MICA - The School of Ideas PGDM Review By Preethi Bhatt

I had to go out on a limb, actually, and I am saying that if you have missed out on IIMs, Symbiosis, XLRI, or Jamnalal Bajaj, then don't search for any other options but choose 'MICA'. MICA is a Business School whether I take into reckoning all the above-mentioned Colleges. MICA plans its yearly schedule in such a way that students have enough me-time along with studies. There will always be little pain for students in B-Schools because passing is never ideal in a B-School. I came from Bengaluru to prove many people wrong who suggested to me many B-Schools in Bengaluru rather than going to Ahmedabad and studying in MICA. The College has come good to its potential as there was a time when MICA was right up there. Yet, many things have dipped with high intake and some lesser facilities than the other B-Schools. At MICA, one has to get their eye in before getting settled, as a few things disturbed me, but when I looked at its other side, I was like, let's continue and give my best.

There has always been a discussion about many B-Schools' ways of academics. This is because of the kind of power they have in terms of academics. All I can say is MICA has found its niche in academics as the pace at which the classes went was a little high. But if one pays attention during the classes, more than half the learning is already done. Classes were not the only things here because practical application of most topics was done in classes or through workshops.

Faculty of MICA has the power to push students to accept the challenge of doing extra. The faculty will always ask that you go a bit harder, as I have seen your potential, and you can. So, they kept motivating us in the best possible ways. Faculties always managed to pick the right way to teach students by creating that atmosphere. There were few professors with whom I felt the most comfortable with; I asked them all my queries because I didn't want to be someone who would take a backseat and see the proceedings. So, I will acknowledge the faculty for pushing us because I couldn't have known my potential if my faculties here hadn't discovered it.

Getting a wealthy job at MICA is much higher than that of many B-Schools. MICA doesn't sell its brand to the recruiters but also its products. By-products, I mean students whom they train and prepare to serve the industry in the best possible manner. MICA's rubber stamp on the resume will always look good, as even if you have a fall out in your job after getting placed, you will always have a chance to find an even better job outside the campus. So, MICA is one of the best Institutions I will ever think of when discussing placements.

There was a lot of disparity as first-year students are allotted a hostel which is below par a B-School hostel. Palash girls hostel where I spent my first year, didn't have attached washrooms and also no washing machine was provided. All the students put together a few bucks and got a washing machine because that is essential. The second-year student hostel was much better than that of the first year hostel. Single or double room as per your pocket, you can choose. The hostel had attached washrooms, which was the biggest issue, and then comes the food part. I am not a big fan of Gujarati food but at MICA, South Indian food was available almost daily. Idlis were always an option for breakfast, so my day always started well. Hostel was a bit up and down comparing both the years, but as they all well, that ended well. I had a great time at the hostel, staying with girls from various parts of India.

The Institute is a bit old and there are no large towers like many Colleges have these days. All the buildings at the campus were 2-storied buildings and were divided in a way that junior and senior interaction was done in all breaks. It took a bit of courage, as even though the entire campus had enough greenery, it's scorching hot in Ahmedabad in most months. The playground was good, but was occupied by the boys. For girls, the badminton court was an area where we denied entry to the boys. I hardly used the canteen, as the mess provided meals timely and didn't see a reason for having stuff from the canteen.

The management festival 'Micanvas' was the only fest on the campus as otherwise, the workshops and guest lectures were the only events that happened on the campus. We all used to have a lot of fun at campus in our capacity. The Institute didn't arrange many events that B-Schools in general do.