Chief Guests Mekhala Govinda of Dassault Systemes and Jay Doshi of BT Group, alumni of IIMB’s PGSEM, deliver keynote addresses sharing their own experiences and learnings from the programme
13 April, 2024, Bengaluru: “PGPEM has been designed specifically for working professionals and the courses are designed to optimize your learning experience. There are multiple programmes offered by the institute – do not compare yourself with students of other programmes since yours is designed keeping your needs and interests in mind. Our faculty are experts in their domain. Bring in your own expertise and connect that to the expertise and experience of faculty to make this a valuable learning experience for all. PGPEM is a fast-paced programme, so come to the class prepared and up to date. Remember, we have a zero tolerance policy towards lack of integrity or ethics, so follow the rules and instructions. Read the rulebook carefully and be aware. Above all, make best use of the various facilities that IIMB offers, give feedback when necessary and reach out if needed. These are our expectations from all of you”, said Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, during his welcome address at the inauguration of IIMB’s two-year MBA for Working Professionals: Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), batch of 2024-26, held on 13th April 2024. IIMB welcomed 80 students during the inauguration of the PGP in Enterprise Management.
The PGPEM is specially designed for high-performing professionals from across industries to develop holistic management competencies as they continue working. The course is scheduled on weekends over two years.
About IIMB, history and evolution of PGPEM
Prof. R T Krishnan also spoke about IIMB and how it has progressed since it was established, its academic pursuits and research activities, the Centres of Excellence, the Golden Jubilee celebrations, and more. “Today we are a multidisciplinary school with focus on public policy and management.” Talking about the institute’s brilliant performance in global and national rankings, he made special mention of the recently announced QS World University Rankings by Subject, for Business and Management Studies, where IIMB has claimed the 32nd position globally.
He also gave an overview of PGPEM and a brief historical background, about how it started in 1998 as the Post Graduate Programme in Software Enterprise Management evolving into what it is today, although, he added, the broad philosophy and structure remained same. “PGPEM has an elite group of alumni, and I am sure you will join this illustrious group and make us proud.“
Chief Guests share their IIMB journey
Jay Doshi, Managing Director – Corporate Units, Digital and India, BT Group, who had joined PGSEM in 2001, advised the students to be thankful to their families for supporting the students’ quest for learning. He centred his talk on his own IIMB as well as professional journey. “If you experience turbulence at the start, just stay calm and you will progress.” He also discussed the “math” part of the programme, including the credits for coursework, amount of time that needs to be invested, etc. “What helped me is effective time management. Be ruthless with prioritization and avoid procrastination. The fact that the programme does not offer placements equips you well for the journey ahead. During my term at IIMB, I was chasing knowledge, not CGPA. The Electives also help you gain valuable knowledge. Maintain momentum and manage deadlines. This is the right time for you to be part of the programme since the next few decades belong to India and you are in the midst of it. You have potential and opportunities – you are at the right place at the right time doing the right thing. Make friends for life but do not ignore your family. You will learn so much from PGPEM and your professions, just keep learning and apply that learning. Do not focus on the destination, just enjoy the journey and make the world a better place.”
Mekhala Govinda, Services Director, Dassault Systemes Global Services, who had joined PGSEM in 2008, told the students that IIMB was the place to be if they had a penchant for knowledge and learning. “I started my career as a software developer. IIMB taught me that there is an entire world beyond and above technology. While pursuing my course here, I learnt about micro and macro Economics, quants, etc. and gained a much wider perspective. I also learnt connecting the dots, how to look at and implement things differently, thereby deriving more value. An MBA programme focussing on Enterprise Management helps articulate value definition. So, make the most of your IIMB experience, network and build personal branding. All these will help you grow in your careers. Build hobbies. Manage your time well since it is a rigorous programme. There will be tremendous takeaway from people of diverse backgrounds. The learning from this institute has brought me where I am today. This programme will help you learn, prepare for uncertainties, develop holistically and be better leaders.”
The talks were followed by an interaction between the Chief Guests and the new cohort.
Batch profile
Earlier in the morning, Prof. Kunal Dasgupta, Chairperson, Admissions & Financial Aid and faculty of the Economics area of IIMB, congratulated the new batch on making it into the programme, calling PGPEM “a very selective programme, with a rigorous admissions process”. Discussing the batch profile of the new cohort of PGPEM, he said, “The batch has 26% female and 74% male students. While the average age of the cohort this year is 35 years, average work experience is for 12 years. The maximum number of students have come from Engineering background, followed by those from Commerce, Science and others. There is good representation from the Service, Manufacturing and Mining sectors. Industry wise, IT, Oil, Finance, Aerospace and Telecom have maximum representation, followed by others.”
Way to upgrade to strategic leadership positions
In his welcome address, Prof. Ashis Mishra, the new Chairperson of the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management and faculty of the Marketing area of IIMB, told the PGPEM Class of 2024-26 that their two-year MBA journey at IIMB would be tough, but transformative. “You have industry experience, with PGPEM you can upgrade yourself to a strategic leadership position. You come from diverse industries, sectors, verticals – so bring your diverse perspectives to class to enhance the learning journey for all. Remember, IIMB is known for its rigor, rules, regulations and policies. Please do not cross boundaries.”
Staying relevant in the face of emerging technologies
Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Dean, Faculty, Chairperson, Data Centre & Analytics Lab and faculty in the Decision Sciences area of IIMB, pointed out that in the age of emerging technologies like Generative AI which has far-reaching impact, and which may result in five to ten percent jobs disappearing or changing the way those are done currently, the students need to be ready for that kind of augmentation. “Technology creates lots of opportunities also. Through this programme, pick up the skills to make yourself relevant in future years. Gaining that knowledge will make you indispensable. Also, create a network with not only your own classmates, but also with students of other programmes.”
Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean, Alumni Relations & Development and faculty of the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area of IIMB, led a session on, ‘Case Method for Learning in Business’.
A session on ‘Ethics @ IIMB – An Overview’ was conducted by Prof. Rejie George Pallathitta of the Strategy area.
In the afternoon, Prof. Rajalaxmi Kamath, Chairperson, Internal Committee and faculty of the Public Policy area, addressed the new batch.
A session on Computer Centre facilities was led by the IT Helpdesk team. The participants of the new cohort were also taken through PGPEM Office procedures.
These sessions were followed by an address by the PGPEM second year Student Affairs Council President/Secretary on how to make the most of the programme, managing work-life-programme commitments, and more.
Sandeep Kudachi, AO, PGPEM, Nancy P, Senior Executive, PGPEM and the PGPEM Office team were among those who were part of the inauguration.
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