There is no denying the fact that the MBA is one of the most popular postgraduate degrees in the world. After all, which other degree is so versatile and generic with a specialisation option and guarantees as much career advancement? It is a solid bankable degree that is applicable and relevant in most industries.

1. Things To Consider Before Pursuing An MBA
There is no denying the fact that the MBA is one of the most popular postgraduate
degrees in the world. After all, which other degree is so versatile and generic with a
specialisation option and guarantees as much career advancement? It is a solid bankable
degree that is applicable and relevant in most industries.
Traditionally, this is a respectable qualification that comes with a certain amount of
status and prestige attached to it.
However, the popularity of and endless demand for the MBA has led to a mushrooming
of business schools all across the world. Today, there is no dearth of business schools
and management programmes offering attractive scholarships and placements. For a
potential MBA candidate, faced with an overwhelming number of options, the process of
choosing the right school and programme might seem daunting at first. The most
important factor to consider is aptitude. It is not uncommon for fresh graduates to
mindlessly jump into an MBA programme without considering if it is well suited for
them. They go with the blind belief that on completion of the degree their careers will be
instantly set. They are completely oblivious to the commitment, mind-set, hard work
and temperament that the programme demands. This can often lead to disappointment
and worse, prematurely dropping out of the programme. While MBA has a high
graduation rate, drop-outs are not unheard of.
The next factor to look at is when to pursue this programme. Ideally, most good business
schools require professional experience as a pre-requisite and if you look at the work
experience criteria for top 10 business schools in the world, you are likely to find a
minimum of 5 years. This is because MBA programmes are typically meant for those
looking to taking their career or payscale to the next level when stagnant or for those
looking for a career change. For fresh graduates with zero to one year of work
experience, it makes sense to consider a masters in management or similar
specialisation. Several MBA schools in India also offer post graduate diplomas in
management that are popular among those looking to get a head-start at the beginning
of their careers.
Most business schools require mandatory entrance exams, which demand prior
preparation and long hours of study. Typically schools in India consider standardised
exam scores like CAT and GMAT while some offer their entrance tests. It is advisable to
get a good tutor to help you prepare for these highly competitive tests. While choosing a
business school, one must look at factors like the school’s faculty, the curriculum,
specialisations offered, placements and rankings. At business schools, and especially in
MBA programmes, students are expected to learn from the industry experiences of their
professors and peers. Apart from the case studies and theoretical knowledge gained,
networking is one huge draw and popular reasons for opting for an MBA as it helps you
build helpful contacts and long-term relationships in the business world. Often the
mandatory internships that accompany management programmes lead to enriching
experiences that go a long way in an MBA graduate’s career. Business schools tend to
hold alumni meets that also help in networking and gaining exposure to the industry.