ITM Business School aptly added the prefix “i connect” to their PGDM Program, importance of widening connect with the industry. At ITM B School, Chennai, we organise Guest Lectures from the industry, Management Development Programmes, Inclusion of industry experts in Board of Studies, Live Projects and Internships that add insights to the trends in industry.
One such endeavour is the strategic tie-up with Shoppers Stop, a classic instance of industry constantly shaping the students in their two years Management Program. This could be possible owing to the rigorous five months internship, in place of the conventional two months internship. Similar to a final placement process we have the HR panel from Shoppers Stop visiting our campus and they hand pick the ones who possess the aptitude and attitude needed for their industry.
The students undergo paid internship with them, coupled with executive training and project work supported by industry guide and faculty guide. Once the internship is completed the students are trained during weekends and they also complete their capstone project with Shoppers Stop. What is fantastic about this whole tie-up is the focus the students work with during the PGDM and the pre placement offer they bag for their efforts as Development Manager and not Management Trainees once they complete their PGDM.
We have been fortunate to have Shoppers Stop understand the benefits of the tie-up, not many organizations would. Sathyashis Banerjee, DGM-HR, Shoppers Stop who was in ITM Chennai, mentioned that the idea from ITM on iConnect has made them rethink their recruitment process and now vouch on the success of placements that happen through this industry academia interface.
Today the strength of top business schools like Harvard, Kellog, Sloan, Wharton etc. is their bonding with industry through interactions, research, problem solving and case study preparations and internships. For business schools in India, there is an ongoing struggle to create a healthy liaison between industry and each business school. How many Shoppers Stop do we have in India that can be encouraging to create an industry learning platform for B Schools.