MBA is reputed as a course that guarantees you a shiny job at a top MNC. If you prefer being on the cooler side, then the option of start-ups is also open for you. It is really a no-brainer that MBA is the best postgraduate professional degree in the world.
However, amidst the attraction of the course, there is a lot of chaos as well. With so many options available, it is difficult to be certain if an MBA would actually run its course and get you a job. As a result, confusing rages, and many end up not getting the best value for MBA.
We know that you are wondering how to find out in advance if an MBA will give you the best value.
Well, we have compiled the answers to all that in five key points below. Read on to find out.
1. Your first priority should be ROI – Return on Investment
Since you’re a B-school aspirant, you would be familiar with the term Return on Investment. If not, then it’s pretty simple – it’s the amount of money you invest in an MBA vis-a-vis the salary you receive after placement. Less cost and a high salary mean the best return on investment.
You can get an idea of the placement possibilities of the colleges by visiting their websites. Compare it with the cost of doing an MBA and you will get a good idea of the Return on Investment. If you can network with alumni, and find out how’s professional life has been for them since graduation.
2. Look out for real experience – Hands-on learning
During an MBA course, there should be more emphasis on the practicalities of working in business organizations. Good colleges would take up actual industry cases and examine them in classrooms to explain different concepts. This is the standard method of teaching among India’s top B-schools.
When you learn about industry cases, you realize the intensity at which work is done. Hands-on learning in MBA makes you ready to take the first step in the industry. Often, top colleges invite professionals from the industry to explain business cases. This creates opportunities for MBA students to network with them.
3. Industry exposure is the key to success
You need to make sure that the college you go to actively facilitates industry exposure. Industry exposure should be comprehensive and involves 3 elements mainly – internships, workshops, and talks by industry experts. Ideally, you shouldn’t miss out on any of them during an MBA.
Top colleges make it compulsory for students to spend a significant amount of time interning at different organizations. At the same time, to initiate the students into the process, they conduct workshops. Finally, once you are industry-ready, they give you final training on how the crack the HR round.
4. Core vs New – the choice is yours
Should you go for an MBA in Marketing or does it make more sense to go for MBA in Digital Marketing? Questions like this are hot topics among B-school aspirants today. But there isn’t a lot to wonder about here as it’s just a matter of choice.
When you do an MBA in Marketing, for instance, you become eligible for a wide variety of professional roles. But there has to be a lot of on-the-job learning because you can really make it big in the organization. The new specializations are niche, but you will fit like a puzzle piece in the industry after you graduate.
5. Global exposure – get it if you can
When you do a degree like MBA in Marketing along with global exposure, there are two possibilities. Depending on the institute, you either spend two to three semesters at a foreign university. You also get to intern in companies there through collaborations.
The second possibility is that you will be taken to a global business destination for a short-term exposure program. Both of these are highly useful if you’re planning to get a top job. In fact, if you have the dream to relocate to the US or Europe, then you should definitely do it.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, I would like to reiterate that your priority should be on value – above and beyond everything. When you look for value, you can make your career financially sustainable in the long run. There’s a lot you can get out of an MBA, all you need is a little bit of effort in the search.
