Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bordoloi, an educator with over a decade of experience, is currently an assistant professor in the department of Management at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus.
His journey into teaching began with a realisation during his MBA studies at Dibrugarh University, where he discovered his passion for academia and was encouraged by his mentors, particularly the head of the Management Studies department. While he initially studied to be an engineer, earning a BE in Instrumentation Engineering from Jorhat Engineering College, his professional aspirations shifted, leading him to begin teaching at Dibrugarh University at the age of 25.
Dr. Bordoloi, 43, has a rich professional background, having worked in both the corporate sector and banking (as a probationary officer) before returning to academia in 2011. In this interview with Eastern Mirror, he shares his insights into the evolving field of Management.
How would you define Management as a subject for young students?
Management as a subject is a core process of business that deals with the planning and organising of limited resources to achieve an organisational goal with utmost efficiency and effectiveness. In other words, Management is the process of effective planning, organising, staffing, and controlling with the purpose of reaching an organisational goal. We also manage a variety of tasks that necessitate our attention in our daily lives. So, management skills are important in all parts of our lives, whether they are personal or business.
Can you elaborate on the various undergraduate and postgraduate Management programmes available and what distinguishes them?
Several types of Management programs are available at the colleges and universities. These include Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes. At the college level (BBA), the main goal is to teach students the basic, theoretical, and foundational parts of business. MBA is the next level up, which is more advanced and covers more topics. The MBA programme's main goal is to get young people ready to face the challenges of business in the 21st century. In addition, students are trained to start their own businesses and compete successfully in today's competitive market.
What are the most sought-after competitive exams for Management graduates?
Management graduates are on par with other graduates in the country. As a result, Management graduates can take any competitive examination that is open to graduates. Management graduates take numerous exams, including UPSC, SSC, and IBPS, among others. Management Trainee in public sector undertakings and enterprises is one of the most sought-after jobs for recent MBA graduates. However, the scope for Management graduates is more in the private sector than in the public/government sector.
Can you share insights into the industries that actively recruit Management graduates and the key skills employers typically look for?
In the private sector, practically every company is looking for MBA graduates. However, the need for MBA graduates is higher in the service industry than in manufacturing. In Nagaland, banks, insurance companies, and telecommunications service providers actively seek MBA graduates. The FMCG industry also employs a significant number of MBAs in its sales and marketing teams.
The major skill that employers look for in Management
graduates is "smartness". Recruiters prefer "smart work"
that produces results above "hard work”. Recruiters look for MBA graduates
with a "presentable" attitude, strong "leadership"
abilities, and a willingness to take on challenges in all aspects of their
professional careers. Another common yet crucial criterion for recruiters is
employee mobility. Employers expect their staff to work in any place as
required by the company.
Can you recommend any books, resources, or experiences that would help students deepen their understanding of Management?
In addition to the standard textbooks and reference materials, I recommend reading two books by the author Mr. Shiv Khera, titled "You Can Win" and "You Can Sell". Read diverse real-life business case studies and listen to speeches by notable businessmen from India and throughout the world.
What unique challenges and opportunities do Management students in Nagaland face compared to students in metropolitan areas?
The metropolitan areas are full of various corporate houses, industries, and educational institutions. The scope for Management graduates is more in private sector corporate houses than in the government organisations. Therefore, for the Management students of Nagaland, the scope of getting lucrative employment in the private sector is limited. However, for the companies that are operating in Nagaland, they look for local people to work for them. Here lie the opportunities for the students of Nagaland. Furthermore, the market in Nagaland is relatively small and unexplored. As a result, there is an opportunity for Management students to engage in a variety of entrepreneurial activities in Nagaland's untapped market.
What emerging trends in Management should students be paying attention to?
Students of Management should focus on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, data analytics, and soft skill development. The twenty-first century is characterised by digital transformation. As a result, Management students must develop appropriate abilities in the domains mentioned above.
What advice would you give to students who are uncertain about pursuing a career in Management?
According to my experience in Nagaland over the last fifteen years, many believe that Management is only fit for commerce students and that anyone who completes a BBA or MBA programme can only pursue a career in business. However, the reality differs significantly from the above.
Management abilities are necessary in all areas of life, whether personal or professional. As a result, if someone completes a Management programme after obtaining any other degree or expertise, he or she will be a refined individual. I have personally witnessed a significant difference in the personalities of my students before and after completing the MBA programme. So, if you wish to become a sophisticated and organised intelligent person, Management programmes are ideal for you.
What unexpected skills have you found most valuable in your academic and professional journey?
I studied science at the high school level and engineering
at the college level. During those days, I never prioritised soft skill
development. However, these soft skills are incredibly valuable in working
life. I consider soft skills to be the most helpful in my academic and
professional journey, allowing me to maintain a pleasant personality. So, my
recommendation to young students is to work hard to improve their soft skills.
What misconceptions do students typically have about Management as a career path?
One of the most common misconceptions students have about Management education is their expectations after earning an MBA degree. Nobody becomes a top-level manager simply by earning an MBA. Students should be prepared to begin their careers by completing any junior or low-level work. As time passes, the students' experience will prepare them to take on more duties. Furthermore, an MBA or a BBA is not just about managing or running a business. It is much more than that.
How should one research colleges, and what are the top Management colleges in India that students from Nagaland should consider?
India has thousands of colleges offering Management programmes. Many substandard colleges admit students through various promotional initiatives. Many kids from Nagaland are enticed by these colleges. Getting an MBA degree from a government institution is always better than a substandard private institute.
The best way to enrol in an MBA Programme by appearing for the entrance test called the CAT (Common Admission Test) administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Generally, the institutes that participate in CAT are reputed institutions having good rankings.
There are various other MBA entrance examinations in India, such as XAT, CMAT, MAT, etc. However, extreme caution should be taken in selecting institutions that participate in MAT and CMAT. The govt. institutions such as central universities, state universities, NITs, etc., enrol students on the basis of all these examinations and also through CUET (PG). Some universities conduct their own entrance tests also. For selecting a suitable top Management institution, the students may refer to the NIRF rankings 2024 of Management institutes.
RAPID INSIGHTS
Digital tool or app you can't work without?
The Office 365 products and various Google products. In addition, statistical software packages such as SPSS, AMOS, and AI-based writing tools.
Best advice you've ever received?
Try to discover yourself and make your presence felt by your peers and supervisors.
What would the quirky title of a book about your life be?
Bordoloi – The Seller of Information.