Inauguration of 2nd Batch (Winter Intake) of Executive MBA Program

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam inaugurated the second batch (Winter Intake) of its Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program in an online ceremony held on December 15, 2024. This initiative aligns with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) policy allowing Higher Education Institutions to admit students twice a year, aiming to provide greater accessibility for working professionals.

Prof. Happy Paul, the Program Chairperson, outlined the institute’s decision to introduce a winter intake for the EMBA program, emphasizing IIMV’s goal to cater to the growing demand for flexible and accessible learning opportunities for professionals.

Prof. Prashant Premkumar Nair, Admission Chair, IIMV, presented the profile of the 2024-26 EMBA batch (Winter Intake), which comprises 102 working professionals from diverse industries, the participants bring with them an average work experience of over eight years, with 23 percent of the cohort being women.

Prof. Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty, Dean of Academics, IIMV, highlighted the importance of bridging the skills gap in today’s fast-evolving job market. He emphasized how the EMBA program at IIMV aims to address the shift from physical capital to human capital and now to information capital.

Shri Anish Srikrishna, CEO of TimesPro, spoke about how the two-year EMBA program would equip participants with essential critical skills, foster cross-sectoral knowledge through peer interaction. He further highlighted that IIMV is a leading platform for mid-career skill enhancement, with the EMBA program offering 740 hours of comprehensive learning in topics ranging from data analysis to decision science.

Prof. M Chandrashekhar, Director of IIMV, welcomed the participants and emphasized that leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. He stated that at IIMV, leadership development goes beyond mastering foundational best practices. It is also about fostering innovation and establishing 'next practices' that drive meaningful change. He highlighted that with a strong community of over 3,500 students, the institute nurtures the knowledge and skills necessary to shape future leaders.

Shri Vishal Malik, Chief Operating Officer and Administrative Officer at Kearney PERLab, was the Chief Guest for the event. In his address, he congratulated the new batch for their decision to enroll in the EMBA program and stressed the importance of continuous upskilling for working professionals. He shared seven key ideas for building a fulfilling career, including commitment, adaptability, maintaining a marathon mindset, and balancing health and career aspirations.

In her concluding remarks, Prof. Kaveri Krishnan, Dean of Administration, emphasized IIMV’s values of excellence, collaboration, and growth, urging the participants to leverage the program to excel in their careers.

The EMBA program at IIM Visakhapatnam, in technical collaboration with TimesPro, is designed to empower mid-career professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern business environments and elevate their careers.