'Every B-school claims highest placement record, how to choose among them?'

Prof P Vijaya, a senior faculty member of business management at Raja Bahadur Venkata Rama Reddy Women's college, Hyderabad, says, the on-going industrial expansion will enhance job opportunities in the coming years and it will create a huge demand for management graduates. There is a need for young graduates to improve their soft skills to meet the requirements of the industry, she opines.

Q. Placements for management graduates have reduced in the past few years. Subsequently popularity of management courses has also come down. Do you think the course will regain its popularity in coming years?

A. I do believe that the management sector will need more graduates in coming years. Industry is growing day by day. There is a special emphasis on domestic industrial growth by the Centre. Sectors like e-commerce, retail, social media start-ups and manufacturing industry are going to create numerous jobs in future. Recent studies have also predicted around seven percent growth in Indian economy in the coming few years. I can say the job opportunities for management graduates are going to be enhanced. At the same time, I would advise them to improve soft skills and indepth knowledge in the subject to meet the requirement of the industry.

Q. When every B-school claims highest placement record, how can one choose among them?

A. Institutes promote their placement records to attract more students. But placements should not be the sole factor to choose an institute. I would suggest students to examine some important factors like credibility of the institute, accreditation, faculty and industry linkage before getting admission.

Q. Is it necessary for entrepreneurs to study MBA?

A. MBA is not a prerequisite for entering into business. I think it is better to have firm knowledge of the recent market trends across the globe. To cope up with the global competition, I think one should study MBA.

Source: New Indian Express