That's a query, each of us has faced during the final year of graduation. There are lot of variables at play.
- How good are placements at college?
- How is industry economic situation?
- Are companies hiring for good roles?
- Does one have strong network for off campus job hunt?And lot more. Such variables push you to resort to CAT coaching as backup option in case you don't find a desirable job. But, often that becomes the main goal because
a) everyone does that
b) big paychecks after MBA
c) We are Branded after IIM
But look at the numbers! Desired Job profiles vs Total number of candidates. Competition cant be more demanding. And all this is on the assumption that we will achieve
i. Fabulous peer network in MBA
ii. Top grades required for best roles
iii. Domain expertise (Which domain btw?)
iv. Better business understanding (Which industry btw?)
v. How to handle pressure situations at work? (Which Company? What role?)
MBA does have lot of advantages when you make right selection. Right institute to suit your requirements, goals, visions, dream, but if selection went wrong at wrong time, it does immense damage by additional burden of loan and reduce your risk taking capabilities because we expect a standard of living, minimum salary bar and lot more pride roles after MBA. We need to understand what MBA actually does and who is right fit for the course.
I am sure, by now you are clear that in my opinion one should priorities to gain experience post graduation before MBA, however that still wouldn't apply to all and is not a generic advice.
Today, while lot of companies do restrict their hiring to Top Tier MBA Colleges, but that is not the end of opportunities. There are more entrepreneurs than ever before. There is more experience at table when you actually work after graduation, assess where you stand, at least have experience in 1 industry, 1 domain, 1 company and that teaches us a lot about ourselves. It helps us understand whether we need to do:
i. Masters rather than MBA
ii. MBA from India vs Abroad (Ivy Leagues do have a value over Indian MBAs in Global Workspace)
iii. Join a early stage startup or well funded startup or try a side hustle on your own
iv. Specialty course because job skills required today are more niche than generic management skills
v. Continue in the same company and your company may rather sponsor your higher education
vi. Try a new job before resorting to higher education
There is an opportunity cost attached to MBA over and above the fee and time. And one must consider that before joining the herd going for MBA. The experience gained, developed network, skills and likes/dislikes will push you to take an informed decision which will put you in better spot as a person and as an employable candidate.
Having said that, i would again reiterate lot of variables are at play and there is no right or wrong choice. Its an opinion from my own experience and I would request every reader to make an informed choice going through the questions above.
Wish everyone Good Luck in their journey. Every journey is unique so there is no template.
That was quite an answer. At the end of the day, the decision may vary from individual to individual, based on a lot of intrinsic factors. For more clarity on if you should pursue a Job or an MBA after graduation, reach out to Pallav Jain for mentorship session.
That's a query, each of us has faced during the final year of graduation. There are lot of variables at play.
- How good are placements at college?
- How is industry economic situation?
- Are companies hiring for good roles?
- Does one have strong network for off campus job hunt? And lot more. Such variables push you to resort to CAT coaching as backup option in case you don't find a desirable job. But, often that becomes the main goal because
a) everyone does that
b) big paychecks after MBA
c) We are Branded after IIM
But look at the numbers! Desired Job profiles vs Total number of candidates. Competition cant be more demanding. And all this is on the assumption that we will achieve
i. Fabulous peer network in MBA
ii. Top grades required for best roles
iii. Domain expertise (Which domain btw?)
iv. Better business understanding (Which industry btw?)
v. How to handle pressure situations at work? (Which Company? What role?)
MBA does have lot of advantages when you make right selection. Right institute to suit your requirements, goals, visions, dream, but if selection went wrong at wrong time, it does immense damage by additional burden of loan and reduce your risk taking capabilities because we expect a standard of living, minimum salary bar and lot more pride roles after MBA. We need to understand what MBA actually does and who is right fit for the course.
I am sure, by now you are clear that in my opinion one should priorities to gain experience post graduation before MBA, however that still wouldn't apply to all and is not a generic advice.
Today, while lot of companies do restrict their hiring to Top Tier MBA Colleges, but that is not the end of opportunities. There are more entrepreneurs than ever before. There is more experience at table when you actually work after graduation, assess where you stand, at least have experience in 1 industry, 1 domain, 1 company and that teaches us a lot about ourselves. It helps us understand whether we need to do:
i. Masters rather than MBA
ii. MBA from India vs Abroad (Ivy Leagues do have a value over Indian MBAs in Global Workspace)
iii. Join a early stage startup or well funded startup or try a side hustle on your own
iv. Specialty course because job skills required today are more niche than generic management skills
v. Continue in the same company and your company may rather sponsor your higher education
vi. Try a new job before resorting to higher education
There is an opportunity cost attached to MBA over and above the fee and time. And one must consider that before joining the herd going for MBA. The experience gained, developed network, skills and likes/dislikes will push you to take an informed decision which will put you in better spot as a person and as an employable candidate.
Having said that, i would again reiterate lot of variables are at play and there is no right or wrong choice. Its an opinion from my own experience and I would request every reader to make an informed choice going through the questions above.
Wish everyone Good Luck in their journey. Every journey is unique so there is no template.
That was quite an answer. At the end of the day, the decision may vary from individual to individual, based on a lot of intrinsic factors. For more clarity on if you should pursue a Job or an MBA after graduation, reach out to Pallav Jain for mentorship session.
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