The program involved two parts, the first being an overview of Australian business climate and industrial scenario.

As their visit coincided with elections in Australia, the students began with an assignment to cover election issues and different political agendas. They were also asked to analyse the policy shifts that the new Kevin Rudd government proposed to implement.

The second part of the program involved a week’s internship in an Australian organization. The work placement was designed to enhance their understanding of local business operations and provide Australian companies with an opportunity to gain valuable insights into doing business in India. Renowned companies from a range of industry segments, like KPMG, Wackett Aerospace Center, CSIRO, Yoober etc participated in the process.

Dr Ron Harper, Director GBS, RMIT, who led this engagement with XLRI, said “The exercise is regarded by RMIT as an important grassroots engagement of Australian industry with the new economic superpower that is India.”

The sponsored candidates from Tata Steel were sent for a similar stint to Corus, UK. A few students preferred to stay back for internships in Indian organizations like SBI Caps, UTI Securities, IBDI and more.

GMP is a one year full-time business management program for executives, who have had a prior experience of five years or above. The batch placements are scheduled in second week of Feburary at Mumbai , followed by rolling placements till the end of April. Many major companies have expressed interest in participating in the placement process and recruiting the students at middle and senior management positions.