India Abroad - June 2009

As many business stu- dents today feel uncertain and pes- simistic about the future of employ-
ment opportunities, Center
Stage 2009, the India Abroad-
sponsored symposium, provid-
ed encouragement to MBA stu-
dents in Canada, particularly
those of Indian origin. The dis-
cussion between business stu-
dents and renowned guest
speakers at this event was pro-
ductive and inspiring. More
than just a discussion on the
current economic downtown,
the speakers took a very holistic
approach on current issues,
which gave all those who
attended some food
for thought.
The discussions
revolved around how
the ongoing global
slowdown has created
new challenges for
students all over the world, and
forced them to make informed
decisions regarding their career
choices. In particular, speakers
focused on the scrutiny the
MBA degree has come under dur-
ing these recessionary times.
Surprisingly, some still question the
true value of an MBA degree. It is
argued that an MBA is merely a
ticket to a higher salary rather than
a means for attaining advanced
business skills. In my opinion, the
MBA degree is still valuable. I
believe that MBA graduates possess
a well-rounded view of the big pic-
ture and have the ability to think
and plan on a long-term basis. As
businesses consolidate and evolve
due to the economic slowdown, so
will the expectations of MBA grad-
uates. MBA graduates will be
expected to work towards assuming
more accountability for their
actions as well as developing sustainable
business structures. Opportunities will
exist for graduates with a strong under-
standing of management concepts like
leadership, business ethics and long-
term sustainability.

ANAND BHALLA
‘AS BUSINESSES
CONSOLIDATE AND
EVOLVE DUE TO THE
ECONOMIC
SLOWDOWN, SO
WILL THE
EXPECTATIONS OF
MBA GRADUATES’

prompted many business schools to re-
evaluate their priorities and examine
their curriculum. I believe that the busi-
ness essentials — core courses — taught
in business schools at present are not
going to alter even in these times.
However, these times present excellent
opportunities to further
strengthen the academic
prospectus. In order to better
understand the causes that led
to the crisis, MBA programs
should further reinforce their
ties with the corporate world so
that professors can consult and
work closely with companies to
develop case studies pertinent
to the global meltdown. Also, in
light of the current downturn, I
see courses like business ethics
and risk management becoming
more pivotal to the business
curriculum.