B-Schools welcome a radical departure from convention in student mix

The case for diversity at B-schools is strong. Admission teams believe that varied resumes are in keeping with changing industry demands, and will propel placement prospects despite economic fluctuations.

“Today, industry wants people who are well-rounded,” says VK Menon, senior director, admissions, career services and fi nancial aid, ISB Hyderabad. So, a company that is looking for leadership, teamwork and motivational skills, may fi nd those qualities in a sportsperson. “At the institute, we distil those skills and match it with skills that companies want,” adds Menon.

However, not many students project their unique skills at interviews or in statements of purpose, says Anupam Das, assistant professor and chairperson, student affairs at IIM Kozhikode. This year, IIM-K has a national-level swimmer in its class.

With a little prodding , many candidates admit that they want to pursue an MBA because of family pressures or sibling rivalry. With doctored resumes from coaching institutes, most have little clarity in goals, says Ashutosh K Sinha, admission chairperson at IIM Lucknow.

In such a scenario, a resume or SoP that highlights a diverse background, a certain kind of desperation to make it big, always wins. “These people are aware of the opportunities and want to believe in the great Indian dream,” says Sinha.