Building Future Leaders with Shoolini MBA

Meet Munish Sahrawat, the visionary leader who revolutionized the banking industry with the launch of India's first prepaid card at Citibank. He is the President and Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Shoolini University. Munish brings over 25 years of diverse experience in finance, education, and startups. His illustrious career has spanned renowned institutions such as HSBC, ANZ, and Ashoka University, where he showcased his expertise across India, the Middle East, and Hong Kong.

Munish's professional journey transcends traditional boundaries, evident in his roles as Chief Operating Officer where he spearheaded business transformation, operations, human resources, and project management. He navigated complex bank acquisitions and led multi-million-dollar initiatives in digital transformation, offshoring, and automation.

With an MBA from IRMA and an Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi, Munish is a seasoned leader with a strong academic foundation. Furthering his skills, he participated in leadership development programs at Ivy Business School in Hong Kong and Duke University in Mexico.

Beyond his corporate and academic endeavors, Munish's adventurous spirit led him to undertake a 100-kilometer trek across the Sahara Desert, raising funds for Water Aid—an endeavor reflecting his commitment to noble causes.

At Shoolini University, Munish plays a pivotal role in guiding management students across various academic levels, from undergraduates to MBA students and research scholars. 

In a recent interview, Munish shared insights into the MBA program at Shoolini, highlighting his vision of nurturing future leaders. Here are some excerpts from the discussion.

1. How was your transition from leading global initiatives in the corporate sector to the academic world?

This has been a transformative journey. I started my career in academics at Ashoka University, where I focused on developing interdisciplinary courses, such as blending computer science with entrepreneurship.

My previous roles in three multinational banks allowed me to lead large-scale initiatives in the corporate sector. One of my significant accomplishments was overseeing a global learning transformation program that positively impacted 250,000 employees spanning 70 countries.

On joining Shoolini University, I was impressed by the dedication of the founders and faculty members. The university's commitment to promoting research and embracing cutting-edge academic trends is truly praiseworthy.

2. What is the crucial element of an MBA program?

An MBA program should be more than just a series of classroom lectures — a transformative journey where you can immerse yourself in real-world scenarios and engage in dynamic projects, internships, and collaborative ventures.

Further, a diverse mix of students from various backgrounds in an MBA class is like having a versatile toolbox. Each individual brings a unique perspective, enriching teamwork and fostering creative problem-solving. And who wouldn’t be thrilled to learn firsthand from seasoned industry professionals? It’s like gaining exclusive insights directly from the experts themselves. This is what truly defines a fulfilling MBA experience. 

3. What sets apart Shoolini's MBA program from that of other universities?

We aspire to establish Shoolini as a leading business school, the preferred destination for individuals looking to cultivate future leadership and industry expertise. Our fully residential MBA program stands out as one of the premier offerings nationwide.

A distinctive feature is our innovative MBA Launchpad Sprint, strategically positioned at the program's outset. With over 20 external speakers from diverse corporate backgrounds, the goal is to equip students for the corporate landscape right from the start.

Through our mentorship initiative, mentors guide students throughout their MBA journey and beyond, providing personalised and professional support for holistic development.

Shoolini boasts a 100% MBA placement record, with 'Mission 130' propelling us toward 100% employability, including 30% securing top-tier positions. The curriculum, crafted and overseen by industry leaders from esteemed companies such as McKinsey, PwC, and Citi, ensures our graduates are industry-ready upon graduation.

Additionally, Shoolini offers 20 MBA Scholarships to eligible candidates, accessible to those achieving a 90 percentile in NMAT, an 80 percentile in CAT, a GMAT score of 600, or ranking within the top 10 in the Shoolini Management Aptitude Reasoning Test (SMART).

Furthermore, we are enhancing our curriculum by gradually integrating real business projects, elevating our teaching approach to a new standard. To provide further support, we plan to introduce a dedicated full-time Business Communication and Career Coach for the MBA program, ensuring our students excel both academically and professionally in their communication and career paths.

4. What is the biggest challenge MBA students encounter today?

In the rapidly evolving business landscape, MBA students must master adaptability. Quick learning and a relentless curiosity are their superpowers, essential for not just preparing for the future but shaping it. Embracing change transcends a mere skill —it's a mindset. This agility distinguishes MBA graduates in today's dynamic world.

5. What are your thoughts on online education?

Learning is an exhilarating journey, and online classes offer the convenience of accessing education from any location. They provide the magic of learning from the comfort of home.

Blending the best of online and in-person teaching enriches the learning journey. Online courses bring top-notch educators and engaging material to digital platforms, while face-to-face interactions offer essential personal connections and teamwork opportunities. 

Thus, the goal is to create a harmonious blend of both methods, allowing students to enjoy a holistic and enriching educational experience that leverages the strengths of each approach.

6. How do you adjust your teaching techniques to cater to diverse learning preferences, particularly within the Management courses offered at Shoolini University?

Our teaching approach encompasses a variety of methods and resources tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles. These include engaging in-class discussions centred around business case studies to foster problem-solving skills, hands-on learning experiences through internships, and group presentations to encourage students to explore different team dynamics. Additionally, our mentorship program pairs students with senior executives from the business world, providing invaluable real-world insights.

Shoolini University offers a range of MBA specialisations, including Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Pharma and Healthcare, and Business Analytics. These programs allow students to specialise in their areas of interest, equipping them with practical skills essential for success in today's business landscape. Renowned as India's premier MBA institution, Shoolini University is committed to fostering an interactive and enriching learning environment for its students.

7.How do you integrate technology into your teaching methods?

From a practical standpoint, we utilize an in-house Learning Management System (LMS) for instructional purposes. Moreover, faculty members use audio-visual aids to enhance course content.

There is ample opportunity to integrate additional technology-driven initiatives, spanning from basic Excel applications to advanced analytical tools such as PowerBI. Ultimately, we aim to leverage AI to tailor student learning experiences based on their engagement and advancement.

8. How do you foster critical thinking and creativity in your students?

Critical thinking depends on developing logical and analytical skills, along with fostering the ability to ask important questions. Encouraging students to discuss business cases or assess managerial strategies is a great way to improve critical thinking. It's important to create a classroom atmosphere where discussions are valued more than just listening to lectures.

9. In what way does the Shoolini MBA program prepare students for the global business environment?

At Shoolini University, our MBA program prepares students for the global business arena with opportunities like a Semester Abroad, internships with multinational corporations, and a curriculum tailored to real-world global contexts. This guarantees a comprehensive skill set and cultural flexibility essential to thrive on the international stage.

10. What would you say to individuals aspiring to pursue an MBA?

Recognize and utilize the competitive nature of the business world. Apart from academic success, seek opportunities for practical experience. Engage in internships, projects, and networking events to link theoretical learning with real-world scenarios. The goal is to enhance skills, both on campus and off campus, developing a well-rounded skill set beyond academics. This proactive approach will appeal to your employers and prepare you for the challenges of the business world.