On September 4, 2024, Simpled hosted a thought-provoking webinar titled "The Indian MBA Aspirant: Understanding Motivations, Challenges & Opportunities in Recruitment." The event featured expert insights from Astitva Chopra, AI for Science Program Manager at Google Australia; Prayag Raj Tripathi, International Promotion Manager - India at KEDGE Business School and Yasir Ansari, CEO and Founder of Simpled.
Together, the professionals delved into the motivations driving Indian students to pursue MBA programs, the unique challenges they encounter during the recruitment process, and the opportunities for institutions to more effectively engage with this highly sought-after group of aspirants.
Why MBA Program remains the most desirable in India?
Market Insights
Number of Indian students studying abroad (2024)
Business & Management secures number three spot in terms of popularity.
Why is it important to understand the motivating factors for students?
Tailored Recruitment Strategies:
By knowing what drives students, institutions can design personalized recruitment strategies that resonate with their aspirations and needs. This helps attract the right candidates and enhances engagement.
Increased Enrollment:
When institutions align their offerings with the motivations of potential students, they can more effectively highlight the benefits that matter most to them, leading to higher enrollment rates.
Enhanced Communication:
Understanding motivations allows for more meaningful and targeted communication. Messaging can be crafted to directly address students' goals and concerns, making it more compelling.
Better Match Between Students & Programs:
Knowing what students seek helps institutions guide them to programs that are the best fit, leading to more successful academic experiences and outcomes for both students and schools.
Key Motivations for Indian students to pursue an MBA abroad
Career Growth & Salary
Advanced resources, facilities & Infrastructures
Work opportunities
How institutions can use these motivations to create recruitment strategies?
To create the right communication plan
Leverage virtual tours, webinars, and online Q&A sessions to showcase career opportunities and engage prospective students.
Clearly communicate scholarship options, financial aid packages, and work-study programs to ensure students are aware of available financial support.
Implement effective communication tools such as SMS alerts, email campaigns, and WhatsApp groups to keep students informed about work placements and opportunities.
To create the right marketing collateral & plan
What are the challenges for recruiters down the road?
Competition among global MBA Programs
Attracting top talent
Differentiating program based on ranking, reputation, alumni network, and post-graduation
Cultural and Regional Differences in Educational Systems
Understanding the grading systems
Prestige of undergraduate institutions
Standardized Testing Variances for e.g. GMAT, GRE, or TOEFL
Adapting to Digital and Remote Recruitment
Virtual Outreach Limitations
Online Presence and Resources
Opportunities for universities to recruit in India
Leverage word of mouth and peer recommendations to build credibility and attract prospective students
Expand outreach efforts in urban centers to tap into a larger pool of potential applicants
Cater to diverse academic interests, particularly in high-demand fields like STEM, MBA programs, and emerging disciplines
Highlight work-study options to appeal to students seeking financial support and practical experience during their studies
Simpled's India MBA Graduate Tour Fall 2024
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more exciting insights and updates from the world of global education!
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