(((Alert: This review is based on core facts......Based on 2 years experience having studied through the flagship management program of the institute....It is not based on general perceptions or whims and fancies of any business magazine which thinks perceptions is the best way to measure a bSchool and not facts...this is also not a mud slinging match on any bshool portals)))
Background: Come 2000 and the final year of my engineering: having ruled out the option of further study abroad - I was wondering what useful can be done with the career in next few years - and I came up with idea of appearing in CAT. Filled up lots of applications, for various MBA entrances, colleges. Finally landed myself up with 3 interviews and 2 offers. Interviews at MDI, Gurgaon; IIM Lucknow and NMIMS, Mumbai. The offers at MDI and NMIMS. Final selection: MDI Gurgaon
Question: Was the decision selecting MDI over NMIMS difficult? Any after thoughts?
Answer (2002): No.
Answer (2006): No.
Question: If I had got an offer for IIML would I have taken it? Any after thoughts?
Answer (2002): Probably, Yes.
Answer (Late 2006): No. I will select MDI Gurgaon.
(Not to debate. I agree completely that IIML is one of the best Bschools around. But based on my experience at MDI, and subsequent tenure in Industry - I am confident to say - it does not make any difference - and Now I would definitely select MDI again and again)
So what has changed the perception: The facts below.
Academics:
1 - Best in industry Faculty/Student ratio.
2 - Highest # of permanent faculty (80+): this is more than any IIMS in India.
3 - Pedagogy:
3.1 Case based. On par with latest and best around the world.
3.2 Evaluation methodology - mix of mid term exams, end term exams, surprise quizzes, group projects, live industry projects - continuously keeps one on his/her toes
3.3 Learning methods: Group working. Industry interactions. Class presentations.
4 - Industry interaction 1: Having advantage of being located in Gurgaon - Students get ample opportunities of doing live projects with Industries around (Automotive - Maruti Udyog and ancilliaries; Software: SAP, IBM etc; CPG: Nestle, HLL; Others: Gillette, Max Healthcare, etc Cosulting, HR and lots of others)
5 - Industry interaction 2: Continuous participation of industry thought leaders at institute. Various guest lectures on Supply Chain, Corporate Finance, IT - BPO etc
6 - Infrasctructure: Broadband internet connection in hostels. One of the best libraries in region. State of the art lecture halls, auditoriums, computer center.
7 - International Linkages: MDi has been fastest in this area with having highest number of international linkages with universities around the world. Currently more than 30% of the graduating class has done at least 1 trimester in any other university across the world.
8 - Academic Programs: PGPM Flagship program, having a 100% placement since year1. Industry programs like NMP etc are running from even earlier years. Latest programs are PGPM in HR: Which has also seen first batch placed 100% this year and many more
8 - the list is endless...
Extra Currics:
1 - Various events organized round the year by students - with 100% student involvement - gives them practical exposure and lession in event organization
1.1 - Illumina: marketing fair
1.2 - Delphique: National management convention
1.3 - Zephyr: Renamed Imperium: BSchool fest
1.4 - eBlast: Online Bschool fest (again first of its kind across any BSchool in India)
2 - Management Clubs: Managed by students, these clubs are a platform where students share their learnings in specialized areas. Typical meetings once a week.
3 - Special activities: Students started a in house Mutual Fund called - Unnati: First step towards investment management learnings
4 - Sports: Volley Court, TT, Baddie Court, Tennis Court, Golf (Unbelivable, but true) facilities
Placements:
1 - PGPM Flagship program: A track record of 100% placement throughout its inception
2 - PGPHRM: 1st batch placed 100%
3 - Domestic companies at part with any other bSchool in India. Campus has tradition of not accepting differentials in salaries from any companies. The salaries offered are same as any other top indian BSchool
4 - Lesser % of foreign placement: Hopefully this trend will catch up soon
5 - Equally impressive summer placement for students
Special Memories:
1 - Running late for the class also managing to take few bites on breakfast in the mornings
2 - Winter fog in mornings - hardly anything visible beyond 10 feet distance
3 - After a looong night of preparing case study presentation - not getting selected for presentation, but getting caught off guard for a surprise quiz
4 - Between classes - breaks for 15 mins - managing a steamy coffee and patty from ’Jhaji’ - a small eatery vendor on campus
5 - A very very special welcome extended by seniors (See the Pic) and equally warm farewell from institute.
End Note:
These are some of the reasons, I will always be happy about having made the right choice. Not to mention, the fact that, BSchools would affect the 1st job one gets. Subsequent to which, one has to drive his/her career on own shoulders.