Smart MBA's looking for jobs

I came across a blog written by my student about placements. After reading the blog I recollected some of the interviews that I took recently for admission to PGDM in one of the leading institute. Observations were shocking. Majority of the students want to join a particular institute because of the placement record of that institute. I agree that various factors personal liabilities, high fees, inflation and unemployment force the students to give priority to the institutes where placements are nearly assured. Many other major factors like quality of the teaching staff, infrastructure, exposure to the industry etc takes the back seat. Many institutes do conduct various programmes for soft skills development, industry exposure etc. Unfortunately nothing much is achieved as minds are preoccupied with the pressure of placement. So many advisers like the seniors, peer groups, family members and outside friends are available to offer free advice that adds to the anxiety.   

Anxiety induced sleep?

Today's generation feels they are smart, but that smartness doesn’t help to gain knowledge and without knowledge there is no gain. One day late night by 11.30 pm I got a call from my student of fourth (last) semester. He wanted to know if I could recommend him some book on logistic. I asked him ‘why do you need it now, your subject exam is over’. His reply was very candid. He said he is joining some company in logistic dept from next week and wanted to have some theoretical knowledge before he joins. Had he paid some attention to the lectures and prepared himself well, such a situation would have been avoided. Reading a book at stage wasn't going to help. I felt sorry for the guy. This is not the lone example. Today the objective has just been reduced to get the degree. Knowledge is secondary. The reliance on internet to get any information and confidence to “manage” (Jugad जुग़ाड ) has taken toll of such students. There was a time when the students would like to know which books they should refer to. The librarians used complain that there is a shortage of recommended books in the library. Today very few students want to know the recommended books. Rest of the students buy a guide type of useless book priced at Rs. 100/- and expect a job that will pay them Rs. One lac a month. The librarians continue to complain even today, but for a different reason, no one takes the recommended books and the library is over stocked inspite of increased number of students. What a change?

Art Work

Noble Thoughts

The smart students of today has something to learn more. What they consider smart is  it really smart? 

Greek mythology has classified nine different kinds of Smartness. Rarely one would find that all these exist in an individual. 

I am listing below the nine types. One can do some introspection and check how one fares and then decide if he/she is really smart..

Nine Kinds of Smart

Verbal Smart are the ones who are good communicators can do right selection of words and are able to effectively deliver their thoughts. If one is knowledgeable then only clarity of thoughts will emerge else it will be just Bol Bachchan (बोल बच्चन ).

Nature Smart includes those who are concerned about nature, environment, and ecology. Trekkers, mountaineers, channel swimmers, sea surfers, wild life photographers and alike include this category. How can you climb a mountain or swim across the sea without required knowledge of the techniques?

Music Smart people are interested in music be it vocal or instrumental, Indian or western, classical or modern. They have an ear for music and understanding. The fly by night musical talents from realty shows shine for a while as they have shallow knowledge base. Legends like Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar who spent life in learning create the history

Math Smart are quick in mathematical calculations, are good with numbers. They make use of logic and statistics because of their knowledge base.

Body Smart may relate to body language but more importantly they give importance to their attire, physical well being and fitness. I hardly see any clean shaven student in the class, may be because of impact film industry. But corporate world is different that’s to be kept in mind. Corporate world also needs someone physically fit in this competitive world.

Art Smart is the category of creative minds. They think differently, are good artists and visualizers. They are interested in all forms of arts from graphic to theatrical. Many of the students do display this quality as they are knowledgeable.

Interpersonal Smart people are good in understanding of others and may have empathy. They try to understand the viewpoint of others and get along well with others. Those who lack this quality must develop to be successful in corporate world. Once again one can talk with other persons if they have the subject knowledge.

Intrapersonal Smart is the most important of all smartness. This refers to basic SWOT analysis of an individual. These people understand their strengths well and think how they could use their strengths to make the world a better place. It’s knowledge about the self and surroundings. Students must do self analysis and identify their strengths and weakness that will help them to do well in life.

Spiritual Smart  are these who talk about Bhagwad Gita, philosophy of life, how to be happy and their goals are different. They seek happiness rather than positions. This smartness is seen in many individuals now a days. Many of the IITians have chosen to be spiritual guides in the recent past. Practice Yoga and do meditation. This will help.

So check your grades for smartness. One will realize that knowledge is the base for success in life. Remember success and achievements are different. Jugad may help you to achieve but that’s not success.