Are Indian b-school students losing out on the cutting global edge

by  Lajwanti D'souza  

 Indian b-schools, the only semblance of being ‘global’ is either the exchange programmes with foreign universities or the few foreign students hanging around in the campuses. World over, ‘global campus’ is the biggest USP for b-schools, which has percolated right into the classrooms – a typical MBA class at INSEAD or Nanyang Technological University has students belonging to as many as 86 nationalities.

Why are we not going global then? Are Indian b-school students losing out on the cutting global edge?

Starting right

It all begins with the right marketing: possibly the first stage in getting the desired mix of students. Admissions and marketing officials from b-schools abroad do immense amount of travelling across the world to net the right audience. Rashmi Udaykumar, Head of Admissions at SP Jain Singapore says: “No other way to get international students than to go where they are. We hold a lot of fairs in countries varying from China to Australia.”

Kara Keenan, Associate Director of Admissions, Marketing and Financial Aid at INSEAD, says that her b-school uses a mix of different approaches to get the required international bunch. “INSEAD hosts weekly  information sessions on both of our campuses in Fontainebleau and Singapore and in cities around the world. We also hold frequent virtual chats and online sessions on our website. In addition, we have also been utilizing social media with our presence on Facebook, Twitter and our new blog. This kind of outreach definitely helps us to connect with applicants globally as evidenced by our Class of 2011 which includes over 85 nationalities.”

And Singapore and France are not the only countries gung-ho about the global pitch. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, does pretty much the same thing. Deputy Director of Admissions in the Office of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, Ankur Kumar says that his team travels extensively to international markets.  “We  have recognized that much of future world growth is going to come from countries that  have not been part of international MBA programmes. Hence, we deliberately host many information sessions for prospective students in places like Africa, the Mideast and Southeast Asia.”

Criteria make the difference

With admissions also come the criteria. It is not just marketing to a world audience, it is also choosing the right kind. Besides GMAT, GRE or TOEFL scores (and a few others), the b-schools are very selective about the students they enrol – a global perspective is a must.

INSEAD for instance, likes its students to have some international exposure before they join, plus learn a foreign language. “The INSEAD MBA equips our alumni to work anywhere in the world. Accordingly, we attract applicants with cross-cultural sensitivity and an international outlook. We like if they have also traveled abroad, if nothing else. Being fluent English is a prerequisite to be at INSEAD. In order to start the programme you must also prove that you have at least a practical knowledge of another language,” said Keenan.

With National University of Singapore (NUS), the focus is to get students who show leadership skills in a global environment. Angelyn ANG, head of Marketing and Admissions at NUS says that her school picks students who want to learn about Asian as much as world business. “The world is getting smaller as companies are opening up across the world. We look at students who can take up these challenges,” says Angelyn.

For Nanyang, it is a little similar – global MBA with an Asian focus. SORIANO Nicanor Lazaro Director, Marketing & Admissions says Asia is where the global markets are shifting-its increasing influence is now a reality in global business. “We like to take on students who understand and realize the influence of global business. Singapore is a strategic hub in Asia, which offers more China, India, SouthEast Asia and Asia Pacific access.”  True to their promise, this year 87% of the Nanyang student body is international while at NUS, about 18 % come from India and Korea each and about 12 % from the US and Europe.

http://www.pagalguy.com/2011/04/with-the-world-shrinking-is-it-not-time-for-indian-b-schools-to-go-global/

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