Unlocking Success: The Unique Advantages of Pursuing an MBA in Data Science & AI at SOM, IIT Mandi

Written By: Prashant Kushwaha

USP of SOM IIT Mandi

Ever since my engineering days, I've been thinking about doing an MBA. During the COVID-19 pandemic, me and my friends tried starting a business, but unfortunately, it didn't work out. This failure got me thinking about why it didn't succeed. We had the technical skills but lacked crucial business and marketing know-how. That's when I realized the importance of having a strong foundation in business management. 

So, I decided to pursue an MBA at the School of Management, IIT Mandi. In India, there are many MBA programs to choose from, but I believe that data is the key to the future. That's why I chose IIT Mandi, as they offer an MBA in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, which I think is highly relevant in today's world. 

SOM IIT Mandi Campus

Personally, I have a keen interest in data analytics and data science. I believe that getting an MBA in this field will greatly contribute to achieving my career goals. While exploring other options like BITS Pilani’s Business Analytics Program, IIM’s Analytics Program, and Symbiosis University’s Analytics Program, I found that the confidence IIT Mandi instills in its course curriculum surpasses the others. I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead with this program. 

Hostel Life at SOM IIT Mandi

For the guys, there are two hostels – B-14 and B-26. B-14 is a stone's throw away from the School building, making it a breeze to get to classes in just a minute or two. The rooms there are shared. On the other hand, B-26 is a bit farther, about 200 meters, but the trade-off is you get your own apartment with a personal bathroom. Sometimes you'll have just one roommate, and other times, it could be up to four. 

SOM IIT Mandi Hostel Lobby

For the ladies, it's B-16. The hostel is even closer to the School building, only about 100-150 meters away. The rooms here are personal, giving you a bit more privacy. 

Food and Amenities at IIT Mandi Hostel

Now, let's talk about the essential stuff – food. IIT Mandi's breakfast is a treat with a variety of options to choose from. Whether you're a fan of a hearty breakfast or something light, you'll find it here. Lunch and dinner are also sorted with separate counters for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. 

SOM IIT Mandi Mess Food

In terms of basic amenities, you'll get what you need – a wardrobe (Almirah), a comfy bed, and a study table. The climate in Mandi is such that you won't really need an AC; the temperature drops at night. However, winters might call for a heater or a blower. 

Common Spaces

Each hostel has a common room – a space to hang out and discuss projects or assignments. It doesn't matter if it's a guys' or girls' hostel; you'll find a place to connect with fellow students. 

Apart from the hostel common rooms, there's a central library that's open 24/7. It's not just a quiet study space; there are specific discussion rooms for those group study sessions, especially useful when you're dealing with case studies and projects in your MBA program.

Life at SOM IIT Mandi

Speaking of MBA, it's a competitive field, no doubt. The key is realizing that while you might want to be a jack of all trades, it's okay not to be. There's always someone out there with more experience in a specific domain. The trick is to be yourself, play to your strengths, and make the most of your potential.

SOM IIT Mandi Badminton Court

Enjoy your time at IIT Mandi, make the most of the resources, and don't forget to savor the unique experiences that come with the journey! 

Placements at SOM IIT Mandi

Last year marked a significant achievement for our senior batch as they secured coveted summer internships with renowned companies such as Max Life Insurance, Yum Brands, Titan, Tesco, Tata Power, Kantar, SAP Labs, IndiGo, and many others. This accomplishment is especially noteworthy given the challenges faced by our relatively new college in establishing connections with the corporate world. However, the diligent efforts of our placement committee have been instrumental in fostering these relationships. 

Navigating the corporate landscape as a new institution presents its own set of difficulties, but the placement committee has been proactive in reaching out to companies at the highest echelons. As time progresses, more companies are expressing interest in recruiting from our campus, creating a mix of excitement and apprehension for both students and the placement committee. 

The overarching objective is to ensure that students secure the best internship and job opportunities at the earliest possible stage. The placement committee is dedicated to fostering transparent and mutually beneficial processes in collaboration with corporate entities. 

Placements are still underway, and noteworthy companies such as Tesco, Astria, Max Life Insurance, and Latent View Analytics have already brought on board candidates for full-time domestic roles. Some students have even clinched international placement offers, with AIFUL Corporation in Tokyo, Japan extending opportunities. The recruitment focus has been on roles spanning analytics, marketing, sales, and strategy consulting. 

Looking ahead, the momentum of placement and internship activities continues, and there is a hopeful anticipation that in the next 2-3 months, the entire batch will receive a plethora of internship and placement offers, further solidifying the success and reputation of our college in the professional sphere.

Life at SOM IIT Mandi

Life at IIT Mandi is a vibrant blend of academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. If you're a sports enthusiast, you're in for a treat. The campus offers a variety of sports activities, ranging from indoor games like Badminton, Table Tennis, Squash, and Chess to outdoor sports such as Cricket, Football, and Hockey. No matter your preference, there's something for everyone. 

In terms of amenities, the common room is well-equipped with a microwave oven and a television. Additional conveniences like a refrigerator and an iron for clothes make everyday life on campus hassle-free. It's a place where you'll find all the facilities you need to make your college experience comfortable. 

The beginning of your journey at IIT Mandi is marked by an exciting first day. An orientation session with faculty provides valuable insights into the academic journey ahead. Seniors add a touch of humor with dance performances, and the day concludes with a warm welcome dinner, setting the tone for a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. 

Students actively engage in case study competitions, showcasing their talents and networking through platforms like LinkedIn. This dynamic participation reflects a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among the student community. 

The academic schedule is well-structured, with classes typically running from 8 am to 2 pm. Occasionally, classes extend till 5 pm or even take place at night, emphasizing the commitment to a comprehensive and rigorous learning experience. 

The campus also hosts events such as the Himalayan Business Conclave, where industry professionals interact with students. Discussions on topics like the impact of AI on the world provide valuable insights beyond the classroom. 

Recognizing the importance of balance, the campus offers opportunities to unwind. If the demands of classes and assignments become overwhelming, students can escape to the nearby mountains for trekking. The proximity of scenic locations like Shimla, Kullu, Manali, and Prashar Lake, just a two hour drive away, adds a touch of adventure to the overall college experience. 

In essence, life at IIT Mandi is a holistic journey, encompassing academics, sports, social events, and the chance to explore the breathtaking surroundings. It's a well-rounded experience that fosters growth and creates lasting memories. 

Things I learned till now from MBA : 

• An MBA gives you ample opportunities to practice classroom learning through numerous case studies, case competitions, strategy courses or volunteer work with organizations. You get many chances to integrate all you grasped from the different courses. 
• I came across many skillful and talented people. These were the folks who were rockstars in their domains. When dealing with an unfamiliar topic or subject we could feel insecure to ask for advice and try to figure out something on our own. But believe me, the advice we might be looking for on a topic could be something that our classmate knows well. And that is why interaction and teamwork is such an important part of any MBA program.