A combination of skill and adaptability
When recruiters are searching for marketing professionals, they look for graduates who can understand consumer behaviour, navigate rapidly changing markets, and make decisions that balance creativity with data. In current times, marketing requires more than just technical expertise. The marketing graduates of SPJIMR’s PGDM are able to consistently meet these requirements and expectations. The PGDM curriculum emphasises both fundamental marketing principles as well as the ability to apply them in real-world, practical situations.
From the commencement of the programme, students engage in exercises that mirror industry challenges. They collaborate and work on brand positioning, campaign planning, and market research, often using real data and case studies. This early exposure ensures they are not only familiar with concepts but can apply them properly.
Image credit: SPJIMR
Immersive learning beyond the classroom
Students are encouraged to analyse urban and rural markets, study consumer patterns, and design campaigns for real companies. The curriculum at SPJIMR also boasts true integration with field projects, internships, and experiential learning. This hands-on approach allows them to confront practical challenges and make decisions in uncertain conditions.
Graduates leave the programme ready to contribute immediately, having already experienced what it takes to manage projects, interact with clients, and measure outcomes. Such immersion helps participants go beyond theoretical understanding. Recruiters consistently note that SPJIMR students require minimal orientation because they are accustomed to navigating complexity from day one.
A curriculum that balances fundamentals with innovation
The programme ensures students master the essentials of brand management, market research, pricing strategies and distribution, while also gaining proficiency in new fields such as marketing analytics, digital marketing and consumer behaviour insights.
A holistic understanding allows them to make strategic contributions rather than just execute tasks. Cross-functional modules give students a perspective on how marketing interacts with finance, operations and supply chain, and product development. Recruiters value this combination because it produces graduates who can think critically, solve problems, and collaborate across departments.
Ethical grounding and leadership development
SPJIMR emphasises the human side of marketing. Through initiatives like leadership labs and corporate citizenship projects, students learn ethical decision-making, empathy, and responsible leadership. These qualities are especially important in marketing, where brand trust and consumer perception are closely linked.
Graduates are trained to design campaigns that are effective, responsible, and aligned with organisational values. This blend of skill and ethics makes them stand out in the eyes of recruiters, who increasingly value integrity alongside competence.
Bridging creativity and technology
Modern marketing requires a mix of creative thinking and technical knowledge. SPJIMR ensures students are proficient in digital marketing, AI-driven analytics, and social media strategy. Faculty-led simulations and live projects help students translate insights into actionable campaigns.
Recruiters often highlight how SPJIMR graduates can quickly interpret data, develop insights, and implement strategies that balance creativity with measurable results. This adaptability allows them to contribute meaningfully in roles that demand both innovation and accountability.
Career readiness and long-term potential
The programme develops graduates who can perform immediately while also growing into leadership roles over time. Critical thinking, disciplined execution, and the ability to navigate organisational complexity are embedded in every stage of learning.
Recruiters consistently report that SPJIMR graduates not only deliver results but do so with strategic awareness. They are comfortable taking initiative, collaborating with diverse teams, and driving projects from conception to completion. This combination of readiness and potential makes them highly attractive in competitive recruitment markets.
Supportive ecosystem and mentorship
SPJIMR provides a strong support network through faculty guidance, industry interactions, and peer learning. This ecosystem helps students refine their ideas, gain perspective, and develop confidence. Recruiters notice that this environment produces graduates who are resilient, reflective, and able to contribute positively to team dynamics.
SPJIMR alumni shaping global leadership
SPJIMR’s legacy of excellence is reflected in its alumni network, leaders who continue to shape industries across the world. The institute’s emphasis on ethical leadership, innovation, and adaptability is visible in the careers of its graduates.
Notable alumni include:
Mahesh Madhavan (PGDM/MMS, 1988)
CEO of Bacardi Limited, leads one of the world’s largest privately held spirit companies, steering its global brand strategy and growth.
Image credit: Financial Express
Debjani Ghosh (PGDM/MMS, 1993)
Distinguished Fellow – NITI Aayog, Ex-President of NASSCOM, is a strong advocate for digital transformation and gender equity in leadership, representing India’s technology industry on the global stage.
Image credit: Economic Times
Deepak Iyer (PGDM/MMS, 1993)
EVP and President of Mondelez International, is known for his strategic foresight and innovative brand-building in the FMCG sector.
Image credit: FFoods Spectrum
Some additional well-known SPJIMR alumni are Sunil Bhatia, Board Member – Investor, Ex-CEO of Infogain; Madan Padaki, Founder & CEO, 1Bridge; Sujith Nair, CEO & Co-founder at FIDE, Steward & Co-creator of Beckn Protocol; and Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO (Auto & Farm Sector), Mahindra Group.
These accomplished alumni exemplify the versatility and impact of an SPJIMR marketing education. Their journeys demonstrate how the institute not only prepares students for immediate success but also nurtures leaders who influence industries worldwide. Read more about our alumni here.
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