Gone are the days when freshers had the luxury of learning on the job. The world of work is becoming increasingly competitive, and organisations today seek candidates who are job-ready from day one. Therefore, it is important for students to choose programmes aligned to their aspirations that will prepare them for the real world of work. The integrated MBA (iMBA) programme is a great option for those who seek managerial roles and aspire to become business leaders.
iMBA is an innovative programme for students who have completed class twelve. Instead of spending three years in a graduate programme, students with managerial and leadership aspirations can join iMBA soon after school. The iMBA programme is structured to allow increased choice as it progresses and provides a techno-business route from which students may choose option modules to meet their individual needs and career goals.
The programme offers business education, geared to professional practice, self-employment and is aligned to the demands of careers in emerging areas such as Analytics, Digital & Social Media Marketing and Banking, Finance & FinTech. The programme also provides the foundational grounding offered during bachelor-level studies.
The four-year iMBA programme improves students’ employability quotient by offering the following advantages:
Better job opportunities and higher income
An integrated MBA (iMBA) offers vast opportunities in the field of management. The course enhances the skills of students in specific areas they are interested in. By focusing on improving the relevant skill sets of students the programme boosts employability. This results in a higher income since they are already industry ready once they graduate.
Greater exposure to the industry
The degree aids in establishing strong connects with the industry through internship programmes and other networking opportunities with professionals.Since the course is for 4 years, it gives students time to build better industry connections and this in turn helps them in their career path. Exposure to the best professionals in the industry at such an early stage also gives them an idea about how the industry works and keeps them updated with the latest developments.
Gives an edge to those seeking to go abroad for higher studies
Those who are looking to do a Masters in US, need to have a 4-year degree in their Graduation. A mere BBA (3 years) is not recognized by many Ivy-league US Universities. After completing 4-year iMBA students can apply to universities in US.
Entrepreneurial and managerial skills
An iMBA develops students’ managerial skills and makes them industry ready. In today’s rapidly transforming world, skills and experience are as valuable as academic knowledge. This degree prepares students for managerial and leadership roles by training them to acquire the necessary skill sets. The graduates of this programme stand out for their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
It becomes easier for them to fit into leadership roles and manage their own teams through the experience they gained during the course. They even gather a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and various trends in the industry. With the in-depth training received, many students go ahead and establish their own businesses at an early stage in their life.
By exposing students to the real world through industry internship programmes, iMBA helps students to understand the opportunities and challenges in the areas of their interest. The programme offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue their managerial career in the sector of their choice – finance, marketing, digital & social media or analytics etc., soon after school.
(The writer, Prof Deepak Khanna, is Professor Area: Management, NIIT University)
