An Interview with Tejas Kinger (Alumnus at IIM Lucknow, IPMX Programme)

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow started functioning from the year 1984. IIM Lucknow programmes are offered at the postgraduate, and doctoral levels. To get admission to IIM Lucknow, candidates need to make sure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria set up by the institute. In an exclusive interaction with Careers360, Tejas Kinger (IPMX one year programme) an alumnus at IIM Lucknow tells about his 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.

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

Tejas Kinger: My reasons for choosing the one-year IPMX programme at IIM Lucknow were the following:

• The perfect programme for mid-career professionals looking to transition industries/roles in a short span of 10 months, making it the ideal duration for a career break.

• Course content, institute brand/pedigree, accreditations and ranking, and renowned faculty.

• Well-structured international immersion module and local travel module.

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

Tejas Kinger: Helped me understand the basics of business—finance, accounting, legal, and HR better than before. It opened doors to new opportunities. Gave me better frameworks and a theoretical understanding of marketing and product management—two aspects very critical to my career.

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

Tejas Kinger: Specific courses from Prof. Rajeev Kumra, Amita Mital, Anita Goyal, Deepak Chouhan in the areas of strategy, product management and marketing have

been particularly helpful in my professional life.

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

Tejas Kinger: Limited interaction with alumni, but whoever I spoke with has been extremely helpful and insightful.

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

Tejas Kinger: One of the most impactful parts of the IPMX programme. The most well-organized, well-structured international immersion programmes among all B-schools in India. I particularly enjoyed the exposure to new teaching methodologies, the business case simulators, the industry visits, and particularly the classes in the EU parliament building—an opportunity of a lifetime. Of course, the programme also gave us ample time to immerse ourselves in Europe culturally.

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

Tejas Kinger: As someone with a better understanding of business fundamentals and the IIM tag, I now find myself more confident approaching top industry positions.

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

Tejas Kinger: While all IIMs and their one-year MBAs are pretty much at par when it comes to ranking, pedigree, faculty and placement opportunities, the well-structured international module truly sets the IPMX course apart—especially when it comes packaged in an inclusive, fair fee structure.

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

Tejas Kinger: Yes, I am involved actively in alumni support being offered to the current batch—assisting with resume reviews, placement connects and general mentorship.

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

Tejas Kinger: More than the IIM Lucknow/IPMX alumni network, I find initiatives such as IIMCom being more active in their monthly meetups.

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

Tejas Kinger: LinkedIn, it is the most low-effort, yet highest rewarding form of professional networking. Attend as many networking events as you can, particularly in Delhi NCR/Mumbai/Bangalore—these cities present ample opportunities. Be shameless, ask people to join you for a cup of coffee and use that time to exchange ideas.

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

Tejas Kinger: Industry trends—follow the money. Keep yourself upskilled and up to the times always.

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

Tejas Kinger: In a nutshell—do it. It is the opportunity of a lifetime. It may not have immediate payoffs, but in the medium to long term, you will see definite gains.

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