Meet The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow’s IPMX Class Of 2024

THE INTERNATIONAL IMMERSION

In the 2024 Financial Times MBA Ranking, IIM Lucknow also ranked 7th for its International Course Experience. That includes the required International Immersion. This past year, the Class of 2024 headed to Europe for three weeks. Here, they completed coursework from the IESEG School of Management in three cities: Paris (France), Brussels (Belgium), and Geneva (Switzerland). During recruiting, the immersion appealed heavily to Debayan Ghosh, a self-described travel enthusiast.

“The courses we’ll cover –Strategic Innovation & AI for Business, International Negotiation Skills, and Fintech – are directly relevant to today’s business landscape. This immersion offers a mix of learning, cultural exposure, and personal growth, creating an enriching experience for me as an MBA student.”

More than that, the time together brings the class together adds Debayan Ghosh. “What excites me the most are the unique experiences and memories created during International Immersion while traveling with the cohort. These memories often become cherished stories that I would carry with me throughout my life.”

That’s not the only perk to the International Immersion, adds Himangi Ahuja.  “I hear, Europe does wine really well.”

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE PROGRAM CHAIR

Want to get an inside look at IIM Lucknow’s IPMX program: new developments, signature experiences, and underrated benefits? Last fall, P&Q reached out to Professor Garima Mittal, the program chairperson. Here are her thoughts on what prospective students can expect from the IPMX program.

P&Q: What have been the most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

Mittal: “Over the past year, IIM Lucknow has undergone many significant developments. Beginning with the IPMX programme gaining 90th rank in Global FT Program ranking 2023; we set the bar higher every year to provide our students an experience that is truly global. Our focus on sustainability is in-line with the country’s vision of cleaner future. Apart from the core courses, our curriculum is also focused on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. With workshops and seminars arranged for students by industry experts, this change is in line with the growing importance of these issues in the business world. It is a conscious effort by IIM Lucknow, as a business school, to make sure that the leaders we are preparing, understand the importance of sustainable life.

In addition to its world-class MBA program, IIM Lucknow is also home to a one-of-a-kind incubator known as the IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (IIML EIC). The IIML EIC is a sector-agnostic technology-based incubator supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It has incubated over 50 startups since its inception, working in areas such as deep tech and IoT, fintech, agri-tech, and clean tech.

These developments are a testament to IIM Lucknow’s commitment to providing its students with the holistic education. They will not only help our graduates become successful leaders in a rapidly changing world but shall also give them a different lens or perspective to view the world.”

P&Q: Give us your one-minute pitch for your business school. What makes you unique?

Mittal: “At IIM Lucknow, we focus on making the leaders of tomorrow, ones who will not only lead teams, but also strive for change. Business school is a transformative experience for students, and here is what makes us unique:

Firstly, our faculty comprises renowned researchers in their respective fields, ensuring that our students receive top-notch education.

Secondly, our International Immersion program is truly unique. It’s not just about travel; it’s about an in-depth, transformative experience across three countries, equipping our graduates with a global perspective. During international immersion, our students are taught by faculty of business schools abroad. These credit courses become part of our students’ grade sheet, taking them on a holistic journey. We don’t just educate; we nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared for leadership in a complex world.

Lastly, social responsibility is at our core. We are not just shaping business leaders; we’re cultivating responsible, ethical leaders who are ready to make a positive impact on society and the environment.

In summary, IIM Lucknow is where academic excellence, global exposure, personal growth, and social responsibility converge, making us a truly unique and exceptional choice for aspiring business leaders.”

P&Q: What are some key elements in your teaching of leadership? What types of options does your school offer that deepens student experience with leadership and makes them more competitive in the marketplace?

Mittal: “At IIM Lucknow, leadership education is a cornerstone of our program. IPMX is designed for working professionals who want to improve their understanding of business at functional and strategic levels to upskill themselves and take up leadership roles in their career. Our curriculum is future-focused, preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly-changing world. We emphasize adaptability, innovation, and ethical decision-making throughout the program. Our hands-on approach, be it the global case studies and interaction with global businesses during international immersion, or practical experiences, in terms of live projects and internship opportunities, all these things ensure that students are well-prepared to excel as leaders in a competitive marketplace.

When we talk about the courses taught in the program, our approach is to include principles of leadership in every course. In fact, “Leadership Through Literature” course offered by Professor Neerja Pande from business communication area is one of our unique offerings to help students imbibe leadership principles.”

Apart from this, the “Leadership Talk Series” is an integral part of this one-year MBA journey. In this talk series, current industry leaders are invited to address the students on the nuances of leadership. We believe that this experience gives them a sneak peek into the real world and prepares them for future.”

P&Q: What have MBAs told you is the most memorable, signature experience they’ve had in your program? Why did it resonate so much with them?

Mittal: “IIM Lucknow’s International Immersion program is a signature experience that MBA students rave about. The program offers unparalleled international exposure, global input, and cultural immersion. It allows students to engage with diverse cultures, business practices, and global perspectives. This exposure is invaluable in today’s interconnected world. Students visit three countries and learn about their cultures, economies, and businesses. They also get the opportunity to meet with international experts and professionals, who share their insights and experiences. The program integrates global input by incorporating courses taught by foreign faculty and guest speakers. The program goes beyond academic learning by providing a deep cultural immersion experience. Students not only learn about different cultures, but they also live and interact within them. The aim of international immersion program is to foster cross-cultural understanding and adaptability, which are essential skills for success in today’s global business world.

The three-week journey across three countries is an unforgettable and transformative experience for students. The program also challenges them to step outside of their comfort zones and grow as individuals. In essence, IIM Lucknow’s international immersion program encapsulates the essence of a global MBA experience. It leaves a lasting impression on graduates and prepares them to excel in a diverse and interconnected business world.”

P&Q: What is the most underrated part of your program that you wish students knew more about? How does that make your graduates more valuable to prospective employers?

Mittal: “One of the most underrated aspects of our program that we wish students knew more about is that the International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX) is run out of our Noida campus. Operating out of the Noida campus brings several advantages. It positions our students in the heart of a vibrant business and corporate hub, providing unmatched industry exposure and networking opportunities.

Additionally, our program offers a wide range of workshops and seminars, including some specialized ones on topics like ESG and design thinking. These workshops provide students perspective of industry trends and provide them insights to enter the job market.

Furthermore, we take pride in our extensive array of elective courses. These electives are tailored based on the batch profile and the evolving needs of industries each year. We constantly update and expand our elective offerings to ensure that our graduates are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills demanded by the job market. This adaptability and relevance in our curriculum make our graduates more valuable to prospective employers, as they are not just academically prepared, but also industry-ready and agile in responding to dynamic business challenges.”

P&Q: Who is a standout in your faculty or administration – the kind of person who graduates talk about a decade after they leave? How does he or she personify your school culture and the best of your MBA program?

Mittal: “At IIM Lucknow, our faculty comprises exceptional individuals, each with their unique strengths and expertise. It is extremely difficult to pick one person as each of our faculty members is celebrated for different reasons. I can vouch for the fact that our students continue to admire and interact with different faculty members for different reasons. Our graduates often cherish and maintain connections with many of our distinguished professors after graduation. This reflects our commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and enduring relationships, all of which are central to our school culture and the essence of our MBA program. Our faculty members are not just educators but also mentors and sources of inspiration, embodying our institution’s values of continued learning and partnership.”

P&Q: What are the biggest advantages of IIM Lucknow’s dual campus model?

Mittal: “First-and-foremost, our dual campus setup has allowed us to capture location that helps our students stay in touch with the industry. Not only does it strengthen their industry connect, but it also puts them in proximity with the alumni network. Our Noida campus, located in the bustling Delhi NCR region, places our students in the heart of a thriving business and corporate hub. This translates into exceptional industry exposure and networking opportunities. On the other hand, our Lucknow campus provides a serene and focused learning environment, offering students the best of both worlds in terms of location.

Additionally, our dual campus model enhances the learning experience for the executives as our Noida campus is dedicated for executive education. This is also a crucial advantage for working professionals who wish to pursue advanced education without interrupting their careers.

Lastly, one thing that makes it a winning proposition for our students is that this setup provides them a diverse and enriching learning experience. Students get the opportunity to experience different environments and educational settings, contributing to a well-rounded education. The Noida campus, with its unique perspective, complements the Lucknow campus’s traditional academic setting, further enriching the overall learning journey and preparing students for diverse career paths.

In a nutshell, IIM Lucknow’s dual campus model maximizes the advantages of each location. It offers convenience for executives, provides exceptional industry exposure, and creates a diverse and enriching educational experience for our students, making it a distinctive and valuable aspect of our institution.”

Click on links below to access in-depth student profiles. 

Student	Hometown	Undergraduate Alma Mater	Last Employer
Himangi Ahuja	Delhi, India	University of Delhi	Luhaif Digitech
Shailesh Basera	Nainital, Uttarakhand	Dehradun Institute of Technology Uttarakhand	Honda Cars India
Debayan Ghosh	Asansol, West Bengal	National Institute of Technology, Durgapur	Welspun Group
Vishal Goyal	Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh	Uttar Pradesh Technical University	OIPL
Ruchira Gupta	Chandigarh, India	Guru Nanak Dev University	PAYBACK (now Zillion)
Munish Kanna	Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir	IIT (BHU), Varanasi	Indian Ordnance Factories U/ Ministry of Defence
Monika Kothari	Panchkula, Haryana	PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh	Alstom Rail India
Aishwarya Kumar	New Delhi, Delhi	Maitreyi College, Delhi University	Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Co.
Akshit Mathur	Gurgaon, Haryana	Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore	Ford Motor Company
Niyaty Pandey	Bokaro, Jharkhand	Hindu College, University of Delhi	Deloitte USI
Dr. Priyanshi Shah	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Nair Hospital Dental College/Maharashtra University of Health Sciences	Face Surgery Centre
Maktar Uddin Barbhuiya	SILCHAR, ASSAM	Dibrugarh University	Cairn Oil and Gas, Vedanta Ltd.