The foundation of a premier B-school is built on state of art curriculum, innovative pedagogy and industry interface. An alumni network represents a group of people, all of whom have a business school as a shared experience that connects academia to industry. A strong alumni base offers an easy interface with the industry for various developmental initiatives of the students during and after graduation. They are the brand ambassadors who can mobilize resources from their professional network to build alma mater academically and professionally. Their engagement connects the past to the present to significantly impact the future.
Importance of an Alumni Network
1. Aids in Creating a Professional Network
Most MBA programmes have a mixed batch of students: some have work experience, while others are freshers. An Alumni network benefits student, especially those without work experience, as they get access to professional contacts.
Attending Alumni events and joining professional groups helps build a great network in the long run. It helps to stay connected with people in the industry who understand what you bring to the table and can help you get a foot in the door of your dream job.
2. Creates an Information Resource Bank
The online Alumni directory helps students evaluate whether an organization is a right fit for them, as Alumni in these organizations act as excellent resources for providing all relevant information.
3. Mentoring
The Alumni play an important role in shaping the lives of students by mentoring them. Young alums and students can benefit immensely from the network during their student life and later in their professional lives. They can get mentored by alumni to make informed career decisions, get assistance about job opportunities first-hand and understand the right approach to ace the selection process.
4. Venture Funding for Entrepreneurs
For budding entrepreneurs, the Alumni network can be a valuable resource. It can provide several opportunities to help them gather new insights and promote their business. Funding of start-ups might facilitate using this extensive network of people who connect through their alma mater.
5. The First Thrust
The Alumni network of a business school can help students get a foothold in the industry after completing their programme. But even before that, students can benefit in the initial stages of their careers while looking for internships. They can explore their options through seniors, get feedback on their resumes and connect with other alums and business contacts. Campus job and internship fairs can be a platform where Alumni can engage with and interview students for internship positions.
6. Financial Support
The Alumni of an institute are often dedicated and generous philanthropists whose donations can fund student scholarships. They can also help the college in upgrading its facilities and infrastructure. This financial support can help the college achieve advancement in teaching and research.
7. Upgrading Curriculum
Senior alumni offer meaningful insights towards development of current and industry relevant curriculum.
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Alumni Network
K J Somaiya Institute of Management strives to connect and collaborate with its 13000+ Alumni spread across the globe. Alumni are involved in almost every activity organized on campus. From inviting Alumni as panelists for the admission process to select the incoming batch of students, as Guest Speakers to share their knowledge and experience with students, as Jury members for various activities and competitions, as Chief Guest and Keynote Speakers for conferences, as Recruiters for summer internships and final placements, to mentor students and so on.
Apart from Nostalgia (annual alumni meet), Milaap (Batch Reunions) and City Meets (International and Domestic), the Institute has taken several initiatives to ensure that this network keeps getting stronger and more outspread. Let’s take a look at some key initiatives taken by the institute to ensure that the Alumni network acts as the catalyst for the growth of students:
- AlCheMy: Placement mentorship program for the final year students to make informed career choices with the help of Alumni mentors
- SIMSR Jobs: An initiative to share lateral job opportunities with Alumni
- Superstars – The Alumni Awards: Recognize and honour the Alumni who have brought laurels to the institute, business and/or to the society
- Alumni Virtual Clubs: 56 virtual Alumni clubs (WhatsApp groups) as support groups
- SIMSR Alumni Network for Entrepreneurs (SANE): Senior Alumni entrepreneurs mentor budding Alumni entrepreneurs
- CapitALise: Personal finance for Alumni
Illustrious Alumni of K J Somaiya Institute of Management
The Alumni connect at K J Somaiya Institute of Management is one of the strongest networks among Indian B-Schools. Some of K J Somaiya Institute of Management’s illustrious Alumni are listed below:
| Sr No. | Name | Batch | Designation | Organisation |
| 1 | Ramnath Sarma | 1986 | Global Head – Cash Client Service | Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore |
| 2 | Jamnadas Majethia | 1989 | Partner & Actor | Hats-off Productions |
| 3 | Ajay Kapur | 1991 | Director & CEO | Ambuja Cement |
| 4 | Aslam Karmali | 1991 | CEO – Consumer Division | Eureka Forbes |
| 5 | Sanjay Shah | 1992 | Country Head (India) & MD | Morgan Stanley |
| 6 | Jamshyd Patravala | 1993 | General Manager & Country Head – Diagnostics | Abbott |
| 7 | Apoorva Mehrotra | 1994 | CEO & MD | Airtel Zambia, Zambia |
| 8 | Loveena Khatwani | 1995 | Chief Client Experience Officer | Edelweiss Capital |
| 9 | Shreeram Sethuraman | 1996 | Managing Director | BNP Paribas |
| 10 | Sheetal Daftary | 1997 | MD – IT Audit & Assurance | KPMG, USA |
| 11 | Vikram Bhatt | 1997 | Founder & Director | Enrich Salons & Academy |
When a student joins an MBA college with a strong alumni network, it is not just an investment being made towards education but also towards gaining a professional network that will continue to grow and give returns for a lifetime. K J Somaiya Institute of Management is truly on the right path by helping reap the benefits of this worthy asset.
Start your journey towards excellence, admissions are open for MBA (With Major and Minor), MBA in Healthcare Management and MBA in Sports Management for the batch 2023-25.
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