How summer school empowers management career aspirants

The Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree has established itself as one of the most sought-after higher education programmes globally. India is no exception to this trend, with hundreds of governments and private institutions providing MBA degrees and diplomas, building new-age competencies through innovative curriculum, in response to the changing needs of the business world.

In a knowledge-based society and in an increasingly interconnected world, knowledge, skills, and attitudes are integrated as competencies necessary for individuals to adapt quickly and efficiently to the changing needs of business and society.

These competencies also play a significant role in impacting individuals' work satisfaction levels and career motivations. A degree in business management from a reputed institution, therefore, goes a long way in developing such competencies.

Let's discuss some of the points shared by Dr Sanghamitra Bhattacharyya, Professor of Organisational Behavior, and Director, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon.

1. CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PURSUING INFORMED DECISIONS

While an MBA degree does provide potential lucrative career opportunities for those who possess the skills, mentality, and attitude required to be good managers, business management might not be the most suitable career option for everybody.

Too often, while deciding on career goals, students and parents tend to get carried away by current fads, largely driven by perceived monetary and other advantages that a career in business management may offer, without considering whether such a profession is really suitable for the individual in question, especially in terms of aptitude, attitude, priorities of life, intellectual interest, etc.

2. A GATEWAY TO CAREER ADVANCEMENT

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among ambitious students to enroll in summer schools run by reputed institutions to expand their experience, enhance their qualifications or explore life at a business school. As a result, a rising number of business schools are opening their doors to students eager to give their careers a head-start.

3. EMPOWERING STUDENTS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION

A summer school's primary goal is to assist students in preparing for the many social and academic challenges that arise in their transition from undergraduate to higher education levels. The program attempts to assist students with issues related to academics, social situations, residential living, working with others undertaking group work, etc.

4. ENHANCING ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY

For college graduates, a lack of preparation for higher education may be due to many factors. One such factor is a student's 'academic self-efficacy,' or a student's belief in his or her ability to organise and execute the courses of action required to produce a desired educational outcome.

Students who are academically underprepared often have no idea how to go about earning a degree. These students do not know what steps they must take to be successful, or the particulars of what institutions expect of them. Summer schools help in improving access to, and participation in higher education by students, and their academic self-efficacy.

5. GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE

The current job market is extremely competitive, and companies want to hire young professionals who can have an immediate impact on the workplace. Summer school is a chance for students to learn the fundamentals of business and get a leg up in the job market.

6. NETWORKING AND BUILDING LIFELONG CONNECTIONS

Beyond the knowledge that one gains, summer school is an opportunity to network with ambitious young students from across the country, build connections with one's peers, and forge relationships that could last well into one's future career.

7. DEVELOPING ADAPTABILITY

Studying in a summer school will expose a student to the variations in education systems as well as other students in the cohort. The summer school will make them experience a different system of grading, teaching, testing, and learning. While it may be beyond their comfort zone and can be difficult, experience would be helpful in developing adaptability and social skills, which are essential requirements for a good manager.