WHY I CHOSE IIM MUMBAI OVER IIM LUCKNOW & IIM KOZHIKODE | My MBA Decision Explained!

Why the speaker chose IIM Mumbai (vs IIM Lucknow / IIM Kozhikode)

1) Profile-to-industry alignment (most critical factor)

• Background: B.Tech in Civil Engineering
• Work experience: 2 years as a Highway Engineer (civil / infrastructure field)
• Target sector: Operations & Supply Chain
• Reasoning: The speaker believes IIM Mumbai is best aligned with supply chain/operations, described as “the mecca of supply chain,” and therefore offers the maximum opportunity given her profile.

Business lesson/playbook implied: Choose an MBA college based on the fit between your past experience + your target function/industry, not just the brand.

2) Placement parity (not a decisive differentiator)

• The speaker states placements across the three IIMs are “almost in the same similar range.”
• She cites having friends/alumni across Lucknow and Kozhikode, leading her to expect comparable placement outcomes.

Implication: If placements are broadly similar, prioritize strategy fit (industry alignment) over marginal differences in recruiting.

3) Location advantage + corporate engagement ecosystem

• The Mumbai advantage includes access to company headquarters and related activities.
• The speaker highlights that companies in Mumbai:
  • run masterclasses through the college,
  • may offer opportunities to visit their HQ if students meet criteria.

Concrete examples of HQ visits mentioned:

• ITC (recent cap/HQ visit)
• Godrej
• Colgate

Benefit claimed: HQ visits create “in-depth knowledge” of how operations are actually run, helping clarify career direction.

Business execution takeaway: Use the college’s external network to gain real operational exposure beyond classroom learning.

4) College maturity / ecosystem

• IIM Mumbai was referenced as established in 1963–64, implying a more established alumni and institutional base (i.e., not “new”).
• Personal credibility factor: her uncle is an alum, strengthening her confidence in the environment.
• Alumni example: she notes alumni outcomes at IIM Mumbai support her decision.

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Actionable recommendations the speaker gives (decision framework)

• Pick the job role first: identify the exact role you want post-MBA.
• Map your academics/work to that role: choose the campus where your background aligns best with desired roles/industries.
• Trust campus ecosystem for outcomes:
  • Campus life matters: “Choose the best college where you will get the best job opportunity,” and recognize campus experience is influenced by the people around you.
  • Focus on net recruiting + industry access rather than location prestige alone.

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Key metrics / KPIs mentioned

• None provided (no explicit numbers for placements, salary, or ROI).
• Only qualitative comparison: placement outcomes are “almost the same” across the three IIMs.
• Historical context: IIM Mumbai established in 1963–64.

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Presenters / sources

• Presenter: Preeti Yadav (MBA student currently at Mumbai)
• Sources cited indirectly: personal network/alumni from IIM Lucknow and IIM Kozhikode, company HQ examples (ITC, Godrej, Colgate), and her uncle (IIM Mumbai alum).