Career Guidence | Career paths that the IPM course opens for students

Career Guidence In Management Studies | Ever since the Integrated program in management was introduced by the IIMs, it has become one of the most sought-after choices for candidates looking for a bright career in management. Candidates now have the luxury to be part of the prestigious Indian Institute of management(IIM) right after class 12th without having to wait till graduation and without competing with lakhs of candidates from diverse fields. The integrated programs in Management offered by five IIMs open a whole new world of opportunities.

• The five IIMs that offer Integrated Programs in management are IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. There are, however, only three entrance examinations to get into any of these institutes IPMAT conducted by IIM Indore, IPMAT conducted by IIM Rohtak and JIPMAT for admissions into IIM Bodh Gaya and Jammu. The score of IPMAT conducted by IIM Indore is accepted by several other institutes of repute that offer integrated Programs in management courses like IIM Ranchi, Department of Management studies of NALSAR Hyderabad, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Kakinada and TA Pai management Institute Karnataka. So, when candidates prepare for this one examination, they get a chance to get selected into some of the top institutes as mentioned above.
• Also, the syllabus and pattern of all these examinations is more and less similar with a focus on Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability. A candidate is also expected to clear a personal interview after he has been shortlisted based on the aptitude test. So,moderate to decent communication skills and overall awareness of national and international issues also play an important role in the final selection. In addition to this, a candidate’s past performance in 10th and 12th boards is also a determining factor in the final selection.
• The value of being part of the prestigious IIMs can’t be stressed enough as this gives candidates a great deal of exposure and experience and has a great CV/brand value, thereby facilitating entry into top companies in various managerial roles with very high packages. Once a candidate makes it into one of these IIMs and follows the curriculum, maintains a decent CGPA and gets the experience of internship
  opportunities while studying, a lot of career options open up after graduating from the program.
• Depending on the candidate’s field of choice one can be an investment banker, financial advisor, senior manager at top MNC, Human Resource manager, Research and Development manager, Product manager, Marketing/Sales/Brand Manager etc. Lately there is huge demand for data scientists which is also one field that can be explored after these programs. In this era of information explosion one can be a digital marketer or Social media manager. Ambitious candidates can learn the nitty gritty of startups/funding and be an entrepreneur, CEO, CFO etc. Many such doors open for candidates after graduating from the IPM programs.
• Once the candidate has made up their mind that they wish to appear for IPMAT and get into one of these prestigious colleges that offer this course, their whole focus should be on understanding the syllabus and pattern and cracking the examination. Once they get into the desired college the rest of the journey becomes easier as they are surrounded by bright minds, guided by top faculty, getting the facilities and opportunities that are provided by the institutes.
• There is also an option to withdraw after 3 years from the program. This option would generally be exercised by those wishing to be part of higher ranked IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore or Calcutta. They can write the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission into these IIMs and get into one of those Institutes. However, if the Candidate wishes to complete the 5-year course from the allotted IPM college he will have the same opportunities as any regular MBA graduate from those IIMs.
• Opportunities are endless and the scope is unlimited. Now is the right time to grab the opportunity and soar high in the field of management as a career by being part of one the best management institutes in the country.

Nitin Gaurav Srivastava

Assistant Course Director (UG Courses),
T.I.M.E Institute