IIMB focuses on all-round development, says its medalists

All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. But, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) makes its students work hard and also play hard, making them all-rounders was the unanimous opinion of its medalists for 2007-08.

For 23-year-old Sahil Barua, who bagged the gold medal for best all-round performance in the Post Graduate Programme (PGP), IIMB is unique because of its focus on all-round development of its students. “I do not think you could get a better peer group than this throughout the country or even abroad.”

Sahil, who plays the keyboard, guitar and was a member of the ‘TSEPAK’ (volleyball played with feet), feels the opportunities at IIMB “for a person to evolve are fantastic”. Sahil, who has received a job offer from Baine and Co. Consulting firm based out of Boston, has opted to work in their Gurgaon office as he feels “India is the place to be now”.

“It is an exciting time to be in India, the global focus is on India, salaries are good, working atmosphere is stimulating,” he said.

Son of Samir Barua, Director IIMA, Sahil has been working for a start-up Catalyst Ventures which is into micro venture capital funding for the last six months.

Amit Gupta, who did his mathematics and computing from IIT-Delhi, won the gold medal for obtaining the first rank in PGP. He opted to work for McKenzie and Co in their Gurgaon office, though he interned with Lehman Brothers in New York because he wants to give back to his country what the country has given him.

On his experience at IIMB, Amit said, “It was better than what I expected. I got to interact with a diverse age group, from people in their twenties to those in their late thirties. Opportunities here are umpteen for you to pursue co-curricular activities, which really develops you as a person.”

Abhishek Agarwal, who bagged the gold medal for securing second rank in PGP, has opted to work for Blackstone, a private equity firm based out of London and US.

“Though I have opted for the Mumbai office, the company has asked me to work in London for an year.”

“IIMB is the best place to be in as the focus is not just on studies but making you a well-rounded person, capable of facing any challenge head-on.” Abhishek, who interned with an investment banking firm, wants to be in his home country.

For 33-year-old Srisankar Swaminathan Kunniyur who has bagged the gold medal for obtaining first rank in PGSEM (Post Graduate Diploma in Software Enterprise Management) and he is working with Motorola, “The faculty in IIMB is great. It is on a par with institutes abroad. It induces you to put your best foot forward, making you an all rounder.”

Srisankar, who moved to India over three years ago after working in the US, wants to start a company of his own. “There are a lot of opportunities in India now. There is no need to go out. India is a happening place.”

For Amit Agarwal (30), who has bagged the gold medal for all rounder performance in PGSEM, is working in Infosys as chief solution manager, IIMB provided the best opportunities to evolve as a person. It is a very enriching programme.”

“I got the best support from my seniors at Infosys and also IIMB faculty,” he said. Amit, who is married, had to do quite a lot of balancing and time management since he got very less time to spend with family.