Classes that are a Class apart

It has been only a week of classes for us at IIMA and what an experience it has already been. So far we had only heard fables of the the kind of interaction that happens in the classrooms, but to experience it first hand is a different ball game altogether. Consider this - marketing is taught by a professor who has co-authored the bible in marketing and is also a visiting professor for various renowned business including INSEAD. Organizational behavior is taught by a professor who holds the entire class of 86 in almost a captivating trance. The first case was delivered by someone who almost made it look like child's play to us.

The professors are not just great subject matter experts but are equally brilliant in holding the class attention with optimum amount of humor. To a question of a student about how 7 different personalities can gel in a work group for a year, the simple counter question of the professor was "Are you married?" And the entire auditorium erupted in a roar.

It is only a week of classes and we have already got insights into marketing strategies, watched a small movie as part of organizational behavior and indulged in an extempore speech session. The indications are quite clear that the journey, though a very difficult one, is going to be equally enjoyable for all of us.

Class Mix

Why do we need an MBA? One strong reason that I could convince myself about pursuing an MBA education was to get a training that will allow one to manage business that is industry agnostic. In general, one would expect that a person who has spent considerable time in a given industry will gradually acquire the expertise to manage business in his own industry. But doing so, the thought process of such managers become susceptible to being stereotyped. This is not always the case, but there is a fair chance of that happening.

As an inference, a management education that enhances your knowledge about more than one industry can be considered desirable. One way to do this is to impart such knowledge directly through the curriculum. The other more effective way would be to get the knowledge from someone who has been in such different industries and situations first hand.

From the first day at IIMA, I have realized that the diverse learning from peers would be one of the biggest takeaways. Imagine, in a class of just 86 students, I have already interacted extensively with a commander from Indian Navy who has trained NDA cadets for over 20 years. There is another who has been a deputy commissioner of Income Tax. The guy who sits next to me in class is a general surgeon. Leaving aside the business development managers, technology consultants, engineers, media persons, you still have those who have worked with NGOs, energy firms and Indian Railways. Not only are these very talented individuals from various industries, they also carry substantial work experience and have not just superficial industry knowledge. The fact that we are just a group of 86, means that touch time with each and every one of us is very effective and meaningful. This, I believe, makes all the difference at IIMA PGPX.