Many professionals build strong careers through focused expertise and consistent performance. Engineers, marketers, finance professionals, consultants, and technologists grow by mastering their domains, with early success driven by technical competence and execution. However, as they reach mid-career stages, organisations begin to look beyond individual performance and assess whether managers can understand the business completely.
According to the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey by GMAC, employers increasingly value strategy, innovation, and decision-making skills in business school graduates. The study found that 53% of recruiters prioritise strategic and systems skills, while 60% emphasise strategy and innovation, highlighting the growing demand for professionals who can integrate multiple functional perspectives in today's workplace. This expectation has made structured general management education increasingly important.
Why holistic managerial capability is becoming indispensable
Modern organisations function as interconnected systems where decisions in one area affect the entire business. Supply chains influence costs and customer experience, marketing shapes revenue and production, and technology impacts processes and workforce efficiency. As a result, professionals are expected to balance financial, operational, market, and human considerations. Functional expertise alone is no longer enough.
The Executive Programme in General Management at IIM Calcutta, offered in association with TalentSprint, Part of Accenture, as its digital delivery and outreach partner, has been designed to address this need. One of India's longest-running online EPGM programmes, it is currently in its 30th batch, reflecting its strong legacy, sustained relevance, and trust among working professionals. The programme provides structured exposure to core business disciplines, including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and emerging areas such as analytics and AI.
Dr Somdeep Chatterjee, Program Director and Associate Professor at IIM Calcutta, notes, "One of the major issues that executives face today is adapting to the ever-changing business environment. One of the key skills executives need to hone is access to digital technology and how to integrate digital technology into management practice. IIM Calcutta has designed the Executive Programme in General Management for ambitious professionals."
A programme grounded in managerial realities
Rather than focusing on isolated subjects, this programme follows an integrated learning approach that reflects organisational complexity. Participants are introduced to management thinking, case analysis, and business communication before progressing through core areas such as strategy, finance, marketing, operations, human resources, digital business models, and analytics. This structure helps learners understand how individual functions interact in real decision-making contexts. Case discussions, group projects, and simulations encourage analytical depth and collaborative problem-solving, with emphasis placed on developing sound managerial judgement rather than memorising frameworks.
The IIM Calcutta advantage behind the programme
IIM Calcutta's academic standing provides a strong foundation for the Executive Programme in General Management and adds long-term credibility to its learning outcomes. The institute was ranked #1 in India for pedagogical experience in the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2025, reflecting the depth and effectiveness of its teaching and learning environment. It has also been ranked #1 in India in the BT-MDRA Best B-School Survey 2023, the Fortune India Best B-School Survey 2023, and Open Magazine's Best B-School Survey 2024, reinforcing its leadership position in management education.
In addition, IIM Calcutta is ranked #65 in the QS Global MBA Rankings, underlining its international standing. It is also the only Indian business school to be part of the CEMS global alliance, connecting it with leading business schools, multinational organisations, and NGOs worldwide.
Programme highlights that support career development
The design of this programme reflects the needs of professionals seeking depth without disengaging from their careers. Key features include -
- A structured 12-month learning journey designed to run alongside full-time work
- Live online classes led by IIM Calcutta faculty, focused on practical application
- 6 days of campus immersion at IIM Calcutta
- A capstone project and case-based pedagogy centred on real organisational challenges
- Regular interaction with industry leaders and practitioners to link theory with current business realities
- Earn an IIM Calcutta Executive Education alumni status providing long-term professional access to a network of 33,000 alumni
This structure enables participants to pursue serious academic engagement while continuing to perform in their professional roles.
How the programme outcome strengthens professional capability
By the end of the programme, participants develop the confidence and competence required to transition into broader general management roles. They gain an integrated understanding of business functions and strengthen their strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
As Shalini Supriya, Vice President at Citi Bank, notes, "The modules, the effort of the professors, and the breadth of subjects covered have met my expectations. The learning is rigorous, but it is well structured and highly relevant to professional growth."
The programme supports career transitions into general management, consulting, and entrepreneurial roles, while enhancing participants' ability to lead transformation and collaborate across functions.
Graduates are able to:
- Develop integrated business understanding
- Build managerial capability for complex challenges
- Strengthen strategic and analytical thinking
- Lead innovation and organisational change
- Collaborate across business functions
- Engage effectively with senior stakeholders
- Effectively lead businesses and create impact
For professionals preparing for wider organisational responsibility
The programme is suited for professionals who seek to expand their managerial scope and long-term career prospects. It is relevant for those seeking to transition into broader business responsibilities and long-term leadership pathways including:
- Professionals aiming to progress from specialized roles to general management positions
- Mid-level professionals seeking a deeper, more holistic understanding of business to improve decision-making skills
- Aspiring consultants and entrepreneurs interested in developing a multidisciplinary perspective to address complex business challenges
Organisations may also nominate high-potential professionals as part of their leadership development initiatives. This allows companies to build a strong pipeline of future managers who are equipped to handle complex responsibilities and contribute consistently to long-term organisational performance.
Eligibility
Includes graduation or post-graduation with at least 50 percent marks and a minimum of one year of professional experience.
Building long-term career relevance in a changing business structure
At some point in every serious career, progress depends less on technical strength and more on perspective, judgement, and credibility. The ability to see how decisions shape finance, operations, strategy, and people is what separates dependable professionals from trusted managers. Without structured learning, this transition is often left to chance.
The Executive Programme in General Management at IIM Calcutta offers a deliberate way forward. It combines academic depth with practical application to strengthen managerial capability alongside ongoing careers. For professionals investing in long-term relevance, it provides a demanding and credible pathway. Click here to know more.
Disclaimer: The above sponsored content is non-editorial and has been sourced from a third party. NDTV does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the above content, nor is responsible for it in any manner whatsoever.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
