Folks..was asked to post this here as well...a post I made on the 2008 forum...hope its useful..
I am relatively old MBA from AIM (2005 grad) and it is interesting to see how the program has eveolved (2 batches, 16 months etc..which are a departure from the 24 month program we had)...but a few things I really liked about the MBA vs. other choices people have..ISB, NUS, HKUST etc etc etc..
1. Return on Investment is extremely high if you join the financial services industry even in India (particularly I banking)..though these days u may even be fired.. AIM still has a good name in finance vs. ISB, NUS etc..both schools are also very region or India focused with little case interface...I have worked with both ISB grads including recruiting them and found that ISB standards have slipped...my previous organization has stopped visiting the campus..(could be for other reasons as well)...NUS is good only if you want to work in Singapore..which is a "fine" city
2. RoI is only possible if you network feverishly and pursue all leads including cold calling..I think i worte like 200+ cold emails and another 50-60 calls and followup (I wanted to pursue Private equity which was still small in 2005) and I was shut out being stuck at the exchange prgram at Wharton..however I did get 2 job offers at PE firms...(another story why I dropped them both)...a lot of students also camp in Singapore for a cpl of months
3. Leverage alumni especially in Singapore etc though they CANNOT guarantee you jobs...most are very hospitable etc and help the students who camp in Singapore
4. Have fun..fun factor is probably the highest in Manila..the people..women..places..food (if you like to experiment)..cheap booze/cigs etc..make it a great place to party cheap..i used to party almost 4 nights a week on a meagre budget..the city also has a lot of sightseeing, culture and arts which you can spend time on..Hyderabad (so small) and Singapre (so formal and expensive) are no match..afterall you do need to live?
5. Exchange programs..including Tuck , wharton, etc are amazing...I will always cherish that..though it does screw up ur placement a bit...ISB and NUS still dont have that reach..though visiting Profs at ISB are a boon...
6. Learning..which is much more practical and situation oriented at AIM..i loved the case method..if you can present and articulate yourself at AIM..it helps rather than being a nerdy topper at any other B School where you cannot articulate yur plans in front of a board..there is also time to pursue academic execellence by taking the CFA, FRM etc with special classes organised by the institute...
I think 6 points is enough...but my own tale is interesting..I joined with 3.5 yrs years work ex in mostly Internal consulting at a large BPO with some work ex in the US..i joined hoping to specialise in marketing..switched to gen mgmt ..finally was forced into finance and loved it..wanted private equity and ended up as an investment banker...so AIM helps you shape your mind..and give you the stuff that you need everday on the job..
I must have bored you guys with my monologue but feel free to respond with specific questions..
given the current market conditions..i would advise pursuing consulting, risk mgmt, financial restructuring type jobs.. I banks are firing people
Also on marketing: Marketing is a strong contender in placements with some exciting electives..J&J, The IT companies etc always recuit heavily for Sales/ BD/ Mktng jobs...lots of Alums are working in Marketing in India, Sing etc as well the US and UK (mostly for IT firms like HCL)..so I think it is a salient feature..the amount u end up speaking you can be preety effective in sales/ mktng...
Cheers and good luck
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