From Learning to Leading: My ISME Odyssey

I rate the course curriculum at ISME 8 out of 10. The syllabus for certain subjects is very comprehensive and relevant. They focus on practical aspects and teach tools like Tableau and SPSS, which are in high demand in the corporate world. However, there are a few subjects where the content overlaps with what we learned in 10th and 12th grade, offering limited value addition. The curriculum's practical approach and the inclusion of tools like Tableau and SPSS were key factors in my decision to choose this course. These elements prepare us well for real-world applications and future academic pursuits. One area for improvement could be to update the curriculum more frequently to keep up with industry trends. Additionally, incorporating more industry interactions or internships could enhance practical learning. Exams are conducted regularly, and the timing is well-spaced throughout the semester. The difficulty level of exams is moderate, ensuring that students are challenged appropriat

ISME offers campus placements from the 5th semester onwards. Many reputed companies visit the campus for recruitment. Some of the companies that have visited include Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Amazon, HDFC Bank, and Infosys, among others. The number of offers made varies each year based on the requirements of the companies. The highest package offered at ISME is around Rs. 10-12 lakhs per annum, while the average package ranges from Rs. 5-6 lakhs per annum. The packages offered depend on the company and the profile offered. The percentage of students getting placements varies each year but is generally high, with a significant portion of students securing job offers before graduation. After completing the course, my plan is to utilize the knowledge and skills gained to pursue a career in the field of management, with a focus on gaining practical experience and advancing in my chosen field.

The tuition fees at ISME are Rs. 8,90,000, which will increase to Rs. 9,40,000 next year. Additionally, there is an optional Singapore Education tour costing Rs. 75,000, which will increase to Rs. 1,00,000 next year. ISME offers a Rs. 50,000 scholarship for students with more than 2 years of work experience. There are also scholarships available for students who scored 80% or above in 10th, 12th, and graduation. During internships, students can earn an average of Rs. 10,000 per month. For final placements, the average salary package is Rs. 5,00,000 per year. The tuition fee increase policy is not specified in detail, but it seems there is an annual increase in fees. Additional costs such as service fees and other compulsory charges may apply but are not mentioned. I have not undertaken any campus employment, so I cannot provide details on job roles, responsibilities, or stipends awarded for campus employment.

My overall campus experience at ISME has been good. In the first year, there are clubs like the Cultural Club, Lit & Communication Club, CSR Club, and Entrepreneurship Club. In the second year, there are different labs like the Marketing Lab, HR Labs, Finance Lab, and Business Analytics Lab. The infrastructure is good, both for the hostel and the college. The classrooms are also well-equipped, resembling corporate infrastructure. ISME hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including technical festivals like TechFest and annual festivals like the Cultural Fest. These events provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and interact with industry professionals. The library at ISME offers a wide range of books and journals, providing students with ample resources for their academic pursuits. The facilities and technological provisions within the classrooms are up-to-date, facilitating a conducive learning environment.

In the hostel, they offer 2 and 3 sharing rooms. The rooms are spacious and not congested, providing a comfortable living space. The hostel maintains high cleanliness standards, ensuring a hygienic environment for the residents. The hostel cafeteria offers only vegetarian food, which is considered healthy. The quality of the meals is good, and the menu is varied to cater to different preferences. As for the registration process, it typically involves submitting the required documents and completing the necessary forms. The affordability of the hostel varies based on the room type and facilities provided. If you're looking for rented accommodation, the locality plays a crucial role. It's essential to consider factors like safety, proximity to campus, and access to basic amenities when choosing a place to stay.

Admission process at ISME begins with the profile shortlisting followed by an interview round. I took admission through the CAT exam. ISME doesn't focus much on aptitude exams, but the minimum cut-off is 50%. For 10th, 12th, and graduation, the minimum cut-off is 60%. The application form and details are available on the ISME website. There is an application fee, and the application dates are usually announced well in advance. Reservation benefits are available as per government norms. The CAT exam is challenging but manageable with proper preparation. ISME also considers work experience, giving preference to candidates with relevant industry exposure. Overall, I liked the admission process. However, one area for improvement could be to streamline the document verification process to make it more efficient.

I faced an interview as part of the admission process at ISME. The interview focused on understanding my background, communication skills, and knowledge. Additionally, I had to write about my work experience, detailing what I learned and what my role was. For the interview, I prepared by revisiting my resume and ensuring I could confidently discuss my work experience and achievements. I also practiced answering common interview questions to articulate my thoughts clearly and concisely. The written test required me to write about my work experience in detail, including the key learnings and my role. This test helped the admission committee assess my writing skills and the depth of my work experience. Overall, the interview and written test were crucial in showcasing my abilities and suitability for the course.