market.
On the other hand if you aspire for a career in Singapore, I guess it would be best to study in Singapore Universities.
It is true that NUS , NTU will have people from different countries, though majority will be from India and China; how important is this as a criterion for choosing the B-school.
Isn't the place where you want to have your career post-MBA a far more important consideration in choosing a B-school?

Originally Posted by brandmanager

Hi will,

I agree with Your viewpoints.Am not too sure that i would even apply to IIML.Non Existent Infrastructure, Very small Batch size,Distance from Main campus are all GAPING negatives which one considers seriously after working for 5-6 yrs in the Industry.Also no placement trends are known.

I was not eligible for IIMB,which leaves me only with ISB and may be XLRI(Though it does not give the desired motivation).I fancy my chances at ISB.If i dont get through ISB i would focus on Singapore or may be try for ISB.The reason is simple, i dont want to do an MBA for a degree( its a good investment,and with payback periods of 3-5 Years, one is putting extra pressure on many aspects) I only wanna do an MBA where there is learning from various walks life, with ppl of diff backgrounds.. so its ISB for me..

[brandmanager]

Originally Posted by __Will__

Brandmanager, et al

Let me clearly state my opinion that IIML-NC stands at least #4 in India (after IIMA, ISB, IIMC/IIMB). So pls do not under estimate this course. It is better than remaining other courses. And I am quite sure that after 3 yrs it would be in FT top 20 school. (you must be aware that to be in FT ranking, there must be minimum 3 batches passed). Current batch is first batch and thus there are few small hiccups. Students and faculties together addressing these small issues aggressively. So second batch would be in advantageous position :-)

Regarding placement:
of course this economic recession would make impact. But it is true for all college whether it is HBS, LBS or IIM. Unfortunately, one may attribute this slowdown in placement, if there any, to IIML' IPMX for other such reasons as separation from campus, and being first batch.

As per my knowledge (I am in close touch with IIML and ISB), IIML is even better than ISB in following area:
1) Smaller size, and diversed and experienced batch (very close and quality interactions)
2) Special attention from faculties -- focus on individual
3) Focused placement effort (as per individual interest)
4) Very well designed modules -- better academic focus

I am confident in IIML and applying for it. (indeed my first preference is IIMA)

Brandmanager,
Pls do not just go for MBA for salary hike or better job profile. Perhaps you are not yet confronted by mid career crisis. After few yrs, like me, you may want to go in past and change your career choice that may not necessary provide you a ritzy lifestyle. Know your interest, liking, disliking, strength, weakness, and family values. And then, opt a path that accommodate all mentioned (especially disliking and weakness). It is a tough exercise but it will make your vision quite clear. You might have already done but just review it.

Regarding placement in IIML first batch:
Efforts are going on. No clear information; however batch and faculties are confident that this batch will attract companies that go to IIMA/C. To be in Noida will be another advantage. Currently all the guys are in Canada for 1 month and they will get more info once they are back. So I think situation would be very clear much before you need to commit to join IPMX. So guys, in conclusion, it is a good choice and go for it :-)

I got my two letter of recommendation (seal packed - so do not know what is there inside). SOP is ready. Just waiting for Saturday to get bankdraft, and will send my form by next wk.

Hi Will...

Let me clear my viewpoint...

Agreed IIML is at 5th/6th Rank( people percieve GMP-XLRI) to be better than IIML.but the reality is there are only 6-7 colleges which impart execuive MBA( Exec MBA is the indian Lingo),with Foreign Perspective its normal accelerated MBA- The way kellog,Judge,and other impart.

Coming to FT TOP 20 in next 3 years-My take is its a distant dream.IIM's have been into existence for Over 40 years now, and none of them figure in the TOP 100.So IIML-Noida Campus,Located away from Its parent campus breaking in top 20 is IMPOSSIBLE. Unless indian colleges start attracting students from different parts of the world,all Inidan B schools would be valued only in India. Am not too sure how many foreign participants are there in IIML-Noida campus...Could you pls throw some light on it..Also how would IIML be able to leapfrog over IIMA,IIMC,IIMB,ISB.. if you are talking of it being in top 20 in FT..!! leave aside leapfrogging Kellog, Fuqua,oxford, cambridge and other top schools.

There are other factors like Women participants, diversity etc which are important..and in a small batch of 50 its difficult,Trust me Larger th Batch, Much better is the learning.

2 of my Child hood friends have just gone for their MBA at HEC,Paris -11 yrs work ex and Manchester, UK for his 2nd Mba- 5 yrs work ex and trust me there is marked diff in there personalities now.Global Exposure,working with ppl from diff languages, culture etc etc are very very important..Why is it that Inspite of good MNC's being present in India, the working culture has not much changed over years..If your boss does not like you, its diffcult for you to grow etc etc, wherein in a global scenario and internnational jobs, its primarily your work which speaks...!!

Coming Back to my own perspective...I guess You have got me realy wrong, in terms on understanding my motivation to do an MBA.

I come from a family of academecians-Right from my parents to uncles, to my Grand mother all have been associated with Academics in some form or other, and as is the case in any Middle class family i ventured into engineering.Its a diff story that i dont carry the intelligence genes and landed up in a B grade engineering college,passed with poor grades,but i really value that experience.It gave me so much oppurtunity to explore about myself and discover certain traits of my personality..Went on to become the sports captain, master of ceremony of virtually all activities, College secretary, winner of debates etc etc...and dared to not Work for Infosys which was and still is a aspirational brand for many indians.Half my batchmates were either jobless or took any other job in IT..

I experimented with a diff Job for over a year ( Non) IT was not thrilled,Went ahaead and invested 2 years in studying a totally radical program-related to Fashion( nothing related to Engg) inspite having admits to Symbiosis, NM other top ranked Indian B schools in indian context(obviously primarily freshers or ppl with 2-3 yrs exp join there).People really questioned my move...!! did well at the college and my extra curricular activities flared even better,was the president etc etc...

Moved into the apparel industry with a salary which was lesser than what an Internee gets in my present company.The Good part was i simply loved my job..Travelled some 45 cities in India -which thrilled me during my stay of 3 yrs, got three promotions, salary grew by over 300%...

from Apparelsand fashion Industry full of Glamour and glitz-moved into an industry which is Hardcore Non glamorous. I forgot to add that am associated as Visiting faculty at one of the top fashion schools.I undertake classes on something i lOve, retail managementWanted to have a taste of retail Marketing,Joined a New retail Start up-fortune 100 MNC( am sure ppl are aware how tough start up life can be,Am thankful to my wife who has been my pillar of strength and supported me in all my decisions,Not to mention she is an IT professional) have Got 2 promotions in 2 yrs with the comapny and am Presently no 2 in Marketing in my Division-reporting to marketing head.Am paid handsomely and am expecting a further Salry hike and Job band growth this April.the guy who was the marketing manager before me in my present company had 9 yrs of Exp and was an ISB alumni..!!.Now ppl do ask me what would i gain by going to ISB, I might end up getting a job which i was doing before joining ISB, but then i have my own convictions backed upon many factors.


My Ambitions & Goals
My Intersts
My family Values,Support,Expectations
My Risk taking capacity
My long term Goals..which is difficult to express here..

I fully agree that i have not reached a Mid carer crisis( which lot of indians are facing), may be my thoughts would change when i face such a situation.So i dont wanna join a Place which i realise was not meant for me. Am even exploring courses which are NOT MBA, but would give me a deeper knowledge and understanding of Inidan retail Industry..!! I also travelled to US this summer( not on work) but on a leisure trip just to understand the customer psyche in international markets, Fashion trends,and gain exposure in the advanced retail Industry..I want to have a spanish,American ,Project lead, doctor, Entreprenur, teacher,Sports player and ppl from diff industry to study with and not end up in a small class, which is an extension of work life only.


Now share your opinion that Should i Apply to IIML or not...!!

I can definitely say i have a huge appetite for risk .I simply do not want a BRAND-without a rich experience which am looking at...

I would appologise if u have used any crude/rude words, Nothing intentional.

Awaiting response from all the learned and experienced folks

rgds

Brand Manager

[saketverma24]

the journey is important and not the destination...

[brandmanager]

Originally Posted by NOTHING1954

brandmanager,
your objective for doing MBA is laudable. If you don't get into ISB, will you then consider Singapore Unis? I can't figure out how Singapore Unis and Indian-schools substitute each other.
My understanding is that Indian B-schools have high brand value in India and any one who wants to pursue his career may be better off doing MBA from IIMs, ISB and even XLRI.
I am not sure whether NUS or NTU or SMU will be as good a brand as the above in Indian job market.
On the other hand if you aspire for a career in Singapore, I guess it would be best to study in Singapore Universities.
It is true that NUS , NTU will have people from different countries, though majority will be from India and China; how important is this as a criterion for choosing the B-school.
Isn't the place where you want to have your career post-MBA a far more important consideration in choosing a B-school?

Hi Nothing54,

Am contemplating for Singapore( just playing safe-cos we can send the Gmat score to 5 colls) basically my focus is on ISb based on Location(wife can cont with her job), India perspective, larger batch size, amazing facilities, Great staff and faculty,Brand value, Global Thinking and approach of ISB team..and a few more.

For me am at a critical juncture, personally as well as professionally,so for me its like DOING the Right thing at Right time......!!!

Singapore came as thought cos Fee are relatively moderate( I am eligible for 1 yr Kellog( requires Management studies in undergrad which i have done)) and some senior pro's say i stand a very good chance.but in this phase of recession etc etc.. 90K$ +living expenses, Plus loss of Pay for a year,plus staying away from my wife etc is too much to ask, am not game for it...so by default am not left with much choice...

Am also glad, that discussions have started on this thread, i really value these discussions and am sure they are helping everyone

cheers
Brand manager

[brandmanager]

Originally Posted by saketverma24

good post-- but then why you applying to ISB. ISB may have people with different work ex, 1. but they almost all of them will be from India.
2. the back ground may be different but still not as varied as compared to an international school .bcz India still does not have a diverse economy as developed countries.
3. people you will meet in ISB will be almost of the same culture- Indian culture, of the rate race bcz we are still a third world developing country.
we are nothing without USA.

READING your post has tilted my choice towards foreign schools.
even NUS will be a better choice than ISB!

Saket,

I have my constraints..If Not ISB this year, i would focus on my career for next 3-4 years...and may be extending my family...and then say after 4-5 years apply to international schools. Am not in a position to stay away from my wife( whos my best friend).It's too much an ask and sacrifice.Plus as of now am not in a postion to spend more.Once ISb and IIM fee also increases and become comparable to International schools--U know the answer, where wouldppl prefer to go..

so for me its ISB because of fee,Location,batch size..,wifes job and few more minor points .

If i dont get through, i drop out, and say after 4-5 years might have a diff approach-depending on factors imp to me at that time.Its about doing the right thing at right time..

[saketverma24]

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