FAQs - Associates at IIM Ahmedabad
FAQs- Associates at IIM Ahmedabad
Prepared by*
Dr Kalpeshkumar L Gupta (Former Associate BP Area 2010-2015),
Bhushan Kankal (Former Research Associate PSG Area 2006-2017)
1. What is the different position of Associates all about?
IIMA has two core structures (1) Teaching (2) External Research. Both works require support from the faculty members. For this, IIMA hires young enthusiasts as “Associate” from relevant disciplines for this support work.
2. What is the difference between Academic Associate (AA) and Research Associates (RA)
The associates majorly supporting the teaching work of the faculty are called “Academic Associates.”
The associates majorly supporting the research work of the faculty are called “Academic Associates.”
3. What is the role of an Academic Associate?
To work with faculty members, the Area Chair may be assigned for their teaching (primary activity) and research activities (secondary activity).
Major Teaching Activities:-
•To assist faculty members in courses. The assistance would involve the following:
a.Attending classes
b.Correction/grading of answer sheets/quizzes/projects/ assignments and conducting remedial sessions, if required.
c.Design and delivery in any of the programmes, such as preparation/revision of course outline, reading list, class handouts, simulations, presentation slides, etc.
d.To conduct attendance marking and tabulation, class participation marking and tabulation, setting up necessary teaching aids as instructed, tracking progress in-class projects, assignments, etc.
•To mandatory participation in all briefings, discussions, and training organized by the instructor(s), academic officers, programme chairpersons, Dean, AADEC, Area Chair.
•To provide tutorial support, including remedial classes as instructed by the faculty member.
•Co-ordination with relevant and support Academic Offices.
•Compulsorily participate in invigilation duties and attend pre-examination briefing and post examination debriefing by faculty.
•To report instances of students’ behavior that violates the Institute’s code of conduct. They should familiarize themselves with the programme manual.
Research Activities:-
•To assist faculty in their research, case writing, teaching note/exercise development, and paper writing. To learn such tools, techniques, and software applications required for conducting high-quality research and apply the same as required by the faculty member(s).
•To coordinate with R & P Office, Case Unit, etc., for matters related to dissemination of research output, registration of cases/teaching notes /exercise, etc.
4. What is the role of a Research Associate (RA)?
Based on the available project with the faculty member, the RA could be hired purely for the project work. The responsibilities vary for different projects.
Major activities involve:-
•Data collection (Primary and Secondary)
•Analysis of data
•Support in writing the project report
•Co-ordination with the Project head office for various project related administrative work.
5. How can one apply for the various Associate position(s)?
Generally, the advertisement comes in January, but it is advisable to keep checking the IIMA website for immediate requirements
Recent Advt.
6. What is the process of selection of an AA/RA at IIMA?
Academic Associate:-
Based on the advertisement on the IIMA website, one can apply for the position. After shortlisting, the candidate is called for an interview. There are two stages in the selection process, one written test, and an interview. The written test consists of a case study analysis or any other format as per the requirement of the concerned area. The interview will be conducted on the same day and conducted by a panel of faculty members (2 from the same area and 1 from another area).
Research Associate:-
Based on the advertisement on the IIMA website, one can apply for the position. After shortlisting, the candidate is called for an interview. A panel of faculty members would conduct the interview.
7. What is the minimum qualification required for the post?
It varies from area to area.
Please see the details here (as reference)
8. Any age limit for the position
Preferred below 30 years (Maybe considered beyond also looking at requirement and candidate’s profile)
9. What is the salary structure of AA/RA?
Monthly consolidated salary of ₹ 31,000/- to ₹ 42,000/- (as on 2020-21) depending on qualification, experience, merit, and performance in the interview. The salary structure is revised regularly.
No other allowances except TA/DA for the official tour will be paid.
AA gets sponsorship for attending and presenting a paper at the National Level Conference/Seminar as per the prescribed limit. It to be provided once a year.
For RA, the structure depends on the project and given assignment.
10. Does IIMA provide housing facilities for the Associates?
No! There is no provision for housing by IIMA. You would be allowed to stay for a maximum of the first 1-week of joining the institute hostel/guest-house by paying nominal charges. During this period, you have to search for your accommodation in the city.
11. What are the facilities available for the Associates on campus?
The campus has a dispensary, bank, post office, mess, gym, sports center, FMCG store, and canteen facilities. The associate can any time access all these facilities on a respective payment basis.
12. Can I apply for more than one area/group/center?
Yes, one can apply for more than one area. There is no bar on that.
13. Can AA change the area/group/center at IIMA?
AA can apply for other areas while being an AA in a particular area whenever an advertisement comes. It is advisable to communicate to your area chair about this so that your application can be considered and processed smoothly.
14. How many courses does the AA works on?
Typically 7-8 courses a year.
15. Is the position of AA/RA Permanent or Temporary?
The position is purely temporary.
16. What are the working hours for AA at IIMA?
Monday to Friday are the working days at IIMA. Timings are from 8:45 am to 5:45 pm. But for AA, it is not applicable in a strict sense. AAs are sometimes required to work on weekends. Classes are held in the morning, afternoon and evening also. So, one has to be prepared for the same subject to allocation of course and the specified semester.
17. Is an AA required to take any classes?
An AA is not required to take any classes, but depending on area and need, he/she can be asked to take remedial or preparatory classes.
18. What is the total tenure of an AA/RA?
The maximum tenure for AA is five years. It is renewed every year or two years, depending on the performance and requirement of a particular area.
For RA, the tenure purely depends on the availability and the scope of the project.
19. Can AA join as an RA and vice-versa?
Yes, AA can join as an RA (and vice-versa) in various projects but not simultaneously. He/She will have to leave the position of AA before joining as an AA. Many joined as AAs and later on switched to the position of RA. RA works on different projects and assignments.
20. Can AA join as a Ph.D. Student at IIMA?
Yes, one can start preparing for IIMA’s Ph.D. entrance exam for getting admission into IIMA while working as an AA. Some joined as AA and then RA and later joined the Ph.D. course and completed the same.
21. What is the prospect of an AA?
After having experience as an AA, your skills like teaching, research, class co-ordination, publication are enhanced drastically. This will ultimately help in your future teaching and research avenues.
22. After joining as a RA, how long he/she can work?
As long as the availability and requirement in the project.
23. Can AA associate with Research Activities?
AA (and RA along with their project work) can assist faculty in their research, case writing, teaching note/exercise development, and paper writing. To learn such tools, techniques, and software applications required for conducting high-quality research and apply the same as required by the faculty member(s).
To coordinate with Research & Publication Office, Case Unit, etc., for matters related to dissemination of research output, registration of cases/teaching notes /exercise, etc.
24. What is the ideal duration an AA should work at IIMA?
An AA should typically work for 2-3 years and move for prospects. But these years must be well utilized. There are some AAs who spent full five years as an AA. However, there is word of caution, many places experience received as an AA is not considered, especially as teaching experience.
25. Any contact details of past AA/RA available, whom one can contact and take the guidance
Dr. Kalpeshkumar L Gupta, Academic Associate Business Policy (Strategy) Area (2010-2015), Mob. 99248 97691, E-mail:- advocatekgupta@gmail.com
Bhushan Kankal, Research Associate Public Systems Group Area (2006-2017), Mob 9428499739, E-mail:- bhushankankal@gmail.com
26. Is any information available for the life of IIMA Associates?
Yes!
Videos:
Life of Associates at IIMA
History of Associates at IIMA
Interview with Dr Shelly Rathee Interview with Dr Akash Gupta
Blog:
Why you should work as an Associate/Assistant if you want to build career in Academics.
- by Dr. Kalpeshkumar L Gupta (Former Associate in Business Policy Area at IIMA, 2010-15)
27. What is the chance of getting recommendations for a Ph.D.?
Definitely! The faculty members always encourage the Associates to pursue higher studies and extend the complete support possible from their end.
28. Who should opt for the Associate position?
All young enthusiasts with a passion for learning new things and aiming to get into Academics and consultancy research will benefit from the experience at IIMA.
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*The information given is based on personal experiences and discussion with fellow associates. Some points might vary for case-to-case basis.