IIM Raipur Director shares details on Upcoming Courses, Career Opportunities for MBA Grads, Placement Skills

In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, discusses upcoming academic collaborations, changes in the admission process, career prospects for management students, and the key skills recruiters seek during placements. Check out some interesting excerpts from the interview in this article. 

In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, sheds light on the institute's recent achievements and future plans. Following IIM Raipur’s impressive Rank 14 in the NIRF 2024 rankings, Professor Kakani discusses the strategic academic collaborations the institute has undertaken, the evolution of its admission process, and the emerging career opportunities for management students.

He also delves into the skills and attributes that recruiters are increasingly seeking during placements, providing valuable insights into how IIM Raipur is positioning its students for success in a competitive job market.

Q: What are the growing sectors and career opportunities for management graduates?

A: Current sectors experiencing significant growth include technology management, healthcare & Sports, banking and finance, e-commerce, consulting services, social media, public administration, logistics, and supply chain management. These sectors are poised for substantial expansion, presenting numerous opportunities for management graduates.

Q: Can you discuss IIM Raipur's recent collaborations and tie-ups?

A: IIM Raipur has engaged in multiple collaborations across various sectors. We have partnerships with the Government and several academic institutions, including HNLU, AIIMS Raipur, and others. Collaborations with organizations such as Ecosoul, Collabora Digital, and Tata Steel Foundation have led to co-created courses like managing social impact. Recently, we signed an MOU with the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) for mutual benefits. Thus, institutional engagement and MoUs with national/ international organizations and H.E Is will keep going

Q: Are there any changes in the IIM Raipur admission process?

A: Our admissions process evolves annually. We prioritize candidates with work experience and those meeting diversity, equality, and inclusion criteria. We value professional and social identity diversity, as it enriches classroom and campus discussions. Additionally, consistency in earlier educational performance, is given more weight. Our institute also emphasizes faculty development, incorporating adult learning pedagogy in training programs.

Q: Is IIM Raipur planning to offer programs in data science, AI, and ML?

A: Absolutely! Our institute's tagline is "Building Business Owners," and embracing technology is essential to fulfill this mission. Data science, AI, and ML are integral to modern business education, and we are committed to integrating these areas into our curriculum. We have launched an “Executive MBA in HR” and a “PhD in Practice Track”. We are stabilizing these offerings while planning additional programs, which we will reveal in due course.

Q: Are there any changes in the number of seats or fee structure for the upcoming admission session?

A: Our fee structure remains comparable to other peers (Especially IIMs), and the number of seats is steady at 330, a significant increase over the past decade. Currently, there are no plans to increase the number of seats. Fee adjustments are part of an ongoing process to remain aligned with peer institutions.

Q: How does IIM Raipur prepare students to be industry-ready? What skills do recruiters focus on?

A: Yes, Transformative corporate career journeys require not just functional skills and domain knowledge but also a higher degree of behavioral competencies including intuitiveness and reflective mindset. One must approach events with an open mind, avoiding prejudgments, and adapt as situations evolve. Given the same IIM Raipur emphasizes self-awareness and reflective thinking to prepare students for the industry. These skills are crucial for personal and professional growth, enabling graduates to meet recruiters' expectations effectively.

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