JAGSoM commences its PGDM Program for the Class of 2025 with Focus on Academic and Cultural Diversity 

Bengaluru, July 20, 2023: Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), ranked 13th amongst the private Business Schools in India by Business Today, held the commencement ceremony of its PGDM 2023-25 batch on the 17th of July. JAGSoM is amongst the select few Business Schools in India with an International Profile: AACSB Accredited & QS Ranked for Marketing, Finance and Analytics programs.

JAGSoM's distinctive admission process has resulted in a highly diverse PGDM 2023-25 batch, showcasing greater academic and cultural representation. The Class of 2025 comprises of students with remarkable achievements, ranging from sportsmen and chess champions to authors and dancers. JAGSoM's commitment to diversity fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, preparing students to excel in their future professional pursuits.

JAGSoM firmly embraces the sacred bond of knowledge transmission between the mentor and the student, following the revered tradition of guru-shishya. The commencement ceremony started in the JAGSoM way through the ‘Diksha-Aarambh’ ceremony.

Welcoming the students, Sanjay Padode, Co-Founder of JAGSoM and President of Vijaybhoomi University, said, “It is due to the culmination of humanity’s collective efforts to simplify life, which has propelled us close to the point of singularity. When I mention singularity, I acknowledge that its meaning might not be universally understood. To put it briefly, singularity refers to the juncture at which machines and humans possess comparable capabilities, blurring the line between them. The development was initially intended to simplify life. However, it has resulted in heightened anxiety and uncertainty, which we are currently experiencing”. 

Padode urged the students to contemplate the evolving landscape of AI and employability. He highlighted, "This reality will inevitably raise questions of uncertainty and insecurity, pondering where you stand when a machine can replace you. Rest assured, this question has troubled individuals throughout generations and is not a novel phenomenon. What sets the present apart is the velocity at which change is occurring. Therefore, it is crucial for you to cultivate resilience within yourself – an ability to perseverance, absorb change and adopt”.

Therefore, students should position themselves on a platform that aligns with this notion, enabling them to launch their careers with this mindset. “You will soon be competing with machines which can have the ability to do that job better than you. Develop the capacity of your brain for computing data and don’t depend on gadgets to slow your pace down”, Padode concluded.

Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay, Director, JAGSoM, further added, “JAGSoM stands out from other business schools due to our diverse range of interventions such as the 'Personality Enhancement Program,' 'Innovation Incubation Program,' and 'Social Immersion Program.' These courses play a crucial role in fostering empathy and innovation that are essential for personal development. As you grow in your professional life, in the initial stages of your career, you will need technical skills to perform in your first job. As you grow to become a CXO, people skills will assume more significance. The foundation of the curriculum is such that in the first three terms you will be studying what is required in the long run. In the second year, which is term four onwards, you will be studying courses aligned to your careers. JAGSoM’s ‘Role-Defined Career Tracks’ are a unique intervention to make this happen”. JAGSoM offers 7 career tracks, namely MarTech, Sales & Services, Business Analytics, Banking, Capital Markets, Financial Analytics & Technologies, and Human Resources Management.

The Chief Guest, Vijaya Ghosh, Managing Director- CGS Data and AI Practice Lead, Strategy and Consulting Global Network, Accenture, imparted her wisdom to the audience, emphasizing three essential skills that students should focus on during their college years. She said, "To maximize your potential, it is crucial to master the art of making impactful presentations. Additionally, make the most of your industry interactions by using them wisely to learn, expand your knowledge, and ask insightful questions. Lastly, recognize the immense value of peer interactions. These interactions are like gold mines for your future self. They hold more significance than LinkedIn connections or online connections, serving as the most powerful tool that will support you throughout your career."

The students of the batch were also privileged to hear from one of JAGSoM’s distinguished alumnus Sukhendu Rautela (Batch 1997-99), who is currently serving as the Director- Global Account Manager, IDC. He shared his valuable insights, stating, "My association with JAGSoM has been instrumental in ensuring my relevance in the industry. The institution's practice-based courses and mentors with industry exposure have played a vital role in my professional growth." Rautela emphasized the importance of certain key factors for personal and professional development, stating, "Learning to listen attentively and being adaptable are crucial for success in life. Change is inevitable, and it is essential to embrace it. Additionally, working smarter, not harder, is the key to achieving one's goals effectively."