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IIM Bangalore IIMB EPGP 1 year MBA – Executive Post Graduate Programme
Written by Sameer Kamat
Jeffrey just got ‘Bangalored’ and he’s lovin’ it. Most Indian MBA applicants are keen to leave the country in pursuit of their MBA dreams. Jeffrey’s story goes the other way around – starting off in Europe and ending in India. He was only looking at 1 year MBA programs in India (read this related post first: Executive MBA vs MBA for Executives – The Big Indian Confusion).
After spending more than a decade in Europe, Jeffrey chose an Indian MBA. He focussed on IIMA Ahmedabad PGPX, IIM Bangalore IIMB EPGP, IIM Calcutta IIMC PGPex and ISB Hyderabad. He chose to skip the other Indian 1-year MBA programs like XLRI GMP and Great Lakes Chennai
How I got into IIM Bangalore IIMB EPGP for Executives
by Jeffrey Alapatt
So after about 13.5 years of fulltime work, I’m all set to give up a good job and an “easy” life in Europe and get back into the rigour of doing a fulltime MBA at IIM Bangalore when Sameer Kamat (author of the highly recommended Beyond The MBA Hype) asked me if I could share my thought process and background behind this decision.
My MBA applicant profile
I’ve worked primarily in the IT products sector (mobile telecoms domain), having been based in Europe for the past 11 years. Like a typical Indian Male IT Engineer, I have a Bachelors in Engineering and also spent some time in a part-time Masters degree complemented by a couple of professional certifications. In my current role I am responsible for leading all Test Engineering activities.
I had taken the GMAT in June 2009 and got a decent (but not great) score of 710/5.5 so I applied to my target schools in 2010.
Why MBA – Full-time vs Part-time
While my dream of doing an MBA dates back about 15 years, I never seriously invested the time and effort needed to crack the CAT and other B-school exams when I had just completed my graduation. Consequently I stuck with my IT job and when an opportunity presented itself for an on-site assignment in Europe I took it up.
Over the past few years I have found myself increasingly being “pigeon-holed” in a technical management role with very limited exposure to the business side of things. I see a full-time MBA as an opportunity to get that kind of exposure and open a few more door to me career-wise.
Why not a part-time MBA? A part-time MBA can help from a knowledge point of view, but as far as career advancement is concerned I feel that a person will be able to get value out of a part-time MBA only if their current employer recognises such a qualification and will be in a position to provide the growth opportunities which an MBA grad will expect. Unfortunately for me I work in a setup where such opportunities would not have been available to me.
My MBA admissions strategy
Based on my research on MBA admission consultants in India and abroad, I took the help of MBA Crystal Ball as I thought it was the best in class for Indian applicants.
After completing the MBA Mock Application Process (MBA MAP) with Sameer, my application strategy and my post MBA goals were clear.
I shortlisted a few European and a few Indian business schools, but in the end I applied to only the Indian ones which offer 1 year full-time programmes – IIM-A PGPX, IIMB EPGP and IIMC PGPex.
ISB Hyderabad was my last option and I would have applied to ISB only if I did not make it to the previous three.
Why I chose Indian B-Schools over American MBA programs
US B-schools were out of my list primarily due to:
a. The 2-year full-time MBA means a significant opportunity cost.
b. I didn’t see myself working in the US.
My reasoning for pursuing the Indian B-Schools
1. Career direction – with a significant baggage of work ex I am not looking for a complete career change. I don’t intend to change my industry. I will be sticking to the IT industry and preferably to the telecom sector. Here I feel that the Indian B-schools have more to offer for IT people who want to remain in IT.
2. MBA Cost – With a family to take care of, I could not afford taking a huge loan and spend the next few years on repayments.
3. MBA Placements – With the European economic crisis, growth in Europe will continue to be sluggish at best for the next few years at least. Based on my experience in the IT industry in Europe an MBA has very limited weightage (compared to the work experience you have). With the Indian economy growing at a steady rate there will be no shortage of opportunities in the IT sector. Additionally MBAs have always been rated highly by the Indian industry.
MBA admission results
I got a ding from IIM-A PGPX after interview, but got through IIM-B EPGP and IIM-C PGPex. Between IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta I chose IIMB due to location reasons for an IT professional.
My ISB application form was incomplete when I got the results from IIM-B and IIM-C, so I did not pursue ISB further.
I’m quite optimistic about the opportunities that will be open to me in the next year and hope that I can translate a good few of these into long-term gains!
Jeffrey doesn’t claim to be an expert on IIM Bangalore or on MBA application strategies that work…exactly the 2 reasons why you should ask him your questions coz he’s not going to sound bombastic in his responses.
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great story Jeffrey. I am now getting a few butterflies in my stomach now thinking about what I am about to do with a 2year MBA in the US with a ton of debt…phew, just wiped the sweat off my brow!!!
Kudos to you
Congrats Jeff !! Nice Article..It requires lot of courage and determination to come to this decision…Wish you all the best and good luck. Keep blogging..!!
Its a good article and experience by Jeffery. congrates!!
I am also planning for Executive MBA (IIMs) or distance 2 yr MBA from SMU. I would like to share little on my background.
I am a simple Bsc. Grad and then did few jobs in different fields like marketing and sales. In 2001 i joined UNICEF and in 2006-08 did MSW(Masters in social work, full time). Then again i joined organizations working in development and educational field. Total work ex in development field is six years. Kind of work involved execution of development/educational projects and mentoring subordinate team.its like a kind of normal jobs focusing on interest and earning. But recently i started feeling that i should join mainstream field specifically HR i.e. shift the profession.
Reason behind is
1. Scenario in development sector is changing, focus is changing from typical social work to much organized and performance oriented support system ultimately feeding to business.
2. Changing scenario of funder and fund receiver (implementing bodies), more and more organizations are having their own wing to handle social responsibilities or doing it through highly organized way. (short term result oriented)
3. Development sector in isolation is not remained a well paid option in comparison to par sectors and can help me to shift to HRM
4. It becomes important to understand the business sense to cater the workforce, labor and other employees which will ultimately help the company to grow.
5. My experience (so far) of dealing and understanding of psyche of various community like employees, government officials etc. will help to justify shift to HR.
6. I am seeing Ex-MBA as a platform to get opportunities in HR sector.
7. My understanding is this that most of the jobs requisites involve basic skills like good analysis,team work, understanding of client and their needs (tangible/intangible), marketing skills (concept/material sales or marketing) better understanding of employees, understanding own company’s business and objectives etc. On other side there are typical requisites like technical knowledge; IT/telecom etc.
8. India being the growing hub of HRM, there is much scope once i get ready academically.
Despite being logical with above few points, I am still in little dilemma if i am thinking right or wrong
Please suggest and give comments…
Hi there,
Very detailed thinking process I must say in your question. I am not sure if I am qualified to answer your question since I know very little of the HR area.
Based on your points I would say that an MBA will help you in your goal. However I must say that based on the 1 year programmes in the IIMs there are very very few people coming from an HRM background or intending to go into the HRM domain (at least in IIMB EPGP this year there is no one who falls in this category).
I would suggest that you approach other forums [especially pagalguy.com ] where you can probably get a better feel for the prospects. your work ex with UNICEF will definitely help you both in getting an admit as well as future job prospects. Also have a look at international programmes. There is a separate thread on international programmes on pagalguy.com
Hi Jeffery,
Thanks for sharing your story. It is so much reflective of lots of IT folks. And it does help in decision to be or not to be!!
Could you please share detais on what placement options (role, job profile, industry, salary, nationa/intl) did get as part of iibm placement process? Did the companies offer you jobs significantly different from your pre-MBA profile?
Pankaj, I suggest that you write to me — [personal information taken out for privacy reasons to avoid abuse].
Moderator: please post your queries here – IIM Bangalore (IIMB EPGP) MBA for Executives
Hi Jeffrey
Kudos to the article.. I am an MBA with 6 yrs exp in Sales and Marketing. I am now feeling frustrated with the activity and now want to pursue a career in Finance. Can you please guide me.
Regards
Rajdeep
Dear Mr. Jeffrey,
thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. I am an MBA and having 5 years of managerial experience post mba. Right now in Leading pvt sector bank as Maanger.
I want to rise some decent steps in my career for which i am planning to do IIMB Ex MBA.
I just wanted to know that what is the cut off percentile for Ex MBA of IIMB and IIM-I, so that i can prepare accordingly for CAT.
Thanks & Regards
Sapan Khare
Hi Jefrey,
I am a working IT professional with 5 yrs of work exp. Can u tell me how much score is required for somebody to get a call from IIM-A,IIM-B,IIM-C,ISB etc???
I am giving my GMAT exams this year. do u have any idea abt the good B-Schools in UK and USA then plz suggest???
Thanks,
Mayukh Tokedar
@mayukh
aim for a 720+ score in GMAT and back it up with good essays and a good interview. I’m not a good authority on US B-Schools, but in UK the good ones are obiously LBS, Oxford Said, Cambridge Judge, Cranfield etc. See the FT rankings and filter on the UK ones.
As the number of comments on this topic is growing, we are closing the comments feature here and continuing the discussions on our MBA forum. Click here to get all your IIMB EPGP questions addressed –> IIM Bangalore (IIMB EPGP) MBA for Executives
Hi Jeffrey,
I am currently working in an IT company since 3 years and would like to pursue Executive MBAs. Would like to ask 2 ques:
-Any other good institute for Executive MBAs except IIMs.
-Could you please elaborate on the Placements offer after pursuing Executive MBAs from IIMs.
-Socre required in GMAT.
Regards,
Anuj Gupta
Anuj,
We have moved the discussion to our forum.
Please re-post here –> IIM Bangalore (IIMB EPGP) MBA for Executives
For all others,
- – - – PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR QUERIES HERE. – - -
Hi my name is pramod singh tomar and i have experience of 7 years plus in Telecom domain.I have been mainly in Operations,Service delivery and technical domain.I want to pursue career in Management at higher roles.I have completed B.E in electronics and telecom and worked with Bharti airtel,Alcatel lucent.Can you guide how can i get myself enrolled for executive programmes for IIM B,IIM A or IIM C.What is that i have to do,can you plz elaborate me the process for getting in these programs from these insititutes.
grt………….. i am feeling that i am sailing in the same boat …………i did my B.Pharmacy in july 2008 and from sep 2008 to till date i am in sales & marketing dept. of Healthcare sector………presently I am in Jonhson & Jonhson…………..Kindly guide me regarding the same…………I had not given GMAT test…..Am I eligible for the PGPX……………………..????????????
Kindly guide asap…………..
I WANT TO PURSUE MBA DISTANCE MODE FROM IIMS,LET ME KNOW HOW TO GET IT
BBRAO
Please read this and please stop referring to the One Year Full Time MBA an executive MBA. Its not. Its an MBA for candidates with work experience – which is the definition of an MBA to begin with. Other examples – INSEAD, IMD, Oxford.
http://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2012/10/04/executive-mba-in-india/
Hi jeffrey!
I am a Software Engineer by profession and am very keen to pursue Executive MBA in IIM or any other top ranked institution of India, but i am confused that how is that going to impact my growth and how to do this!
Can you please let me know what should I do and how should I go ahead.
Hi Jeffrey,
Going through this article, I thought it could be great to take your some expertise advice before taking any decision to pursue Executive MBA. After completing my Engineering in Electronic & Communication, Immediately jumped into core Electronic company though I was preferring to choose Software Field. After 8.5yrs of working experience into core lighting product manufacturing industry from India to aboard (Dubai), where from last 3.5yrs I am working as Manager cadre. very recent I joined a Chennai based MNC lighting company as Manager-Product & Development, and thinking that this is right time to opt MBA. But still I am thinking whether it will be possible for me to switch into software company through any MBA courses ? Please let me know what are the options I have to enhance my career further into some gobal companies through MBA program & what should be the courses I should choose.Thanks.
Regards,
Saroj
@Kaify & Sarojkanta: Jeffrey is answering queries on our discussion forum. Please post your queries here – IIM Bangalore (IIMB EPGP) MBA for Executives.
Hi Jeffrey,
I am Comp Science Engineering student presently working in CRM in SAP in a MNC SOFTWARE COMPANY. i have two years experience. Now i would like to do ex-MBA full time – from IIM’S . Kindly advice me what test i have to appear and what kind of procedure and when the process will start?
Kindly advice me.
Thanks.