Purdue Krannert

History

In 1933, Purdue saw its first graduate receiving a bachelor’s degree in Economics. In 1953, Purdue’s Department of History, Economics and Government got changed to Department of Economics in the School of Science, Education and Humanities. The School of Management came into being in 1958. In 1962, Purdue’s first School- Krannert Graduate School of Industrial Administration was established due to the funding ($2.73 million) received from Herman C. and Ellnora Decker Krannert. In 1965, the School moved from Stanley Coulter Annex to the newly completed Krannert building. In 1976, the Purdue University Board of Trustees approved the change in the name of school to Krannert Graduate School of Management.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Krannert School will educate business leaders, increase the body of knowledge in the various areas of management and economics, and provide outreach activities to the various stakeholders of the School.

Core Strengths of the School

Krannert’s MBA program aims to tap the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) background of its students in order to transform them into successful business leaders of tomorrow, so that they are able to lead and grow the existing organizations or even establish a new venture. The School keenly focuses on building the leadership skills of its students. Launching Global Leaders LGL modules are a part of the core curriculum of the MBA program that aims at nurturing the leadership potential of the students and helps them master the business and management concepts. Students are trained on various areas of business analytics like exploratory data analysis, estimation, simulation, hypothesis testing, etc., which aid them to take the right decisions in uncertain situations. There are courses like Managerial Communication skills, which focus on the presentation and public speaking skills of the students. LGL modules introduce the students to the current business issues and integrate the core curriculum with hands-on experiential activities like role-playing or simulations. This helps students to develop analytical insights into the current business challenges and empowers them to take sound business decisions. Students take an assessment based on the fourteen leadership competencies that define global leaders. This self-assessment shows them their areas of weaknesses and they work on improving these in order to spearhead their career towards becoming a successful global leader. Management Leadership for Tomorrow MLT is another initiative by the School on similar lines, where it focuses on transforming high-potential minority talent into high-impact leaders.

Uniqueness in MBA Pedagogy

The School provides numerous experiential learning opportunities to the students in the form of consulting projects. The Experiential Learning Initiative ELI by the School enables students from diverse professional backgrounds to collaborate over consulting projects, which fosters mutual learning. Corporate Consulting ELI projects present students with cross-functional or inter-disciplinary problem. Students work in teams of 4-5, brainstorm and integrate their diverse knowledge and skills in order to solve the problem at hand. Students learn to strategize, apply their analytical skills, and collaborate with others in the team. Liaising with clients over the business problem gives them access to the important resources of the company and interacting with the top-executives of the firm enriches their business knowledge. The Tech Commercialization ELI Project is another opportunity for students who are keen to make an impact in the field of technology by developing innovative cutting-edge solutions. Students collaborate with Purdue Principal Investigator (PI) on a vast variety of activities on the project like- developing a business model, marketing/distribution, value proposition, etc.

The School’s partnership with Reutlingen University, Germany, is an opportunity for its students to study abroad and develop a global perspective on business issues. As a part of the Purdue University- Reutlingen University Exchange program, students study at Reutlingen’s esteemed European School of Business ESB and become well-versed with the culture, economy and business dynamics of another country.

Purdue has encouraged innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of its students by providing them myriad of opportunities like business plan competitions, networking with entrepreneurs or providing mentorship for startups. Discovery Park is a leading research complex within the campus that houses eight core centers including the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship. The Innovation and Commercialization Center ICC provides the necessary tools and resources for student entrepreneurs, who want to start their own venture or grow their businesses. ICC supports the budding entrepreneurs in developing their product prototype and its market testing. The Business Technology and Entrepreneurship Club is a group of students who share the same passion for technology and entrepreneurship.

Sustainability is the way of living life within the Purdue campus. Researchers, professional organizations and expert speakers join together for this cause, and find new and effective ways of living a more responsible life. The Purdue Sustainability Strategic Plan ingrains sustainability in the students, faculty and staff of the campus by encouraging them to change personal or institutional practices to become more sustainable.

CONCENTRATIONS OFFERED

LOCATION ADVANTAGES

The Krannert School of Management is located in the picturesque location of West Lafayette, Indiana between Chicago and Indianapolis. The Purdue Research Park is affiliated to the University, which is home for over 140 companies, out of which nearly 100 are technology companies. The park offers research facilities and has a business incubation complex that aids startup firms by providing them the necessary tools and resources. Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum or Prophetstown State Park are a must visit for history lovers. Lake Michigan, Canal and White River State Park and Indiana Dunes add to the natural beauty of the city.

CAREER SUPPORT

The Krannert Professional Development Center provides career-counseling, job search resources and on-campus networking opportunities for its students. Employers take active interest in the career fairs, workshops and information sessions organized by the Center. There are numerous events and workshops organized by the Center that help in polishing the interview skills of the students and assist them in building a winning resume. Students explore the nearby cities during the City Trek event and get exposure to the flourishing businesses of the visiting cities. The Rawls Hall houses the Master’s Career Fair every year, which is a platform for internship and full-time employment opportunity for the students. The career strategists guide the students in developing their career path strategy and train them on job search and leadership development techniques.