Interest in MDI Gurgaon’s EMBA growing, attracts learners from across professions

NEW DELHI: The Executive MBA (EMBA) programme at MDI Gurgaon has evolved with a focus on innovation and flexibility, offering unique electives and strong industry collaboration. Arvind Sahay, director MDI, during an interaction with Careers360, shared insights on the programme's growing demand, its strategic advantages, and how it has adapted to meet the needs of mid-career professionals looking to advance their careers.

How has the EMBA programme at MDI evolved in recent years?

The EMBA programme at MDI Gurgaon has undergone significant changes across multiple dimensions. In terms of intake, the programme now attracts participants with a range of work experience, typically between five to ten years, which is considered the sweet spot for mid-career professionals seeking management inputs. Participants have the flexibility to choose between full-time one-year to 15-month programmes, evening classes, or a two-year online PGDM, catering to diverse needs.

The curriculum has also evolved to include cutting-edge courses in areas such as artificial intelligence, data visualisation, behavioural science, sustainability, and the intersection of business and government regulations. This expansion reflects the growing demand for knowledge in emerging fields. Additionally, there is increased demand for the programme, indicating its value for professionals looking to fast-track their careers or acquire specialised skills. Overall, these updates have strengthened the programme’s relevance and appeal.

What is the demand for MDI’s two-year online Executive MBA programme?

The demand for MDI’s two-year online Executive MBA programme is steadily growing, with admissions happening every six months. Since its launch in January 2023, the programme has had four intakes — January 2023, July 2023, January 2024, and July 2024 — with the fifth intake currently in process.

Across these four intakes, the programme has enrolled a total of 160 participants, averaging 40 to 50 students, per batch. The first batch had a smaller size, but subsequent intakes have reached a steady-state capacity. The programme attracts professionals from leading, companies, including Deloitte, KPMG, and other firms in finance, manufacturing, and consulting.

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Does the online Executive MBA programme attract participants from across the country?

The online Executive MBA programme has a broad reach and attracts participants from across the country, not just nearby areas like Delhi NCR or Gurgaon. Its flexible format is especially appealing to working professionals who want to balance their studies with work commitments without needing to relocate or travel frequently.

However, MDI’s location near Gurgaon also allows professionals from the vicinity to attend its evening classes, catering to those who prefer a hybrid or in-person learning environment. This dual approach ensures accessibility for a diverse group of participants.

Which is better, the MBA or EMBA, and how are these programmes distinct in India?

Both the MBA and EMBA cater to different audiences and career stages, making them suited to distinct needs. In India, the two-year MBA programme primarily targets fresh graduates or those with minimal work experience, usually 1-2 years. The average age of participants tends to be around 24, with most applicants being recent bachelor's graduates.

For instance, in recent admissions, over half of MBA, applicants were freshers, and 90-95% had less than two years of experience. These programmes prepare students for early career management roles in fields like consulting, financial services product management, general management, HR roles, etc.

In contrast, the EMBA serves working professionals with substantial experience, typically aged 27 to 30 or older. These participants are often hired for lateral roles with significant responsibilities rather than entry-level positions. The EMBA programme focuses on enhancing managerial skills and career progression within organisations. While both programmes are valuable, the choice depends on an individual’s career stage and objectives. The distinction between these two formats is expected to persist in the near future.

How is the EMBA at your institute different from the rest?

The EMBA programmes at MDI Gurgaon stand out due to several distinctive features:

1. Top-Ranked evening programme: For the evening programme, MDI’s location advantage plays a key role. Being situated in the Gurgaon region, within a 5-10 kilometre radius of leading corporate hubs, MDI is arguably the top-ranked institution offering an EMBA in this area. This attracts working professionals seeking convenience and a reputed institute near their workplace.

2. Unique electives: MDI Gurgaon differentiates itself through its specialised electives. For instance:Geospatial electives: To the best of our knowledge, these are not commonly offered by other institutions.

Neuroscience and Consumer Behaviour: Starting next year, MDI plans to introduce this elective, which is likely to be available only at MDI or perhaps one other school.

3. Industry-Integrated curriculum: MDI mandates that at least 20% of the sessions in each course be conducted by practitioners. For example, in a 20-session course, 4 sessions involve industry experts, ensuring practical, real-world insights. This level of industry integration is either absent or less pronounced in many other institutes.

4. Faculty engagement: MDI’s faculty are deeply involved in hands-on work and have significant interaction with the industry, bringing real-world relevance to the coursework. This bridges the gap between academic concepts and their practical Applications.

These elements—location advantage, specialised electives, industry engagement, and faculty expertise—collectively make the MDI EMBA a standout choice for professionals aiming to advance their careers.

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You just spoke about behavioural science. This was something you introduced at IIM Ahmedabad. Can you elaborate on your work in this area?

Yes, my work focuses on applying behavioural psychology and neuroscience to address business challenges, particularly in marketing and behaviour change. Around 10 years ago, I introduced a course titled Neuroscience and Consumer Behaviour at IIM Ahmedabad. At the time, it was the first course of its kind globally.

We also established a dedicated lab at IIM Ahmedabad to support this work, made possible with external funding. After transitioning to MDI Gurgaon, I was able to recreate a similar lab here, continuing the research and academic initiatives.

Currently, I am teaching the Neuroscience and Consumer Behaviour course to regular MBA students at MDI Gurgaon. It’s an exciting area because it bridges the gap between academic theory and practical business applications. As the director, my teaching opportunities are limited, but I make it a point to conduct at least one course annually.

This not only keeps me connected with academic developments but also allows me to engage directly with students. I find this interaction deeply enriching, both as a professor and as an academic leader.

During the 2024 admissions cycle, some candidates had their offers withdrawn with a promise of seats the following year. Has this issue been resolved, and what steps have been taken to address it?

This issue has been resolved. Candidates have been offered deferred admission.