Ask Sameer Kamat | Author of 'Beyond The MBA Hype'

MBA
185

Hi Sameer,

I have read about this program MS in Management Studies at MIT Sloan. It's a 9 month program specially meant for people who have already done an MBA.

Could you please provide some insight on it with regards to prospects, opportunites etc.

Thanks

186
Rads27 Says
This is my first post in PagalGuy :)


Welcome to PG, Rads!

I have almost 6 yrs of exp in Telecom industry as a Java Developer. I want to change the stream.
And move into what?

Please let me know if writing GMAT and applying for ISB next year( by then I will hve 7 rs exp) is a good option or Can you suggest me some other options?
Sure, you could apply to ISB. You could also include other international programs if you are open to overseas options.

Get the whole story figured out first - why MBA, why now, what next.

- Tele-conned?
187
Midnightbloom Says
I've done my pgdm in marketing from IIM L. Got into an averagish job in Media.


Averagish...hmmm.

Watched my friends go into consult jobs. Now wondering if there is merit (meaning can I salvage my situ) and get a head start by doing a course in ivy league colleges abroad.
We get second MBA applicants who have the same question. And the response is - if you have a strong rationale ('salvaging the situation' isn't strong enough), then it could be worth exploring.

financing will be through personal wealth (inheritance from newly found loved ones)
Aah...someone has been reading my PG series on international MBA.

So big question is about pursuing an mba abroad. I should, should I?
As of now, we don't have a case for a second MBA. But if you come up with specific and practical reasons to do so, let's evaluate it again on this thread and take it forward. What say?

- Tired of an averagish life?
188

Hello,

GMAT :690 AWA :5 (Planning to give again)
work ex: started working in June 2012 mostly at the time of application for FALL2013 il have 2+ work ex. Currently working in BHEL
EC: Fair
Im from an engineering background (NITDgp) with a CD of 8.44.

I applied this yr aftr I got my CAT results (gave GMAT with a month and a half's prep) and applied to 6 unis... got admit form USC Moore(with part scholarship) and waitlisted at Boston College... rest all I almost applied in R3 (SMU Cox, GWU, Uni of Rochester and Uni of Iowa-rejects )
I planned to apply again this yr in the earlier rounds and some better ranked colleges also. Plannin to take my GMAT in July. Do you have any suggestions??? Do I have any chances in ISB???

Thank you in advance

189

Hi Sameer,

This is my first day, first post. 😃 I was going through all the previous pages and think you are doing an awesome job here. So, I'm going to take my tentative first steps in PagalGuy and shoot.

I've a B.Tech in Computer Science with a CGPA of 7.0(on 10) and 730 in my GMAT(V-41,92% & Q-49,88%). I spent about 4 years with a Big 4 in Technology Consulting. This was followed by a period of unemployment for about 6 months and then I now work with a small technology start-up in product development. I've spent about 2 years of my 5 years out of college in US.

I gave the GMAT in 2007 and never really applied after that. This was mostly because I realized that I didn't want to do an MBA just for the sake of doing it. So, I put the process on hold. Meantime, through some activities at work I figured I'd really love to do something in social enterprise (CSR, non-profits et al). After a foiled attempt to join Teach For India (had to move to US, coz of personal reasons), I decided to take the shorter route to a career transition-->MBA.

So, my question for you - MartianOnEarth aka Fisherman Cum Laude: If I were to try marketing this as a sales pitch, do you think the fish will bite?

BookAHolic

190

Hi Sameer,

Recently I was rehaunted by the thought that I still don't what should i do in lyf.

Often my friends queried me my goal since I had been getting very good results in my acads(topper of school, college n all shit).

The only thing dat i knw is dat i want to be satisfied in my lyf and live it peacefully(mayb with family and friends coz dats where i find my lyf interesting) and do some gud.

Money has and will never hold any important position in my lyf(though I have found dat watever i need to experiment with needs money).

I lyk to be adventurous and explore more on this beautiful earth through travelling but dere are people whom i care about and be with them.

I have completed my engg. and now in an IT company for the past 7 months, the job I have recently found boring..

I once heard Pranao Rao saying on NDTV that he too never knew wat to do in lyf and experimented a lot till he finaly arrived at news reporting. I den thought that i would try watever comes in my way..so moved with the flow of wind into science in 11th, engg. and now IT.

And of lately i have started hating to move with the flow of wind. I hated doing mba till a few years coz evry1 i encountered moves into a mba just to earn more and i had no such urge.

I was always interested in bro's books of commerce and thus came my interest in finance. But studying Economic Times sometimes bores me of its very huge in-depth technical details, though i am still charmed by its knowledge and continue being interested in it.

I practically got hell a lot interested in coding in java when i did my coaching and think of it as challenge to make programs..but i dnt want to do dat all my lyf..though i still can do it for some months nw..

I gave up the opportunity of learning guitar and flute recently coz the expected money was more than my expectations and instead called my parents from delhi to their maiden trip by flight. Learning musical instruments and different languages has always been my hobby.

I just enjoy the present, learn from past and hate to plan for future. I only care for my present month not far. This year i was thinking to experiment on mba exams mainly coz of my interest in business strategies(how they promote their business amongst unexplored areas n people) and managing funds there(thanks to ET).

I am fond of reading about how singapore is made a hub of electronics and wat planning had the government made to build such a vision or an idea of doing surveys and providing the results to companies(McKinsey) that proved to be hugely critical for companies now..or many more examples.

Some things dat i sure of is I want to work in India..(mayb, as i dream, do some good for improving corporate governance here lyk improving govt.'s role in IT sector in india..really pity when i see nvr-so-user-friendly govt websites and nvr-so-informative and lack of technology use by govt as compared to other nations)..Surely i dont know the path to do it and reach dere..but earning for myself doesnt appeal to me rather than earning for others.

so the final question wat should i do and how to go about it..

Also i do want to enjoy my lyf..dont forget that while replying..there must be tym for travelling and learning musical instruments..hehe..oo dat i will be able to do as i think i manage myself and my tym pretty well coz i always get tym to make fun evry day..:)

Hope to hear from u asap..and get in touch with you at email, etc. as i might not have devoured my heart out while writing dis..and still have sumthing left out.

Feeling relieved aftr typing all this..feeling lyk exploring pune for some hours nw wid frndz..:P

191

sry 4 d repost...

192
I have read about this program MS in Management Studies at MIT Sloan. It's a 9 month program specially meant for people who have already done an MBA.

Could you please provide some insight on it with regards to prospects, opportunites etc.

You'll have to tell me a little more about yourself - your background, work-ex, future plans - for me to share anything specific.

Or else I'd be forced to say what's obvious - about MIT being good brand and US being the land of dreams (many die-hard fans still believe in the second point!) etc.

- SK
193
GMAT :690 AWA :5 (Planning to give again)
work ex: started working in June 2012

2011 would mean you haven't started work yet. I'm assuming you meant June 2011. Correct, naa?

mostly at the time of application for FALL2013 il have 2+ work ex.
Not sure how that stacks up. For classes starting in 2013, Round 1 deadlines are around 4 months away. If the prev assumption of your career start is true, you'd have 1 yr 3 months for R1 deadlines and 1 yr 6 months for R2.

Hum thode se kanphoojiya gaye hain, Sruti-ji. Ethho clarify kijiye naa.

We bheel continue once ooee are both on the same page.

- Press any key to continue...
194

Hi... sry abt the confusion 😛 I started working in June 2010 (NOT 2012 !!) 😛 😛

195

Hi,
I am in need of advice on deciding on my MBA.

I have completed my engineering degree in IT and am working with Cognizant for the past 2 years. I have appeared for CAT 2011 under General category (without preparation) and have got 79%ile. I have got admission from BIM (Bharathidasan Institute of Management) under Tamilnadu-BC category.

Now I am in doubt whether to join BIM or take CAT again with better preparation. I have applied for OBC-NC certificate as well now. Please advise whether it is good to take the risk of waiting for an year and take CAT again and aim for better colleges, or join BIM.

I am also thinking to take GMAT this year, So I also need your advice on how good my chances will be in getting into good Bschools abroad, based on my profile( i.e. with 3years of Exp). Also please suggest some good B-schools in US, Europe and Asia where an Indian IT male has good chance of getting a call and placement.

I also need your suggestion whether it would be wise to join BIM now and simultaneously prepare for CAT 2012.

Please advise me in taking a good decision in my career.

196
Hello,

GMAT :690 AWA :5 (Planning to give again)
work ex: started working in June 2012 mostly at the time of application for FALL2013 il have 2+ work ex. Currently working in BHEL
EC: Fair
Im from an engineering background (NITDgp) with a CD of 8.44.

I applied this yr aftr I got my CAT results (gave GMAT with a month and a half's prep) and applied to 6 unis... got admit form USC Moore(with part scholarship) and waitlisted at Boston College... rest all I almost applied in R3 (SMU Cox, GWU, Uni of Rochester and Uni of Iowa-rejects )
I planned to apply again this yr in the earlier rounds and some better ranked colleges also. Plannin to take my GMAT in July. Do you have any suggestions??? Do I have any chances in ISB???

Thank you in advance


I wonder what makes you take GMAT again.Though it's totally your personal call,i would like to know the reasoning behind it since i believe 690 is not a bad score.
197
del@pg Says
I wonder what makes you take GMAT again.Though it's totally your personal call,i would like to know the reasoning behind it since i believe 690 is not a bad score.


I know its not a bad score... but after so many rejects I realy dont knw what more I could do... work on my essays and improve my score... thats why i needed sum suggestions
I was also hopin maybe if I could manage a better score I could hav a shot at ISB...
198
I know its not a bad score... but after so many rejects I realy dont knw what more I could do... work on my essays and improve my score... thats why i needed sum suggestions
I was also hopin maybe if I could manage a better score I could hav a shot at ISB...


I understand your dilemma but many aspirants do not give reqd. weightage to the other part of app running in mad race for better GMAT score.My $0.02, ask for feedback from where you did not get acceptance(reject is too strong a term) and if you then feel,a better GMAT score would increase your chances, go for it.

As far as ISB is concerned,the range of GMAT score for last year batch was 620-780.(Ref ask your query to ISB director Mr. V K Menon thread).I hope it clears the air for you.

@Sameer saab: i hope you do not mind me trying hand at consultancy...:biggrin:
199


@Sameer saab: i hope you do not mind trying my hand at consultancy...:biggrin:


Further, retaking the GMAT after a good score, just so that it may increase by atmost 20-30 points would make an app seem somewhat "suspicious"(for lack of a better word). At 690, retaking will make sense only if one is confident of a significant raise, say 740+. Else, one is better off revamping the essays. Remember that B-schools are looking for managers, who make the most of what they have, and not score-junkies.

I don't think Sameer sir would mind our posts, but I really miss his crafty one-liners at the end of every awesome advice. Read his book too; the last 2 pages were gems!


-Want a second shot at destiny? Ask crab365!

PS: I am NOT a consultant. Hope I didn't offend anyone.
200
Further, retaking the GMAT after a good score, just so that it may increase by atmost 20-30 points would make an app seem somewhat "suspicious"(for lack of a better word). At 690, retaking will make sense only if one is confident of a significant raise, say 740+. Else, one is better off revamping the essays. Remember that B-schools are looking for managers, who make the most of what they have, and not score-junkies.

I don't think Sameer sir would mind our posts, but I really miss his crafty one-liners at the end of every awesome advice. Read his book too; the last 2 pages were gems!


-Want a second shot at destiny? Ask crab365!

PS: I am NOT a consultant. Hope I didn't offend anyone.


Ha... ok :):) thanx for the advice... I am totally confused as to what to do and being the restless person that I am retaking GMAT seemed liked a good solution.
I did ask the schools about a feedback... most of them replied that they are very busy with the admissions... so I guess I have to be bit more patient and start writing again after July...
201
SrutiJ Says
Hi... sry abt the confusion 😛 I started working in June 2010 (NOT 2012 !!) 😛 :P

Thanks for clarifying. What's your work profile at BHEL? And what are your post-MBA plans?

- How to enjoy paani puri with BHEL?
202
jeshlive Says
Now I am in doubt whether to join BIM or take CAT again with better preparation.

Sorry, bro. Can't help you with your CAT decision.

please suggest some good B-schools in US, Europe and Asia where an Indian IT male has good chance of getting a call and placement.
Unfortunately that's not how it works. IT professionals with a well-rounder profile and a strong application strategy get into all kinds of schools across the globe.

Many others with similar profiles how haven't been luck keep scratching their...er, parts that itch...wondering what went wrong.

There's much more to the process than a GMAT score and number of years experience.

I'd suggest tackling the immediate decision at hand - to join or not. Don't complicate things by comparing apples to oranges.

- Fruits of labour being denied?
203
BookAHolic Says
This is my first day, first post. 😃 I was going through all the previous pages and think you are doing an awesome job here.


Welcome aboard, sire!

I gave the GMAT in 2007 and never really applied after that. This was mostly because I realized that I didn't want to do an MBA just for the sake of doing it.
Good decision. You must've had less than a year's work-ex then, right?

After a foiled attempt to join Teach For India (had to move to US, coz of personal reasons), I decided to take the shorter route to a career transition-->MBA.
Not exactly shorter, as we're talking about atleast 3.5 years from today (assuming you are looking at a 2-year MBA).

So, my question for you - MartianOnEarth aka Fisherman Cum Laude: If I were to try marketing this as a sales pitch, do you think the fish will bite?
Not sure about the fish, but I found it tough to bite for another reason.

Most NGOs would be thrilled to get someone who's worked in a reputed corporate setting to join them and infuse some good, efficient processes that can help them scale up. For example, a prestigious initiative like Teach for India doesn't ask for an MBA but has a selectivity that matches the top 10 MBA programs.

Unless you are aiming for the really elite social enterprises (which are damn competitive even with an MBA), justifying the MBA to NGO transition seems dicey. With an impressive degree, you might in fact scare away the modest ones.

- Feeling like a myopic fish in muddy pond?
204

Hi Sameer,
I am Suneeta with a B.tech(EEE) from JNTU, Hyderabad and also M.S from U.S in Electrical Engineering and have about 8 + yrs of work experience in the IT industry with a diversified portfolio across Insurance, manaufacturing and Banking domains.
I am looking towards doing an MBA for career break towards managerial positions(more inclined towards HR,Operations) within the same or other organisations. I am currently with Infosys.
I am planning to enrol for the one year EPGBM satellite program from IIm-Kolkata.

Do I need to opt for a one year MBA from ISB or any other B school (one year residential program) Is it really worthwhile leaving your job for a one year full time MBA?

or will the value add certificate from IIM give me a competitive edge in the market to move to a different career stream.

Kindly advice


Regards,
Suneeta

Beyond The MBA Hype





When IT professional Mitu (a fictional character in the book) describes his strategy to cut out the tedious research and take the 'short-cut' to gain a phoren MBA, his friend Sachin confronts him.
What about the quality of teaching there? Placements? What about?
Mitu retorts - You are just being jealous, dude. Suit yourself. Fix that bug in your code. Ive got bigger plans. Ill send you postcards from Sydneyor Amsterdamor I dont knowsome exotic place.

Pure piece of fiction in a non-fiction book? Think again!

My name is Sameer Kamat and I'm the author of 'Beyond the MBA Hype'. I completed my MBA from Cambridge, slogged my backside off in Mergers & Acquisitions (to pay off the edu loan & save for a rainy day) and then left the corporate world to become an MBA admissions consultant.

Over the years I realised that despite the high GMAT scores and the excellent academic & professional credentials of the Indian candidates, there's a huge disconnect between their expectations and the ground realities. Sadly, the mainstream media continues to fuel their unrealistic expectations. So I wrote this book to balance it out and provide the other side of the story.

After a truckload of rejections ('we like the book, but you don't have a saleable name'), a top-tier publishing house (HarperCollins) saw potential in it and agreed to publish it. I couldn't afford SRK, so I requested (a very enthusiastic and animated) AB Sr to do the book promo video. Soon after getting released, 'Beyond the MBA Hype' featured in the Times of India bestsellers list and is heading into a re-print soon. Do check it out.

On this thread, I look forward to sharing my thoughts and ideas with you. This is not a thread to evaluate profiles. But if you have queries about - the value of international MBA programs, whether it is really worth all the effort, your motivations for pursuing an MBA (money, name, fame...or just good ol' frustration release?) - I'd be happy to share my perspectives.

P.S. Thanks to the PG team for granting me the permission to start this thread.