Good decision. You must've had less than a year's work-ex then, right?
Not exactly shorter, as we're talking about atleast 3.5 years from today (assuming you are looking at a 2-year MBA).
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.
Thank you Sameer! This question of needing a MBA to transition into non-profit is something that has been on my mind. Eventually I decided that I'd actually try out a few internship positions and see how that goes. Coupled with the complications of visa rules in US, I'm frankly less inclined to move from Technology Consulting to non-profit while here. But I can see the compelling rational behind what you said and will definitely spend considerable time at idealist and netimpact before deciding either ways.
Thanks again for the vision issues there. 😃 Feeling lesser like a "Myopic Fish in a Muddy Pond" now than I did before!
Recently I was rehaunted by the thought that I still don't what should i do in lyf. : Feeling relieved aftr typing all this..feeling lyk exploring pune for some hours nw wid frndz..:P
I'm glad you felt relieved after typing the post, Victor sir. Issue is I'm feeling a little giddy right now.
And converting 4-letter words into 3-letters (while the bigger words have been left untouched) has been the least of my worries for my rapidly aging brain that has been trained in the traditional art of correct spellings.
I'm not sure what you really wanted to know. If it's the high level question of what you should do with your life, the philosophical answer from Baba Sameeranand would be 'whatever makes you happy, bachha!'
Parantu, if you wanted more helpful inputs, you'd have to get a little more specific in framing the context, highlighting issues at a more granular level and then dropping the ball in my court.
@Srutij: del@pg and crab365 have made good points about not over-focussing on the GMAT unless you are confident of making a big jump over your earlier score(s).
@Sameer saab: i hope you do not mind me trying hand at consultancy...:biggrin:
Absolutely not, del@pg saab. In fact, I love it when someone jumps in and breaks the Q&A; monotony of the thread to share relevant inputs.
So thanks to you and crab-ji for pooling in your thoughts.
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!
Last two pages? You mean to say the rest of the book wasn't good?
Last two pages? You mean to say the rest of the book wasn't good?
Absolutely not what I meant! It was the only book I read from cover to cover during my college
The candid "inside MBA info" shared in the book was an eye-opener indeed, on what to expect and what not to expect from it, laced with humour. The laughter journey started from the first chapter itself (how to pronounce INSEAD, or the town it's in).
The narrative through the book was what made it unique. Could relate to the fair number of "Mitu's" I met in college and there is certainly no dearth of "AXE-pert consultants" around *sigh*
The appendices were, I think the USP. Some interesting alternatives to the "Main Bhi Aaya" route 😉 (How about that for Onamography 😉 )
I am Electronics Engineer working in core research in the Image processing field (will be completing 2 years in July). I have got some published articles in reputed conference proceedings and digital libraries. For my future goal I am looking to venture out in the wild as a entrepreneur developing vision based solutions for some common problems faced today. With that goal in mind , I am looking to gain knowledge in the business perspective with an MBA.
However in some recent interviews for Indian B schools , I received strong feedback that my profile was more technical based and I will be more suited for MS than a MBA. :nono:
Any suggestions how to demonstrate my potential as well as strong inclination for an MBA in my applications. Also can you suggest some good schools which are not too heavy on the pocket but can provide a good platform for entrepreneurship.
As decided,got my hands on it this weekend.I second you;it's surely an eye-opener.Sameer saab has dealt with the topic in a very sensitve manner.He has given a much required alternate view of the rosy picture that every AXE-pert seems to paint.There is nothing in the book you are not aware of but choose to ignore and he gives you in your face,of course,with facts and figures.Recommended for every fellow MBA-aspirant esp. those eyeing to go across the seven seas.
And yes, the appendices only,were worth my money,the rest of the book was bonus for me.
I am Agneya, 35 yrs old, working as a physicist(senior researcher) in the UK for the last 5 years. I also did my masters and PhD both from UK. I am planning a career shift from academia, by going for a full time MBA degree next year. Over the course of the last 2 years I have been realizing that as I am progressing in my academic career at this level I am doing less science and more and more management work (people, work, logistics), collaborating internationally as well as spending a significant amount of my time writing proposals to secure funding from industry as well as govt resources by selling my research. I now want to move on entirely by going for an MBA and then working on a managerial position in the energy sector. However I do feel a bit skeptical as regards my age and academic background being deterrents in the path I am planning to choose. I am thinking of trying for ISB Hyderabad, India after writing the GMAT. Being away from this sector for a long time leaves me a bit clueless. However I am trying to do some proper groundwork before I get started. Any suggestions would be very much welcome.
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.
Which US univ did you graduate from, Suneeta?
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?
If you go in with the right goals, a good full-time program is worth every single penny (or paisa, if you prefer desi options) you spend on it.
or will the value add certificate from IIM give me a competitive edge in the market to move to a different career stream.
I wouldn't place my bets on that happening.
A part-time, long-distance program has its limitations when it comes to ambitious goals such as a career change.
I can see the compelling rational behind what you said and will definitely spend considerable time at idealist and netimpact before deciding either ways.
Expensive brands ke peeche ainvayi ainvayi bhaagne se pehle, it's always worth exploring other sasta and tikaoo options...specially if they can yield the same results.
Good luck sirji. Do come back and share your final decision (along with the rationale that finally won the battle) here.
I am Agneya, 35 yrs old, working as a physicist(senior researcher) in the UK for the last 5 years. I also did my masters and PhD both from UK. I am planning a career shift from academia, by going for a full time MBA degree next year. Over the course of the last 2 years I have been realizing that as I am progressing in my academic career at this level I am doing less science and more and more management work (people, work, logistics), collaborating internationally as well as spending a significant amount of my time writing proposals to secure funding from industry as well as govt resources by selling my research. As everywhere, securing research funding is becoming more difficult and tenure track positions are also on the decline. I now want to move on entirely by going for an MBA and then working on a managerial position in the energy sector. However I do feel a bit skeptical as regards my age and academic background being deterrents in the path I am planning to choose. Please share your views in this regard. I am thinking of trying for ISB Hyderabad, India after writing the GMAT. Being away from this sector for a long time leaves me a bit clueless. However I am trying to do some proper groundwork before I get started. Your comments and any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Absolutely not what I meant! It was the only book I read from cover to cover during my college
Honoured, sire!
The candid "inside MBA info" shared in the book was an eye-opener indeed, on what to expect and what not to expect from it, laced with humour. The laughter journey started from the first chapter itself (how to pronounce INSEAD, or the town it's in).
This full book review needs to go on the Goodreads review page. Would be great if you could post it there.
The narrative through the book was what made it unique. Could relate to the fair number of "Mitu's" I met in college and there is certainly no dearth of "AXE-pert consultants" around *sigh*
If you have interesting Mitu-type stories, send across an email. I'd like to publish it on my site.
The appendices were, I think the USP. Some interesting alternatives to the "Main Bhi Aaya" route 😉 (How about that for Onamography 😉 )
Haillah! You know too much about me.
-Wanna see your fictional creations come to life? -Ask Rochak!
It's fun creating these little customised signatures, naa? Let's see if others take the cue from you and try their hand at creating their own in the next post.
Its great work that you are doing here, I really appreciate that :)
I am not planning to do MBA or something, so not exactly relevant here. I have worked in IT industry for 3 years now and after trying all the MBA exams, I realised that I really want to do something of entreprenurial kind or be in IT technical field.
Now I have secured admission for MS in a reputed US university (Virginia Tech). Still, I am quite confused whether I really want to invest time, money into that, being from middle class family, its a huge risk. Given choice, I would rather try to do something of my own, it would save my years of education, money that I can invest into some small business that I really want to work on.. But as we all know, having MS degree is always beautiful and startups don't always work, so it would be a backup for a nice life :)
So, here is my confusion, should I really invest into MS in virginia tech or should I absolutely dont care about degree and take a leap of faith into startup world?
Long post, but couldn't express my thoughts in more consize words...
First of all I have started reading your "Beyond MBA Hype" but Unfortunatelt I couldn't complete due to my commitments to work .
I assure you I will surely complete the Book. :clap:
My question is simple and straight forward " I want MBA in Advertising or Media Management " Which Universities would you suggest the Best of the lot and how should I start as I have little experience on Researching for the Universities
A help would surely would be appreciated and would feel thankful... 😃
Hi Sameer, need some help on my profile evaluation..
Current Age - 29 yrs old Nationality : Indian Educational Background:Qualified Chartered Accountant( ACA/CPA)- First attempt , ICWAI ( CIMA) - First attempt, CVA (NACVA) and CMA( IMA,USA). GPA of 3.5-3.7. 10th -76%, 12th 73% and B.com 78% GMAT dec 2008 -610 and sept 2011 - 600
Work Experience
I have 8 years of experience( plus 3 years Articleship with big 4 - PWC)) in Investment banking, Private Equity, Valuations and M&A; having worked with Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Shell. Have around 3 years of international experience and have worked in 28 countries in last 8 years across 4 continents
Worked as an M&A; and strategy lead reporting to the CFO of an Investment house (PE) in Muscat, Oman.Also worked on the IPO of the company and would be going publlic in next 1 year. Handled multi - billion dollar cross border M&A; deals.
Currently working with a Big 4 firm in India as Assistant Director- M&A; and Valuations. Leading a team of 75, will soon become 200 ( in next 6 months)
Achievements: -Was selected amongst 50 Employees out of 100,000 to undergo the prestigious GE Finance Leadership Program. - Undergone the leadership program of Shell Oil& Gas Company. - I am also a certified assesor by CII ( confederation of indian industries). - Wall Street training in Financial Modeling & Valuations.
Extra curricular: . -Part of 'Citizen Journalist' program of BBC during the General Elections in '09. -Founded and operated a small coffee shop/canteen (with around 10 employees) during the college days and subsequently sold it to a larger chain of canteen.Started with an Initial Investment of Rs 8000( USD 200) and sold it at Rs 1,60,000( USD 4000) and used my share of money to fund my further education.
Community service
-worked with an NGO in India during the Tsunami in India in 2004. Visited Nagapatanam and was there for a month and helped rebuild the houses and village. -Stated a group in our locality to help people understand the effective and efficient usage of water and helped in putting thru a rain water harvesting plant in the locality.
Post MBA goals - Investment banking /PE
Plan to apply to ISB IIMB IIM C and XLRI( order of preference) do you really think I should apply to ISB and will have a decent chance to get an interview? Will appreciate a very candid and honest reply.. Thanks for all the help !!!
However in some recent interviews for Indian B schools , I received strong feedback that my profile was more technical based and I will be more suited for MS than a MBA.
A research based role in a highly technical field is bound to be, well, technical. And unfortunately there are no quick fixes for that.
Any suggestions how to demonstrate my potential as well as strong inclination for an MBA in my applications.
If your company allows you the freedom to take on other responsibilities, that might be an option to pursue.
Also can you suggest some good schools which are not too heavy on the pocket but can provide a good platform for entrepreneurship.
If you are still looking for Indian bschools. If you are changing your focus on international schools, there'd be some good options. For starters, check out Babson.
Don't know why, but everytime anyone uses the term 'eye-opener', I start visualising someone using a bottle-opener on the eyes. Ouch!
Any ideas on how to replace that with more pleasant visuals?
Sameer saab has dealt with the topic in a very sensitive manner. He has given a much required alternate view of the rosy picture that every AXE-pert seems to paint.
Recommended for every fellow MBA-aspirant esp. those eyeing to go across the seven seas....the appendices only,were worth my money... Thanks sameer saab,for the wonderful insight.
Thank you del@pg sir, for the visually rich feedback.
