Garima B. an alumni of Don Bosco Institute of Management (DBIM) is today celebrating her first successful year of working at one of the largest multinational companies in India. But the smile on her face is a result of the appreciation and responsibilities that she has been entrusted with in a short span of time. "I never thought that I had the ability to outperform my colleagues and do so well this early in my career. But the time I spent at Don Bosco, has transformed an average student like me into an extraordinary industry professional," says Garima with a smile.
Garima was not always this confident and focused. When she had first joined the institute, she was a reserved, average student who did not expect much from her life. Same is the case with several other students who are not aware of their talents. All they require is an institution that can bring out the best in everyone and give them a fair chance to succeed at their chosen career. It is the guidance of the institute that keeps them on the right path and allows them to excel in their chosen disciplines.
"Many students that join our institute are unaware of their talents. From day one we engage them in several activities that help them to hone their talent and realize their hidden potential. We do this to make these students industry ready," says Fr. (Dr.) George Palamattathil, Director, DBIM. The results show the benefit of this unique approach as 32 of the 38 eligible students from the 2013 graduating batch have been placed in some of the best enterprises in the country. The highest package offered among the visiting companies was Rs.7 lakhs. HDFC Bank, HSBC Bank, Benzcom Consulting, CMR-BIRD, TATA AIG, Aviva Life, McLeod Russel, NIIT, ReFeel, NRHM, Prentic Hall India, and Godrej are some of the major names that visited the campus. "We ensure that the students that step into our institution are able to graduate with pride," says Fr. Palamattathil.
Pre placement preparations
In this age of competition, firms just do not simply go by the marks attained by the applicant. The hiring squad will expect their prospective employees to have an all-round personality – average students who can communicate well, take up challenges, lead a team, complete tasks in given time are preferred over a student with an exemplary classroom record and poor social skills. "As learners are provided with strong fundamentals and expertise in their chosen field, and motivated to involve actively in department associations, societies, clubs and other forums, that expose them to real-life situations help them in improving their inter-personal skills. These activities assist them to evolve as industry-ready managers," says Fr. Palamattathil. "The questions that I faced during my interview were fairly simple as I was already prepared for them. I had faced most of the situational references that they made through the various activities that I participated in during my course," admits Garima.
To guide students in deciding their future prospects more efficiently, DBIM facilitates its students with a career center. Students who want to go ahead and apply for campus recruitment are put through a Mock Placement program. This unique program is an opportunity for them to attend real campus recruitment program, the students are given feedback on their performance. This allows them to improve upon their presentation skills and body language making them confident for the actual interviews. Students are also given guidance on choosing an area of concentration for their respective careers.
Bringing a Fresh Perspective through Experience
"What makes the experience of studying at DBIM more special are its teachers. They support us in every step of the way right from our trivial activities to clubs and societies," says the management student. Special lectures are arranged on topics related to challenges faced by youth. Experts from organization such as HDFC Bank have periodically addressed the students between regular academic activities. Management development program is another such initiative where professors from other universities such as SIMB, Rajeev Gandhi University come to the campus and share their experiences. Hearing first hand experiences of industry experts helps them in drawing a better picture of the nitty-gritty of the enterprise.
The college has faculty members who are an ideal blend of youth and experience. They focus on concept teaching rather than content transfer. Candidates are scrutinized based on their subject knowledge, communication and attitude to life in general and towards students in particular. Applicants are tested in a personal interaction by the head of the department, principal and an external expert. Hiring at the lateral level allows the institute to accommodate uniquely qualified and accomplished teachers that can guide the student on every level.
The teachers play an active role in the student's completion of the program. "Teaching and learning at DBIM does not end with chalk and talk or use of other modern aids. The learners are encouraged to have free academic discussions, beyond the prescribed syllabus, with their faculty and peers as well. As learning is not forced upon them it keeps them fresh and active," adds Fr. Palamattathil. The institute understands that the students have to move out and implement the concepts being taught in the class, in order to be able to fully understand them. For this purpose, computer labs with related software, amphitheatres for role playing are housed within the campus along with a library – with over 4000 volumes and 2000 titles, for learners use, round the clock. With such exemplary academic facilities the institutes is also one that is recognized for yet another initiative.
Taking up the Social Cause
The institute encourages its students to take up social responsibilities and causes. The second year students of the program are taken on wellness trips to Shillong, where the students are made to interact with children in deaf and dumb centers, and orphanages. "This allows them to realize that they are very fortunate and allows them to utilize their god given talents," adds the Director. Trips such as these allow the students to be aware of their society; making them more socially active individuals.
DBIM was founded in 2009 and has already established a strong alumni network, "It is students like Garima who act as our ambassadors. They are well placed in top firms in India as well as abroad," he adds. Many of the alumni members also act as mentors for their juniors. Since its inception, Don Bosco Institute of Management has been producing success stories like Garima who are not only proud to have been a part of the college but are also active alumni members. With such an impressive placement record, notable infrastructure to support the host of activities and a group of the finest teachers, places DBIM on the wish list of many budding students.
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