The traditionally strong recruiter perception of IIM Calcutta was reflected in the success of Placements 2004. The graduating batch size of 242 students, the largest across all premier business schools, proved to be a blessing this year, as it attracted the crème de la crème among firms in India and abroad as well as the most coveted jobs on offer.

125 companies confirmed participation in Placements 2004. 83 companies made a total of 332 offers at IIM Calcutta this year, with the other firms unable to recruit as the entire batch had already been placed.

Most coveted firms make highest offers

The most sought after companies in sectors like Consulting, Financial Services and IT made quite a number of offers at IIM Calcutta. IIM Calcutta proved to be the hunting ground for top notch consulting companies with firms like McKinsey and Company, The Boston Consulting Group and AT Kearney looking to recruit in large numbers. McKinsey and Company made 7 offers while PwC made 19. In the field of Financial Services, Citibank and ICICI made 17 offers each, while in IT, Cognizant Technology Solutions also made 17 offers.

There were 162 offers made in Slot 0 and Slot 1, with 124 acceptances. The number of companies recruiting for positions overseas increased from 7 last year to 11 this year, leading to a substantial rise in the number of foreign offers made on campus.

Increased options for students

16 companies recruited from IIM Calcutta for the first time during this placement season. One of the noteworthy aspects of Placements 2004 was the increase in number of sectors for which students were recruited. Companies in sectors such as Insurance, BPO, Shipping and Holiday Services made their presence felt on campus this year.

An important aspect of placements this year was the phenomenal success of the Lateral Placement Programme meant for students with significant work experience. Despite a much smaller pool of candidates with work experience as compared to the previous year, there was an increase in both the number of recruiters (23) and the number of offers made (58). This year, companies participating in the Laterals Programme also recruited for positions abroad.

IIM Calcutta encourages and nurtures independent thinking and the ability to explore unconventional avenues. As in the past, this year as well, there were students who chose the entrepreneurial path over the relatively easier corporate route to success. One of these students, the founder of the Adventure Club at IIM Calcutta, which is the first of its kind in any Management School in India, has decided to follow his dream of scaling greater heights by starting his own organisation.

Next