Is the Welingkar Institute of Management worth joining? I have to resign my job for that

Honestly, joining the Welingkar Institute of Management for the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) has been a transformative experience for me. The curriculum is well-structured and covers a mix of theoretical and practical learning, which is great for understanding real-world applications. The faculty is also quite experienced, which adds a lot of value.

However, the fee is on the higher side at around 14 lakhs for the entire program, and while the placement opportunities are decent with an average package around 12 lakhs, not everyone gets placed easily. If you’re considering resigning from your job, it might be worth it if you're really passionate about advancing your career in management.

As someone who graduated from Welingkar (PGDM Full time - 2013), I can share some insights about the institute. I'll go over the pros and cons and what you can generally expect.

If you're considering a reputable business school, here's what you should expect:

• Exposure
• Internships & Final Placements
• Infrastructure (Physical + IT + Library)
• Curriculum / Course Options
• Intellectual Capital
• Brand Name
• Fees vs Package
• Alumni
• Rankings
• Other Opportunities / Facilities

Welingkar has a trimester system, so you’ll go through six trimesters over two years for their PGDM courses.

1. Exposure
Gaining exposure is crucial in an MBA program. You need an environment that challenges your thinking as you aim to become a manager. You'll encounter many students from various backgrounds, and both peers and professors will push you to think critically. It’s surprising how knowledgeable young students are, and this environment makes you more aware of your presentation skills and pushes you to learn more. The competitive atmosphere will take you out of your comfort zone, so be ready for that.

Welingkar offers a great outbound program shortly after you join. It's a fun and educational experience involving outdoor activities, which is a big plus. The school also invites industry leaders to talk about the corporate world, helping you set realistic expectations.

They also organize programs to boost your soft skills. Business schools aim to polish you, making you stand out from other postgraduates. If you’re dedicated, you’ll notice significant personal growth by the end.

2. Internships & Final Placements
Choosing a business school largely depends on the internship and placement opportunities. Theoretical knowledge is fine, but practical experience is vital. It’s up to the college to provide enough chances for students to intern and secure jobs.

There are discussions about the packages and offers students receive, both domestically and internationally, and they are accurate. However, Welingkar, like many other schools, faces challenges in placing the entire class due to large batch sizes compared to the available opportunities. This is a common issue, even at top-tier schools.

During my time, some students had to find opportunities on their own because either the campus placements didn’t meet their preferences or they wanted specific roles. I secured a great job through campus placements, and I believe that if you work hard during your course, you’ll get placed.

The diversity of companies visiting the campus should be your focus, not the percentage of students placed. You only need one job, so focus on securing that position.

3. Infrastructure (Physical + IT + Library)
Is infrastructure important? Yes and no.

No, if you’re just there for a job and nothing more, or if you’re at a place like JBIMS where infrastructure isn’t the priority.

Yes, if you want to make the most of your investment, participate in competitions, and access a wide range of materials without worrying about finding resources.

Welingkar offers a Wi-Fi-enabled campus, multiple study rooms, excellent IT infrastructure, a vast library, an A/V room, a playroom, and a gym. There’s also an extensive collection of case studies for you to analyze.

Good physical infrastructure can boost your morale. When everything is well-maintained and vibrant, it enhances your overall experience.

I think joining Welingkar for PGDM is definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to dive deep into the management field. The curriculum is quite comprehensive, and they emphasize practical experiences through internships. Companies like Accenture and Morgan Stanley often visit for placements, and the average package is around 12 lakhs, which isn’t bad at all.

However, coming from a job means you need to prepare for a significant financial commitment, and the fee is hefty at 14 lakhs. So, if you’re ready for that leap and want to gain new skills, it could be a good move.

Deciding to leave my job for the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) at Welingkar was tough, but I think it’s worth it. The course itself covers a lot of essential topics, and the faculty are knowledgeable. The summer internships are a bit of a mixed bag; while some students land good stipends, others might find it challenging to secure a position. The fee of about 14 lakhs is quite high, and while the average placements are around 12 lakhs, it can be competitive. If you are committed to taking your career to the next level, it could be a good choice, but ensure you're ready for the financial aspect.

I'm a first-year student at Welingkar, and honestly, it's not worth it. If you're considering leaving your job to join, I'd strongly advise against it. The college is not a good investment of your parents' hard-earned money. I've experienced firsthand how their courses, including PGDM, don't deliver on the promises they make about good job placements. It's all hype, unfortunately.

The college is good at marketing itself to the outside world, but inside, it's a different story. They take a lot of donations for admissions, even though the Principal has been caught before. It's a corrupt system, and they preach about values that they don't follow. The staff and security aren't very helpful, and interactions can be frustrating. The faculty is somewhat friendly, but the teaching isn't effective. Most lectures feel like a waste of time and money, with little real learning happening.

The placement situation is disappointing too. The duration of placement days has gone down from 7 to just 1.5 days. This year, they even said there are fewer summer internships available, and if we can't secure one, we need to find it ourselves. It feels unfair to have paid so much and still be left to fend for ourselves. Many of us were unsure about paying the next fee installment, but in the end, we had to.

Most of us feel that spending two years here isn't worth it. We've realized this too late and don't want you to make the same mistake. Welingkar can lead to disappointment and stress because it doesn't meet expectations. Please think carefully and consider other options to avoid unnecessary trouble.