Soumitra Mookherjee
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Indian School of Business And Finance
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
After completing my MBA Program from Exeter University in 2001 – I worked with a leading research and consultancy firm for about 6 years – before I ventured out establishing a career in the field of education management. I have worked with several renowned universities/ institutes and management schools delivering lectures, conducting workshops, assisting in student recruitments and facilitating career progression of admitted students.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
In the research and consultancy firm – I enjoyed working on extensive research projects and carrying out consultancy assignments related to business strategy, marketing and supply chain revamping. I liked consultancy practices especially as it involves team work, travel and developing innovative solutions to complex business problems. The education sector is quite fascinating as it provided me an opportunity to share insights on application of business concepts in real life situations, training and grooming of students to take on the enormous challenges encountered by the corporate sector. Also, it provides me an opportunity to pay back to society in terms of sharing my thoughts, ideas, opinions related to skill development, harnessing of talent, and advancing students career progression.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The greatest exposure was the amalgamation of international cultures. The program was designed and delivered keeping in mind the need to work on individual assignments, group projects, numerical problems, business simulation games, etc. Also, working with students coming from different countries was an unique experience as well. WE also had exhaustive discussions with our faculty mentors, interacted continuously while pursuing assignments, sharing of knowledge, etc. Some faculties left a marvellous impression due to their outstanding quality of teaching, interaction during workshops, and providing feedback on assignments submitted. As an MBA student, we had exclusive privileges like a separate common room, dedicated computer lab, access to faculties for fruitful discussions, access to lecture notes/ handouts, etc, photocopying facilities, university library access.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
I particularly enjoyed group participation, group projects, application oriented collaborative learning, delivering group driven presentations, working in teams on specific assignments the most. Besides, the cafeteria, the campus life, wonderful colleagues, career support services was noteworthy and encouraging. Despite the hectic and intensive nature of the course, we did devote time to other extra curricular activities and socializing over the weekends.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Firstly, I was awarded the Asian Millennium Scholarship for doing the MBA Program. Secondly, I was impressed with the course curriculum, the faculty pool, the subject choices offered by EXETER University. Thirdly, students feedback was highly positive and being an AMBA accredited program – the course had a worldwide recognition.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
On the job training is the most noteworthy experience. Working with clients, colleagues, customers was highly enriching and helped me develop great insights on the skills required for achieving professional success. Different industries require different skill sets, analytical abilities, time management and group work dynamics. Several skills were acquired by me after I started working post my MBA degree. It is important to have significant industry connect and exposure while pursuing a degree in management.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
My sincere advise to students would be to adopt the following strategies: 1. Engage in continuous and high level networking 2. Deep dive into live projects, internship projects and group based assignments 3. Build strong communication, and analytical skills 4. Constant harnessing of soft skills and personality development 5. Engage in self learning, and be up to date with current affairs.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future is to remain associated with institutes of eminence and deliver lectures and empower young graduates to facilitate their career progression. In a few years from now I would like to be employed as a freelancer and hopefully also start my own start venture in the field of education if feasible.
