An Interview with Krishna Kanth A V (Alumnus at IIM Lucknow, IPMX Programme)

In an exclusive interaction with Careers360, Krishna Kanth A V (IPMX one-year programme) alumnus at IIM Lucknow. He shares his academic journey, learning experiences, international exchange programme, involvement as an alumni, and more. Read the full article to learn about his thoughts on studying at IIM Lucknow.

Indian Institute of Management Lucknow was established in the year 1984. IIM Lucknow offers programmes at the postgraduate level. Admissions to Indian Institute of Management Lucknow courses include MBA and PhD programmes. To get admission to the institute, candidates have to fulfil the prescribed eligibility criteria set by IIM Lucknow.

Careers 360: What made you choose the one-year IPMX programme at IIM Lucknow?

Krishna Kanth A V: IIM Lucknow is one of the top B schools in the country and the IPMX programme ran 11 batches already. I gathered that the alumni did well in their careers and the faculty is the same that taught the flagship PGP. Hence, the choice

Careers 360: How did the IPMX programme help with your career advancement?

Krishna Kanth A V: The programme enabled me to gather valuable industry skills in AI/ML, Marketing, Digital Transformations, Fintech etc. that I was able to leverage to make transitions into several of these domains across industries. Before the IPMX programme I only had exposure to operations and in a single company

Careers 360: Please elaborate on any specific learning experience from the IPMX course which you found most valuable in your professional life.

Krishna Kanth A V: Courses on Fintech, Business Analytics and Digital Transformation were super useful in leading teams in these domains post graduating.

Careers 360: How was your experience with the Alumni while you were a student at IIM Lucknow?

Krishna Kanth A V: All the alumni were warm and ready to guide and support. I in fact made a job switch because of an alumni working in the company

Careers 360: How enriching was the international exchange programme for you?

Krishna Kanth A V: All the courses in the programme were very well curated. Loved the subjects - Fintech, Negotiation. Also received exposure to Economic policies and European culture as we visited European Bank, European parliament across 4 countries. It helped me move around European countries post my MBA.

Careers 360: How did the IPMX programme prepare you for seeking the top positions in industry-leading roles?

Krishna Kanth A V: Pre-MBA I did operations in 1 industry. The programme helped me move across Banking, Fintech and take up roles to lead Transformations, Data Science and Sales & Account Management domains.

Careers 360: As an alumnus of IIM Lucknow, what makes the IPMX programme unique?

Krishna Kanth A V: Courses are well packed within the 1-year duration, the international immersion module is a stand-out feature because it takes us to >3 countries giving a lot of exposure. A batch of 100+ each year starting my batch (IPMX12) means we have a wider network to tap into in later years.

Careers 360: Are you actively involved with the alumni support being offered to the current students? Please share some insights. -

Krishna Kanth A V: I mentored 2 IPMX batches after graduating. For the current batch, I mentor the PComm member on placements

Careers 360: How often do you meet with your fellow alumni members? Is the network supportive?

Krishna Kanth A V: Mostly via WhatsApp. It's easy to msg or reach them

Careers 360: Please share some tips on how one can expand their professional network.

Krishna Kanth A V: Add contacts through meet-ups or offline introductions. Attend alumni meetings whenever they happen. Stay in touch with the alumni you most relate with (common industry/interests etc.)

Careers 360: How can one plan to climb the corporate ladder? What areas should be considered by the students?

Krishna Kanth A V: MBA only unskilled us in certain areas, career growth is entirely dependent on performance at work. Be super fungible to take up any area of work, reach out to mentors among alumni and refer to the course books where required. Look at every subject from practical application point of view. Continue to keep up with the network to identify better opportunities.

Careers 360: Any advice to those who wish to pursue the IPMX programme?

Krishna Kanth A V: The programme is best leveraged by students who are super driven. Usually in about 3-4yrs from passing out other college, you will reach the career objective you set out for yourself. During this time, continually keep evaluating choices and decisions with a view of getting you to your ideal career destination. Take guidance from alumni wherever needed. IPMX and IIM Lucknow is known for it's rigor, the hustle will prepare you well to do well in the corporate!

Disclaimer: The content is published as a marketing initiative between Careers360, and IIM Lucknow.