MARCH 20209Given the fact that any real-life issue demands inter-organizational network functioning, these immersion experiences sensitize students to deal with inter-organizational issues and challenges. Premium B-schools have components like international immersion, rural immersion, working on live projects etc., to appreciate on-the-ground experiences and challenges faced in a real scenario which in turn again strengthen some of the relevant skills.Outside the ClassroomAll top management schools try to build an environment where students are prepared for working in an inter-organizational set up by design. Good B-Schools, including IIMs, uphold a culture of student festivals and other events where teams comprising of a large number of students work together. A rich community life outside the classroom allows a spectrum of experience to its students. Presence of multiple clubs and committees in management schools encourages students to develop a collaborative mindset which is among the top five soft skills in demand today (source: LinkedIn Global List 2020).Today, the recruitment scenario is changing faster than ever. As per the Wall Street Journal, top recruiters such as Amazon, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Bain & Co. etc., are now looking to recruit a new wave of management talent from a broader array of institutions. These global companies are seeking a greater diversity of backgrounds and talents at their organizations. They are seeking managers with skills and capabilities which are of different nature. Thus, the changing nature of work calls for trained B-school managers who have skills and capabilities to manage inter-organizational networks.A management professional should develop and apply a variety of skills and use tools which enable better decision-making. Picking up and sharpening these skills is a lifelong process and courses designed for building such skills get students started on this journey. As we have discussed in this article there are certain ways in which B-schools are developing relevant skills and capabilities but still there is substantial ground that needs to be covered so that we are preparing students to perform well in the future work environment. A number of B-Schools utilize immersion exercises as part of their curriculum. These exercises aid future managers to immerse themselves in reality and develop an understanding of knowledge in a wider context
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