Know your B-School well
A primer on securing admission to the MBA institute of your choice By Mansie Dewan Pic Courtesy: Mirella Marinelli A candidate’s pre-MBA profile plays a significant role in their job hunt post-MBA. Employers need to know whether a candidate has a history of consistent achievement and success, and if there is a clear line of progression in their career timeline. Previous work achievements demonstrate potential and can therefore swing the odds in a candidate’s favour. Right perspective Identifying the right schools is the first step in the MBA application process and should ideally start even before the GMAT is taken. The reason is simple — once you know the schools you want to apply to, you can work on getting the requisite GMAT score to make you competitive for it. Choice of schools should not just depend on rankings but also on the school’s offerings and how they fit with your career goals. MBA aspirants are repeatedly advised to get perspectives from alumni or seniors on potential paths after an MBA, and also explore the pros and cons. With a clear goal, it is easier to focus on the right resources and connections that you need. Start with introspecting on your geographical preference, the domain you want to specialise in, visa norms of the country and the duration of programme. Then, scrutinise school’s curriculum, companies that come to recruit on campus, industries and roles students get inducted in on graduating and extracurricular opportunities. Also, look at the return on investment and scope for scholarships and aids. Once you have information on each of these components, it will become easy to identify the schools you are interested in applying to, before you develop an action plan to get started. GMAT edge The GMAT is a big component that decides the kind of schools a candidate can apply to. Year after year, with skyrocketing scores, the most sought after B-schools globally are spoilt for choice. And considering the huge number of applications from India, it is important to achieve a benchmark score that highlights your capabilities to participate in a rigorous MBA programme. It is also a testament of your stamina and planning. Equally important is the fact that a good GMAT score brings in hefty financial aids and well-paying jobs post-MBA. There are different ways to prepare for it. Regardless of whether you study yourself or join a course, it is crucial to develop a systematic study plan and practise regularly. Familiarising yourself with the concepts and skills tested in the GMAT and the test structure and format are the first steps. A diagnostic or practice test provides a good starting baseline. This can help in guiding and focusing the test taker’s preparation based on their personal areas of strength and weakness. Practising different types of questions and taking GMAT practise tests helps test-takers in continuing to improve their skills and achieving their personal best. The mba.com website offers a GMAT Prep Timeline which helps students prepare a study plan (including tips, products, advice and resources), recognising that every individual has a different learning style. It is advisable to design a study plan that fits with your lifestyle, pace, learning goals and timing. GMAT is a standardised test and it is important to identify patterns and work towards solving the questions. Hence, the official questions are a goldmine. Applications Applications are your first interaction with the admissions committees and the only platform for you to showcase your strengths, aspirations and fit with your target business school. Your resume, application data form, essays and recommendations need to be in sync with one another. They should be accurate and project your profile to its full advantage to garner the attention of the admissions committee and land you an interview invite. Beyond the tangible components (the GMAT, your grades, where you went to college, where you worked and so on), it is also important to bring to attention the intangible components of your profile such as unique talents, strengths and experiences that distinguish you. Therefore, each application section should be used very carefully, ensuring that together they form a holistic and appealing masterpiece, setting you apart from the rest of the competitive pool. Interview Through your interview, you reveal yourself more comprehensively to the admissions committee. Your body language, how you’re dressed, your responses, your tone, your communication style, along with the kind of responses you give to the questions asked, will help in establishing your authenticity and validate your readiness to be inducted into the incoming class. Be honest in your essays and interview. The interview aims at evaluating if the school would be able to help you meet your professional aspirations through the programme. If you aren’t honest with your objectives, you may be disappointed with the results. Project yourself transparently and honestly, depicting your aspiration for a particular MBA programme. The interview is the final stage that decides your fate, whether you’ll be accepted or rejected. The bottomline is, know the programme and school well, understand and be in a position to highlight how the school and you are a good fit together and be prepared to elucidate and detail the level of efforts you’ve put in to reach the conclusion! The writer is an admissions coach and author of ‘The MBA Run’. The interview aims at evaluating if the school can help you meet your professional aspirations.  This article first appeared on The Hindu
Choosing Your Reference For Bschool Application? Follow These Four Tips
While your application to MISB Bocconi consists of many parts, the importance of a strong reference cannot be overstated. But how do you choose just one person to speak to the many reasons why you’re a worthy candidate for admissions to the PGPB program? Let’s count down four questions to ask yourself when deciding on who to ask for your reference. Can He/She Speak to the Whole Package? The person writing your letter of reference must know you well, but that’s only part of the equation. Your reference must also know you well in a way that speaks to your skills and abilities in a professional context. While a coach, former teacher, or academic advisor may be able to highlight certain aspects of your potential contribution to a b-school community, can they also speak to your potential as a productive member of the corporate workforce? While finding a person who can attest to your personal qualities, performance and potential is a tall order, doing so can mean the difference between a mediocre letter of recommendation and an extraordinary one. This is why so many students lay the groundwork for establishing references early in the process. Internships, jobs, and even teaching assistant experience can help you make reference-worthy connections. Is He/She an Advocate of Business School? Business school offers a number of different advantages, but not all successful business people understand the value of MBA (or, postgraduate business programs). This attitude can be informed by a number of different factors — from personal to professional. A person who doesn’t believe in business school — or who doesn’t believe in business school for you at this particular point in your career — may not be able to overcome this bias in order to accurately convey your strength as a candidate in their recommendation letter. Conversely, a reference who is in favour of your business school prospects is likely to portray your candidacy in a particularly compelling way. Before asking for a reference, take time to get a feel for the potential recommendation writer’s perspective whether b-school is a wise course of action. Does He/She Know You Now? The business world moves quickly. Choosing a reference who knew you four years ago not only overlooks the opportunity to showcase all of the skills, talents and accomplishments you’ve acquired in the interim but may also reflect poorly on you to admissions committee looking for candidates working to continually improve themselves. However, if you worked for or with someone in the past but have maintained meaningful contact with or continued to build your relationship since then, such a reference may be appropriate. Is He/She Your Biggest Fan? While biggest fan may be a hyperbole, the truth of the matter is that we are looking for the best and the brightest candidates here at MISB Bocconi. Your reference should be more than positive; he/she should also truly value your capabilities and be an enthusiastic supporter of your candidacy. Ultimately, there’s no pre-set formula for choosing a reference. However, keeping these four things in mind can help you find the person who can best showcase your strengths while enhancing your comprehensive profile as a competitive candidate and future contributing member of the PGPB community at MISB. We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you better!
MISB Bocconi Placements of Student Career Growth at Pre and Post PGPB
MISB Bocconi is happy to have played a role in helping its students achieve a significant step-up in their career after completing their 2 years at MISB Bocconi. Given below are stories of some our students and how their career has evolved in these two years : Charandeep Kapoor, a B.Com (Hons) graduate, had his previous Sales and Marketing stint at Pathways Marketing and Consulting Group. Charandeep or Charan has been one of the revelations from the Class of 2016. As a Place com Member, Charan was an enthusiastic and active member. Charan landed his Final Placement through a PPO from Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages with whom he interned last summer in the villages and small towns of Karnataka, with a 333% growth in CTC with reference to his previous stint. Despite his difficulties with the language, he managed to turn things around and use such hindrances to his advantage at times. Aakriti Agnihotri, a Mechanical Engineer with a sales and marketing experience with Geo Informatics Consultants kick starts her management career with the telecom giant Vodafone with a 976% growth in the CTC. Aakriti has easily been one of our most driven students from the Class of 2016 and was the first student in the batch to bag a summer internship! Radhika Gupta, a B.Com (Hons) graduate, had a tremendous body of work during her time at MISB Bocconi in her passion that is Luxury & Fashion. Coming from a Management Consulting background and having worked with Ernst & Young in the advisory services division, Radhika was able to pursue her career in Luxury & Fashion thanks to the several, specific Live Projects and readings and elective courses at Bocconi Milan during her Specialization Semester. Her dedication and perseverance along with her preparedness were exemplary when she was one of two selected candidates for H&M India which helped her garner a whopping 6x growth with respect the CTC! Jasmine Khanna Coming from an IT background with a flair for developing personal relationships and strong academics, Jasmine has been one of the best students to graduate in the short history of MISB Bocconi. With a flair for fashion and supreme presentation skills, Jasmine had a fantastic Summer Internship with L’Oréal India. Jasmine juggled her married life and academics seamlessly to pass out as one of our top performers. She will join Future Group’s Business Innovator Program soon. Gautham, can talk a mile and more, but with deep thought and analysis. Always wanting to better himself and those around him, he was an active Chief Students Placement Coordinator, who tackled all issues and concerns with enthusiasm and diligence. Coming from a Finance background that included the likes of Barclays and Goldman Sachs, Gautham has now bagged the role of a Management Consultant with Universal Consulting along with an 84.26% jump in his CTC. Mukesh Kumar, an NIFT graduate with a couple of years of work experience with Life Style (a Landmark Group company), Mukesh Kumar interned with Benetton India. A solid student, Mukesh displayed an excellent affinity for numbers and was one of our top students. Wanting to pursue Retail Operations, Mukesh will work in the Landmark Dubai office managing 250+ stores across Middle East and Africa across 12 countries. A detailed placement report will be available soon. This article first appeared on Insideiim
Should You Choose MISB Bocconi Over Other Schools?
Being a student at MISB Bocconi, I think I can say this with credibility. So, is MISB the best B-School today? No. Do they have the potential to be one of India’s top institutes in the not so distant future? Most definitely yes. MISB is still just 4-yrs old, and that is a very important fact in my answer here. The campus is one floor, but I disagree that it is preventing you from having a Campus Life or the aura. If interacting with your peers is really what you want, and if you understand the concept of Probability, you realise your chance of running into each other is a lot more on one floor, than it is on a 200-acre campus. I speak from experience. And what it lacks in space, it more than makes up in facilities. It is open to students 24 hrs, with free Wi-fi and AC in all classrooms, a canteen and snack area. There are dedicated study areas too where you can go and burn the midnight oil. Located a stone’s throw from the heart of Powai, accessibility isn’t an issue. We have tie-ups with the local Football Turf grounds, Powai Racquets Club etc and hold regular sporting events. On campus, we have Table-Tennis and Foosball tables. In addition to all this, we share a highly interactive relation with the Professors, both in and outside the classroom. Professors join us for Dinner and Lunch and always stay in touch. A majority of the professors come from Bocconi University, Milan which is ranked as among the very best Universities in Europe and the World. Their approach to teaching is very hands-on, highly updated, with multiple case studies, and lots of interaction. All teaching material is accessed via a digital medium. The E-Learning platform is your one-stop for everything you need academically. Reading material, case studies, slides are all uploaded here. Besides this, all professors start their first lecture by providing their personal Email IDs and Mobile Phone numbers. Emails usually get replied to within 12 hrs, and they are more than happy to talk to you. We also have a dean, Ex-IIM Professor Dr. Himanshu Rai who has been a strong pillar when it comes to giving Indian perspective to the learnings at MISB. We also have IIM professors coming down to Mumbai to teach us, essentially giving us the best of both worlds. In terms of our connections to companies and recruitments, the first batch had an average package of Rs 9.9LPA (which in my opinion is stunning for the very first batch of any B-School), which went to Rs 10.23LPA for the next batch and it’s expected to go further up. We have done live projects with the Aditya Birla Group, Future Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI and that’s just my batch. Our summer internships consisted of companies like Coca-Cola, Vodafone, Loreal, Future Group, ICICI, Piaggio etc with stipends of up to Rs 60,000 pm. Some have even managed to get Pre-Placement Offers and Interviews. On top of all this, we have a mandatory exchange semester at Bocconi, Milan (September to December) where we get to experience a whole new world there. We interact with students from multiple nationalities, get to live alone in a new country and visit surrounding countries there. That teaches you a lot about life, people and how things work in different ways. It has gone a long way to expand my horizon in what I want to do with my life and my career. In conclusion, should you choose MISB over other business schools? I think that would be a personal preference, and it’s not simply a question of which is better in terms of academics or pay packages. But if you have doubts that MISB is not a top notch college, then I can assure you that it is. What I would suggest though is to come over and sit for one of the open classes. You’ll get a better idea of what it’s like, and what to expect, and then make your decision. I hope this helps you make a more informed decision. This article is written by Aadil Naik, PGPB3 student. It first appeared on Quora
Online Retailers Activating the Brick & Mortar Channel
We all have been hearing of multiple brick & mortar Retailers jumping onto the e-commerce bandwagon in India. Given that the e-commerce industry is poised to breach the USD 100 bn mark by 2020 from current revenues of USD 23 billion for 2015 (as per a report by Goldman Sachs), establishing an online presence seems to be the logical strategy for any retailer aiming to maintain/increase revenue and volume targets. But within this melee of e-commerce transition, I surprisingly came across e-commerce companies that decided to activate the brick and mortar channel and that too by establishing single store outlets! Established in 2010, Chumbak, which houses 75 categories is one of them. Chumbak seems to have played its cards right; it tested the market by selling via Facebook and proceeded to establish an online presence. Regarding physical presence, the company initially started with kiosks in malls which evolved to shop-in-shops and set up its first large format flagship store in September 2014. It currently has 15 large format stores and 19 Popup stores across ten cities in India to its credit and is gearing to hit the INR 400 crore revenue mark shortly.Chumbak has successfully raised USD 2 mn via seed funding followed by a series-B funding from PE investors and has developed a mobile application for Chumbak loyalists! Vivek Prabhakar, the founder of Chumbak, believes that physical stores helped them showcase products and built brands while an online presence aided in getting instant feedback which was used to improve products. Another online retailer that catches the eye is Lenskart, the seller of optical products which has 100+ retail stores across 66 metros, tier I & II cities in India under the franchise business model. Backed by an INR 200 crore funding, the company aims to expand to 2000+ stores across India.It seeks to tap traditional offline customers who prefer to visit an optical store to make a purchase and thus expand customer base, get repeat customers and increase revenue and brand recognition. Other online retailers like Yepme, Flipkart, Snapdeal, PepperFry and Firstcry are amongst the first movers to open offline stores.The omni-channel model, a healthy combination of both offline and online presence indeed seems to be the modernretailer’s mantra to success! This article is written by PGPB4 student Saroj Javeri.
Student Diaries: ROI of an MISB Education – Look beneath the surface
Okay so it’s that time of the year again March. March comes with the end of winter, the promise of spring and, of course, the be all and end all of our student lives exams and admission season! With admissions for B-schools on full form, I’ve been having several discussions with potential applicants for the selection criteria of a good business school and in most of these conversations, we end up talking for hours about ROI. In my opinion, this ROI is a very used and abused term in all our discussions, so I decided to apply my newly acquired accounting knowledge (Haha yes, I’m totally showing off my MISB Bocconi learning here since I have no background in accounting) to further investigate some accounting terms in the context of investment decisions with regards to a PGPB program. Let’s start with the often used and abused ROI ROI is defined as the amount of return on an investment about the investment’s cost. To calculate ROI, the benefit (or return) of investment is divided by the cost of the investment, and the result is expressed as a percentage or a ratio. So students typically look potential salaries post the PGPB vis a vis the cost of the program which includes fees, living expenses and the opportunity costs of leaving a job. However, since the PGPB is an investment and investments lead to the creation of assets. An asset is defined as anything tangible or intangible that can be owned or controlled to produce value and that is held to have positive economic value is considered an asset. Let us now think about it in terms of a Post Graduate Program. We constantly compare the tangible piece the economic returns in terms of salaries post recruitment opportunities after the program. So what MISB offers is in terms of the tangible context is comparable if not better than other business programs. What I did want to address the intangible piece of the definition What are the intangibles that MISB creates for you, that can have value in your life? Let’s start with the faculty interactions How many students can claim to have one on one conversations and played TT and foosball matches with professors who have authored several books, are leading authorities in their fields, sit on the boards of several companies and are consulting with some of the most reputable corporates in the world? For that matter How many students can claim to have had the most interesting conversation on meditation and mental stimulation over a drink with the Strategy Guru Robert Grant, and then been introduced to a boy because you were too shy to talk to him yourself, so he went and showed you how it’s done? I can! Why am I talking about this silly thing here well it gave me an insight into the humility that goes hand in hand with success and forced me to face my fears head on, which was the creation of personal value for me right there Let’s also talk about the specialization semester in Milan I am looking forward to this because like all international colleges, this goes beyond learning. The education process is an experience in living a different lifestyle and culture and hopefully exporting some Indian goodwill abroad! It also promises to be a life-changing event travel and living in cultures that are different from yours gives you perspectives and insights that always add value to your life Finally, I wanted to conclude with the freedom and sense of responsibility that MISB inculcates in you. How many colleges can vouch for engaging the students to such an extent that they willingly spend their free time extolling its virtues? ( Look at me writing this blog here, look at the responses to your questions on the student blogs and groups and holding coffee sessions where you can interact with them?) How many colleges give you the freedom to be yourself, and pursue your interests ranging from the choice of a large variety specializations to CDS actively researching your career interests to bring your dream company on board for placements? These are all indications that MISB is the place for you to explore yourself your capabilities, hopes, and dreams. Here’s the last thought I want to leave you with while considering returns on your investment in a PGPB program, salaries are important. But also, consider that you’re making a long-term investment in yourself and that the creation of a personal brand and that the intangibles associated with this program will be as essential in driving your growth and success. So whichever program you choose, I urge you to consider all of these before making a final decision.
Building Your Network: Beginning With MISB Bocconi
As you progress through your business career, you’ll hear a lot about networking — everything from why it’s important to how to go about doing it. One of the best things about attending MISB Bocconi? Networking is an organic part of the PGPB experience. In every course, group project, and collaboration exercise, you’ll be building personal and professional connections which will stay with you throughout your life. Networking at MISB Bocconi At MISB Bocconi, you’ll begin networking as soon as you step foot on our Mumbai campus. Each class comprises a diverse group of students, carefully selected for their unique individual qualities as well as for their potential as a team. In spending time and working alongside your classmates, you can look forward to developing meaningful and lasting relationships. In fact, many of our alumni refer to ongoing connections forged in the PGPB as an important factor in their success today. But classroom connections don’t just happen between students at MISB Bocconi. Our esteemed faculty members are accessible, available, and eager to connect with the students they teach. It’s not rare to see students and faculty members interacting outside of the classroom either. Because our curriculum isn’t limited to theory but also comprises a real-world component, students get even more networking exposure. Our summer internship program, for example, has helped students secure placements in marketing and finance functions at prestigious global companies including ICICI Bank, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, Ferrero, SBI Mutual Fund, Benetton and Future Group among several others. These don’t just look good as line items on your resume; they can also be leveraged into job market success upon graduation. Beyond Mumbai A commitment to international exchange means that networking opportunities are exponentially enhanced. Between inward-bound exchange to our Mumbai campus as well as outward-bound exchange programs at Bocconi in Milan as well as with other partner institutions from across the globe, MISB Bocconi students have endless chances not only to grow their networks but to do so in a way which vastly enriches their world view. According to one Harvard Business Review report on the critical nature of networking, Networks determine which ideas become breakthroughs, which new drugs are prescribed, which farmers cultivate pest-resistant crops, and which R&D engineers make the most high-impact discoveries. At MISB Bocconi, we’re committed to helping our students develop and grow the networks that will not only help them reach their goals but which can collaboratively move the world.
Life@MISB – Living In Powai, Mumbai
Po-way, all the way! So you are preparing yourself for the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, cluttered streets, small apartments, narrow roads and of course the traffic. And then suddenly Powai happens! Ask any of your Bombay buddies and they will tell you Powai is not Mumbai, and trust me they are right. It has outstanding architecture, it is spacious, it has a Greek feel to it and it has a lake! So you know it is not amchi-Mumbai, and you are going to be totally cool with that. Powai is known for its neo classical architecture, and we thank Mr. Hiranandani for this. The entire area is developed by and known as Hiranandani, and the only thing I can tell you about him is that he has excellent taste. From the basic utilities like markets, schools, hospitals to the most hip restaurants and five star hotels in town, Hiranandani has it all. You know how Italians have the best taste? Well, they found the perfect location for a business school right here! Our campus is in the Hiranandani Knowledge Park that is just a stone’s throw away from a place of prime importance for business students Starbucks. In case you are Mumbaikar and can’t keep away from Theobrama’s goodies, you are in luck too. On a more serious note, the college is just minutes away from the Powai lake, so the view from the classrooms make for a great deal. You would find the seniors hanging out in the nearby market Galleria, which is host to one of the best place to eat. It has commercial eateries, small bistros and fun lounges for you to unwind on a Saturday night. Personal recommendations would be Harry’s karaoke nights and games night at Hoppipola. Book lovers should know we have a library that has a range of books, and there are frequent book clubs going on nearby. If you are a fitness freak, you are in luck! The Powai lake has an outstanding jogging path around it. You can join yoga groups that practice near the Powai lake too. For a nice evening walk, you have to go to Hiranandani Gardens. It is one of the best parks around, and has a lot of activities going on there too. Gym enthusiasts wouldn’t be disappointed either, because you will have plethora of choices to choose from. For the hardcore entrepreneurs, you have struck gold. We are right in the middle of the Powai Valley. Its easier to find a start-up here than a Vada Pao! As you know Powai Valley is where all start-ups in Mumbai want to be. Not too far away is IIT Bombay, which is known to have an excellent start-up incubator. MISB Bocconi students often attend competitions, entrepreneurship events, conferences and festivals taking place there. So if you want to network, want a live project or even an internship at a start-up you are in the right place. If you have been to London near Christmas and seen the Oxford Street and sighed Why can’t we have this in India?, to you I say the wait is over. If you don’t know what I am taking about have a look This is Powai! Hiranandani organizes the Winter Light Fiesta from Christmas till the new year, and it is stunning. Its an odd thing to say, but sunsets in Powai are beautiful. So well, this is where you are heading to and spending the rest of your PGPB and let me tell you, you are going to have an unforgettable time. Yes way, Po-way! This article is written by PGPB4 student – Vibhuti Verma
How the PGPB from MISB Bocconi Offers an Inside Edge in Today’s Competitive Job Market
MISB Bocconi may have a brief past, although it has a vibrant present and a bright future. If you’re considering whether the PGPB can help you reach your professional goals, let’s take a closer look at what MISB Bocconi has to offer. A Premier Name The Bocconi name is known all over the world for its leading business and management programs. As the only offshore presence of Italy’s prominent University Bocconi, MISB Bocconi offers its students access to all of the benefits of a top b-school education. There’s no denying that the Bocconi name holds weight with today’s employers; as part of this legacy, MISB students reap the inherent benefits. A Network of Business Leaders Our small, tight-knit classes mean grads walk away with personal and professional connections which will last a lifetime. But these connections aren’t limited to fellow classmates. MISB Bocconi’s distinguished faculty members are available, accessible and eager to interact with students. Community-based projects and internships further enrich the connections made on and off campus. The result? Premier networking opportunities. In an era where the world is smaller than before due to the breakdown of conventional geographical borders, these associations can be leveraged into an inside edge on the job market. Factor in our premier Mumbai location, and the opportunities grow even more profound. A Truly International Education While all b-schools are compelled to tout their credentials as international environments, MISB Bocconi truly delivers on this promise. Not only are we home to a diverse community of students and faculty members, but students also participate in international exchange — both through our popular Milan semester as well as optional summer campus exchange programs. The result? Graduates enter the workforce with the truly international perspective sought after by companies looking for traction within India’s booming economy as well as on the world stage. Through all of this, we remain committed to ensuring that all students have access to the knowledge and training they need to maximize their job searches. Our Career Development Services offer extensive assistance with everything from resume writing to mock interviews to personal orientation labs aimed at helping students develop useful insights into their own unique strengths and aptitudes. Together, these resources ensure that each MISB Bocconi student is optimally positioned for peak success.
The Road to Entrepreneurship Begins at MISB Bocconi
At our 2015 convocation last spring, Tata Group Chairman and University Bocconi International Advisory Council Member, Mr. Ratan Tata urged graduates to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities as opposed to simply managing for others. At MISB Bocconi, we couldn’t agree with Mr. Tata more. Let’s take a closer look at what makes entrepreneurs so important, along with why the PGPB offers the perfect opportunity to position yourself for entrepreneurial success. Why Entrepreneurs Matter Entrepreneurs power the economy through the introduction of new sources of work and wealth. But it’s more than just about money. Entrepreneurs also drive change: They possess the unique ability to make the world a better place through the rare combination of vision and action. In this sense, they’re not just essential to economic growth, but they’re also an invaluable resource. India and Entrepreneurs India is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and rich history of entrepreneurship. This is perhaps no better exemplified than by the vibrant city we call home, Mumbai. In addition to being home to numerous leading multinational corporations and organisations across a breadth and depth of industries, this bustling commercial capital is also well-known for the cosmopolitan suburb of Powai, described by The Hindu Business Line as Mumbai’s answer to Silicon Valley. Truly amazing things are happening within this fascinating startup ecosystem, and MISB Bocconi students get a firsthand view. Cultivating Entrepreneurship at MISB Bocconi There’s an ongoing debate in the business world regarding whether entrepreneurs are born or made. At MISB Bocconi, we’re not entirely sure it matters. Why? Because regardless of how students come by their entrepreneurial goals, we work hard to cultivate in them the skills, talents and drive to create and pursue opportunities for innovation. From an entire department devoted to Strategy and Entrepreneurship helmed by entrepreneurial guru (and student favorite) Mikkel Draebye to activities like our recent Sundowners With Startups event, MISB Bocconi is alive and well with opportunities not just for students to learn about entrepreneurship, but also to interact with the region’s entrepreneurs to glean actionable insights and even make strong connections in the process. With India on the verge of economic superpower-dom, the role of entrepreneurs will be more vital than ever. Who will be India’s next generation of innovators, big thinkers, and global stewards? We’re betting on you, and it all starts right here at MISB Bocconi.