Key Reasons to Consider a Fellow Program in Management

Last updated on: 8^th October, 2025 | Admissions | Shalu Dua, AGM - Admissions << back to blog

Published on: 29^th August, 2025

Do you want to be the management leader whose research transforms others' ideas and practices? Then it's time to join the Fellow Program in Management (FPM)! Education in management is rapidly evolving beyond traditional MBA programs, providing unparalleled opportunities for academically inclined professionals. In fact, doctoral graduates are highly sought after at the world’s most elite institutions.

Suppose you have academic ambitions and want to shape business thought on the international stage. In that case, the FPM may be your route to research distinction, international academic roles, and intellectual influence in the management field. Modern business studies require scholars well-versed in both theoretical concepts and actual circumstances within the boardroom. Hence, the best business institutions and schools are looking for people who can balance theoretical rigour with practical insight.

Still in dilemma on why you must join the Fellow Program in Management? Continue reading to explore the best strategic reasons why pursuing an FPM places you at the top of academic merit and leads to enhanced careers!

What Is a Fellow Program in Management and Who Should Consider It?

The Fellow Program in Management, a four-year duration program, is the doctoral-level analogue of a PhD in Management. The program is for individuals who aspire to build their careers in academic research, teaching, or high-level strategic consulting. The rigorous curriculum prepares you for leadership roles in academic institutions and industry across diverse management disciplines. You can choose from their diverse specialisations spanning Marketing, Finance, and Accounting.

Eligibility Requirements:

A Master’s Degree in any area, a Two-year Post Graduate Diploma, or a Five-year Integrated Master’s Degree with 60% or above marks
Valid scores from JRF (NET), CAT, GMAT, GRE, or XAT
A compelling Statement of Purpose, and three letters of recommendation (at least one academic)
Candidates in the final year of their master’s program may also apply with a letter from their Principal/Director of the Institute or Head of Department

Who Should Consider FPM:

Individuals with a high degree of motivation and curiosity to explore complex research questions, along with high levels of discipline and commitment
MBA graduates and experienced working professionals seeking meaningful career transitions
Dedicated scholars who want to step into teaching, publishing, and consulting at the highest levels

Top 8 Reasons to Consider a Fellow Program in Management

Fellowship programs in management have become a strong link between academic learning and the practical challenges of leadership. Compared to traditional MBA programs, fellowships in management offer a distinct combination of mentorship, hands-on application, and peer learning that can drive career progress. Below are some strong advantages of pursuing an FPM:

1. Accelerated Path to an Academic Career

Leading institutions actively seek candidates with strong doctoral records for full-time faculty positions. FPM credentials will make you competitively placed in this challenging job market. The program offers extensive research training and teaching experience, which academic recruiters highly value. You will gain the scholarly background, publication record, and classroom skills that will set you apart from others.

2. Direct Mentorship From Global and Indian Faculty

The FPM program offers personalised one-on-one research guidance by distinguished faculty members who are prolific authors in leading academic journals. The mentorship goes beyond supervision, while prioritising methodology mentoring, building theory, and career development. The approach will sharpen your analytical skills and get you integrated with international research communities.

3. Globally Benchmarked Curriculum

The curriculum of the FPM is aligned with international best practices for business school doctoral studies as recognised by global top-tier business schools. You will be exposed to the latest theories, new business paradigms, and cross-disciplinary thinking that make you successful intellectually anywhere in the world. The curriculum is centred on issues such as digital transformation, sustainability, and global business dynamics.

4. Opportunities to Publish in Leading Journals

The FPM program provides training in educational publication, research design, and publication schemes. You will get opportunities with experienced faculty members to co-author, attend research conferences, and prepare your independent research agenda. The focus on publication will increase the profile of your scholar, and you will get a position as a thoughtful leader in your field of interest.

5. International Dual-Track PhD Options

Many top FPM programs have double-track options today, where you can get degrees from global universities simultaneously. For example, the Great Lakes, a double-track PhD program with the University of Texas at Arlington, USA, with top-notch facilities and access to a large academic circle. Such collaboration increases your international reputation, expands your connections, and provides access to diverse research settings.

6. Hands-on Teaching and Assistantship Roles

FPM offers unparalleled teaching opportunities through assistantships, guest appearances, and the opportunity to teach entire courses. Such hands-on training encourages self-sufficient classroom management on a global scale. You gain teaching and curriculum development skills to sustain participation from students, which, alongside your research, helps bolster these capabilities. These components allow you to position yourself as a successful full academic professional.

7. Access to a High-Value Research Community

FPM enables you to establish long-term professional contacts with colleagues who can be your potential collaborators, co-authors, and career sponsors. The program gives you access to research forums, academic meetings, and scholarly debates that sharpen your mind through constructive criticism and intellectual dialogue. This community provides opportunities for collaboration and career mentoring during your academic studies.

8. Career Flexibility Beyond Academia

The FPM program opens doors to career opportunities well beyond traditional academia. Strategic consulting firms, think tanks, policy research firms, and even educational administration will seek your skills. The corporate world needs strategic thinkers who can also advise government agencies and work for startups. This type of career flexibility offers diverse pathways for professional advancement regardless of the changing landscape of academic employment opportunities.

Read Related: How to Choose the Right MBA Program

What Should You Look for When Choosing an FPM Program?

Now that you know the benefits of pursuing the FPM program, how would you choose the platform for the course? When selecting an FPM program, you need to carefully weigh a number of variables to guarantee your success in school and the workplace. Here are some factors to keep in mind,

Well-Rounded Mentorship Structure: Look for programs that foster faculty-student interaction, offer possibilities of collaborative research, and enable international networking through faculty exchange and research collaboration.
Publication and teaching opportunities: Best FPM programs combine research publication assistance and teaching assistantships to make you industry-ready or ready for a career in research or academia.
Mentorship Structure with International Exposure: Your program ideally should give you access to a mix of Indian and international faculty mentors, exposing you to varying intellectual viewpoints. The Great Lakes offer possibilities of international collaborative research, faculty exchange, or conference visits, and broaden your horizons.

Conclusion: Is an FPM Your Next Big Academic Move?

If you are a driven person intent on defining tomorrow's business mindset, a Fellow Program in Management might be the ideal option. The program offers the right mentorship, international exposure, and a rigorous curriculum, equipping you with advanced management knowledge. However, to achieve academic excellence, you must select the proper FPM program that matches your aspirations and professional goals.

Ready to change your academic life? The Great Lakes Institute of Management is a global school that provides an FPM program in Marketing, Finance, and Accounting, which is accredited by AMBA and AACSB. With one-on-one mentorship from global faculty, exclusive Dual-Track PhD opportunities, and comprehensive funding support, Great Lakes provides everything you need to excel in academia.

Apply now and take the first step towards becoming tomorrow’s business thought leader!