IIMs are no longer a factory churning out more and more managers for blue-chips global companies and Indian conglomerates. In Placements 2007, as many as 11 grads have either opted out of the process or rejected offers and have decided to chase their own dreams! In fact, two of these students rejected coveted ‘Associate offers’ that would have paid them in excess of Rs. 1 crore annually from investment banks -- to opt for starting their own ventures!
Prof. Piyush Sinha, faculty chairperson of the Placement Committee, has this to say on this trend: “Placements at IIM-A have confirmed that IIM-A not only provides good education for the entry level but also for the middle level as well as for entrepreneurs.”
Gargi Agarwal, who has chosen to be a social entrepreneur, said, “I plan to work in the field of education. According to me, primary and secondary schooling in India has become very tiresome and unprofitable for students. The basic idea is to provide a healthy learning environment that will prepare children to face future challenges in every field. At IIM-A I have learnt the value of hard work and perseverance. It has helped me broaden my vision and build up an indomitable spirit.”
Vishal Prabhukhanolkar, who too opted out of the process, added, “The number of students opting for entrepreneurship is increasing over the past few years -- and why not? With the Indian economy booming and the ever-increasing opportunities available to students, IIM-A is set to become a center for entrepreneurship and nation-building.”
Another trend noted this year was a preference to be part of the Indian growth story. As many as 11 students rejected foreign offers to take up jobs in India. Jatin Mamtani, who rejected a pre-placement offer from a leading investment bank to work abroad in order to join a reputed consulting firm in India, said: “My motivation to work in consulting due to the quality of work, range of opportunities and the variety that it offers inspired me to stay back in India and be a part of the great Indian growth story.”
According to IIM-A placement officials, 72% of graduates have decided to work in India. The UK and the US are the most attractive foreign destinations: 13% of grads will fly off to UK while 8% will be heading for the US.
