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

MBA
265
@gk_sameera said:
I am Sameera, Chemical engineering from the top NIT.
Presently working as a Manager Project Operations with the top steel company in India for the past 13 months. My job is basically related to the Project Monitoring and analyzing the progress of the project.
My 10th-78% (CBSE)
My 12th-95.2% (State)
My bachelors-7.52/10
quite a few extra curriculars in my bag which I can brag about and hobbies too.
Sameera, does the role purely involve project plan (.mpp) focussed work or do you also get to learn about the complexities of the actual project?
now I have started preparing for GMAT and I am planning to give it in few months (haven't decided the date yet).
When are you planning to apply to bschools?
What I am interested in knowing is how good does my profile seem for getting through the top notch B-schools? What score is required for it?
Depending on what answer you provide to the first question (about your role, the skills you've developed, the level of (managerial?) influence you have in directing the project...the answer could range from - 'you are getting there' to 'why the rush?'

I am more interested in going for a 1-year program as the time constraint for me is too short to complete my studies. That's why I was more interested in looking forward to join ISB, Hyderabad by hook or crook as I am not very aware of the other schools with 1 yr program (probably not a lot of homework done before).
1 year programs work best for those with several years work-ex. ISB does accept applications from those who have a minimum of 2 yrs work-ex, but the average is much higher. So if you really want to take your time and absorb all that an MBA has to offer, either gain more (3-4 yrs) experience or target 2 year programs next year.
Now I feel I am more confused as to how and what I will do after that and what prospects are ahead of me and how to stay focused to a goal and aim which everyone talks of but cannot keep them up. I'm even afraid that even after doing MBA will I be offered a job as worth as I am in, both in terms of the brand value and even the compensation.
This should've been the first point to address. Where do you want to go after the MBA. Just starting a program and hoping you'll get the answers along the way, is a bad strategy.

Two ways to get that clarity. Start thinking about what really excites you (enjoying to solve DS problems in GMAT does provide any indication about the career transition you want to take). Within your current industry, talk to colleagues working in other roles. See if you'd like to do that after your MBA. Analyse what it is about that role that excites you or doesn't.

Do that with other industries as well. It's going to be a slow process, but that's the only way to find out what YOU would like to do. Others might suggest numerous things, but that won't help.

This is another reason why having more experience and better exposure to more aspects of business can help.

- Sameer Kamat
Author | Beyond The MBA Hype

Want to go beyond quick-fix solutions? --> http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/72398-ask-sameer-kamat-author-beyond.html#post2953017
266


Hi,I have a doubt....please clarify itI worked at Infosys earlier so i want to get a recommendation from my Team Lead at Infy. However, the problem is soon after i left, a doubt....please clarify itI worked at Infosys earlier so i want to get a recommendation from my Team Lead at Infy. However, the problem is soon after i left, my team lead too left Infy and is now in Cognizant. So, can i give him as a recommender. His official mail id is not @infosys.com so but cognizant.com, so my question is how will the Admission team ensure whether he really was my team lead?? really in a dilemma
267

By the way, you can give a gmail.com email id and the Adteam happily accept that. Do you think they have the time, resource or ability to verify all? Your cousin can be your referee and you can fill up the details for him!!!

It's crazy but people are doing that and schools are happily filling up their target!!

Some school does a sample check and I have never heard anyone was later rejected admission due to all these. Same goes for EC tall claims!

268
@joinashish said:

Dear Sameer Sir,

I am a 31 years old prospective Indian applicant and considering full time MBA. I secured 710 ( Q=50, V=35, AWA=4.5) in GMAT 2012. Presently working with a PSU, Bharat Petroleum Corporation limited, as an Assistant Manager and having 7+ years of experience. My main urge to do MBA is because of the following reasons:>>

Ashish sir, pleejh to take sympathy on this poor soul who has been answering questions on multiple forums, hoping apne desi bhai-bandhu will appreciate the effort.

You had posted on the MBA Crystal Ball forum for a free profile evaluation in Feb 2012 and I had provided a response. http://www.mbacrystalball.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t;=3#p15

So reposting it here after 7 months without giving the background that we have interacted earlier and duplicating the effort, just ends up putting more load on my frail shoulders.

If you are serious about the questions and the way forward, time to move beyond discussion forums, bro. Very little time left for Round 1 applications, where your kind of a profile has a better chance at getting in.

- Sameer Kamat
Author | Beyond The MBA Hype

Bachhe ki jaan loge? --> http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/72398-ask-sameer-kamat-author-beyond.html#post2953017
269
@abyroy said:

Hi Sameer,

I am looking forward to enrolling for an MBA program. But I am a little stuck up with possible positions at work post MBA. Let me explain:

I have been working in the IT industry for over 9 years. Have exposure to services, core product development and project management.

Post MBA goals : Want to progress my career to IT Consulting domain.
Services and product experience! Nice. That itself puts you in a slightly hat-ke category compared to most who'd have an expertise in either one or the other...but not both.

IT consulting is a pretty broad field. There are many niche roles that you can get into if you can define the roles and responsibilities well.

Question : With over 9 years of experience, what sort of role will I manage to get in this domain? Candidates with only a few years of experience are also working in the IT Consulting domain as BA etc. I am loathe to think that I will land up as a BA in this domain. Your esteemed opinion is sought on this issue ...

With 9 years of work-ex, you don't need to compete with those with 2-3 yrs of BA exposure. If you choose the wrong goal to fight for, you'll end up increasing competition for yourself.

What the guys with lesser experience won't be able to do is bring in the macro level perspectives to problem solving.

With that hint, let me put the ball in your court. Rather than give you easy answers, I'm trying to see if I can get you to come up with the answer.

Tell me 3 specific qualities that you think you possess that the guys with lesser experience can't match. Then we'll take the discussion further.

- Sameer Kamat

Author | Beyond the MBA Hype


270
@Bottomline21 said: Hi,I have a doubt....please clarify itI worked at Infosys earlier so i want to get a recommendation from my Team Lead at Infy. However, the problem is soon after i left, my team lead too left Infy and is now in Cognizant. So, can i give him as a recommender. His official mail id is not @infosys.com so but cognizant.com, so my question is how will the Admission team ensure whether he really was my team lead?? really in a dilemma
No problem. You can nominate him as your recommender. People move around companies all the time and Adcoms know it.

Also, Cognizant is number 2 in the game now. So it's a heavyweight brand that he's working for. Focus on the application story and make it strong.

- Sameer Kamat

Author | Beyond the MBA Hype


271
Hello Sameer sir...
I need serious advise plzz..
My profile:-
10th-81%
12th-52%
B.E-52%
Work Ex- 29 months as IT analyst in leading nationalized bank..
Got 96 %le in CAT 2011..but due to my profile i did not get good calls and even on getting i could not convert it...
As i have screwed my profile a lot..i just cannot take any risk now...
1) I wanted to ask that with this profile is there any chance to get into any top tier or even 2nd tier MBA program in CANADA/UK/US/AUS ??
2) Since i have good(not v good) CAT score shall i try for GMAT...and if manage to get good GMAT score also..is it possible to get into good MBA program with the same below average profile??
3) My work ex is also
4) I have been in touch with some consultants and got the following options by them..
a) University of Wollongong, Australia
b) Leicester uni, UK
c) Sussex Uni,UK
d) centenary college in canada( for PG prog as canada has 3 yrs work exp req.
No issues with above avg budget programs also..
Wanted to work abroad for few yrs and then return..
shall i go for them..??
I know its very late but i just want to give my career a last best shot and ready to do anything for it...
Please advise .....
Please advise where can i get all the right info and guidance ??
Thanks in advance....!!!!!!

272
@mbatanycost said:
Hello Sameer sir...
I need serious advise plzz..

I see that you've got a response on another thread. Also, my knowledge about the universities your've listed is negligible.

If your username (MBA at any cost!) reflects your real sentiments, then all I can say is that you are approaching the process incorrectly.

- Sameer Kamat
Author | Beyond the MBA Hype

Want to know more about the wrong approach? -->
273
@MartianOnEarth
No sir...
Please don't get me wrong
"mbatanycost" means that i can do any thing to give the best shot to my career... and i mean it to the core of my heart..cost does not mean money at all..it means "at any effort"..
What i feel is that i have not done justice to my career so now want to do the best possible..
Since i have very low grades and now i can not change that...
I want to ask that is there any chance for me to get into any top tier or even tier 2 B school abroad....Most of the people i consulted told that a guy with my profile can not get into any good B school abroad...irrespective of how much i score in GMAT..
Can a good GMAT score overshadow my low grades??
Can i get good B school without GMAT??
Shall i wait for 3 years of work exp to complete(as required by most B schools)??
My first choice was Canada as PSW is easy..but most of the B school will not accept my profile(as per my enquiry) ...please advise what should be my strategy to get into top B school now.??
And if you could advise any specific country i should target as per my profile...as i want to work in that country for 2 or 3 years and then come back
Sharing my profile once again..
My profile:-
10th-81%
12th-52%
B.E-52%
Work Ex- 29 months as IT analyst in leading nationalized bank..

Thanks for your valuable time and kind advise...............


274

hi all


i am in a fix to zero out on the MBA colleges. my academic profile:
Xth - 81.2% (CBSE)
XIIth - 76.2% (CBSE)
BE Comp sc - distinction from pune university

i have a work ex of 3.5 yrs in an IT firm providing billing solutions for big telecom service providers all over the world. i have a considerable international exposure with multiple visits to US and Israel. i have been mentoring many newcomers and my current profile is that of a Business Analyst.
kindly help me with the colleges.

P.S. i wanted to know about my chances at Anderson,HKUST, Johnson, NUS/NTU,emory and MBS
275

Hello SK,

Sadi life mein bohot vada confusion hai(Life mein boohot bada confusion hai)........My only AIM of doin MBA is to earn Mulaahs 😃 (and in future open my own venture as of now i dont have any idea how business takes place and niether have mulaahs to open on :P)

I am very good in creativity so can you suggest which one ll suit me

Please suggest shd i go ahead and do it?

P.s I have completed my engineering in Computer Science and have work experience of 14 months and but next year when i ll be applying for mba i wud have experience of 28 months.

Regards,

Raj

276

Hello Sir once again, im planing for 2014-15

277

Hi Sameer ,

Thanks helping all the prospective MBA Candidates .

I am an IT professional having around 5 years of experience and looking for a 1 Year MBA from India . I even had a call from SP JAIN PGPM based on my CAT Score this year even though My experience was 1 month short of the minimum experience of 5 years required for the program . But I didn't get through.

I have a good profile with decent grades ( 10th , 12th greater than 80% and B.Tech is 7.8 CGPA ) along with some extra-curricular activities.. Only disadvantage of my profile is zero international experience even though being an IT professional , you are expected to have at least some at this stage of my career


I am currently looking for a change and targeting to move to a company where I have greater probability of having international experience even if I may have to compromise on career prospects and compensation package.

I just wanted to ask you about your opinion whether I should concentrate on gaining some international experience or a good GMAT score along with other factors is sufficient for me to get a call from a b school and eventually get selected for it .

My target B-Schools are ( PGPX from IIMs , SP JAIN , ISB and XLRI GMP ) .

Thanks,
Satya

278
CNN IBN Live hosts Sameer Kamat

When: Friday 7th Dec

Time: 1 pm - 2 pm IST

Where: CNN IBN Live Chat room (http://ibnlive.in.com/chat/view/sameer-kamat/1346.html)

Topic: MBA Book - Beyond The MBA Hype

Synopsis:

Most Indian MBA applicants are completely at sea when it comes to approaching international education opportunities. This is primarily because the MBA selection process and the parameters considered by the top business schools abroad for admitting candidates into their fold are very different from what we are used to.

'Beyond the MBA Hype' talks about the typical issues, challenges and dilemmas that Indian applicants grapple with when it comes to international MBA programmes €“ from the typical candidate profile to the selection and admission process, to what to expect in the course itself as well as after completing MBA.

If you have queries about any of these aspects, please join in for the Live chat session. If you aren't able to make it for the live session, post your queries any time before the session begins and check back later.

I hope to interact with you soon.

279
@rolfraj said:
Hello SK,Sadi life mein bohot vada confusion hai(Life mein boohot bada confusion hai)........My only AIM of doin MBA is to earn Mulaahs (and in future open my own venture as of now i dont have any idea how business takes place and niether have mulaahs to open on )I am very good in creativity so can you suggest which one ll suit mePlease suggest shd i go ahead and do it?P.s I have completed my engineering in Computer Science and have work experience of 14 months and but next year when i ll be applying for mba i wud have experience of 28 months.Regards,Raj
Raj,

Confusion iss liye ho raha hai, kyonki kahani paise se shuru ho rahi hai.

Money is important. But it shouldn't be the driving factor for any career, if you are hoping to be in it for a long time.

Bschools will not be able to take your creativity and add a business plan around it.

A better option is to continue in the corporate world and think about issues around you that can be solved using your current skills. This is where your creativity can help.

Once you have a few ideas, then dig deeper into them to think about whether there's market potential in it. Take it from there.

- Sameer

280
@kimi.raj said:
I just wanted to ask you about your opinion whether I should concentrate on gaining some international experience or a good GMAT score along with other factors is sufficient for me to get a call from a b school and eventually get selected for it .My target B-Schools are ( PGPX from IIMs , SP JAIN , ISB and XLRI GMP ) .Thanks,Satya
For the schools you've listed, the quality of your work-ex is more important than how many months you spent abroad.

For instance, you might get a 1 year stint in the US to do something that someone 2-3 years junior to you might be able to do.

Is that really beneficial for somone with your background? I wouldn't think so. Try to grow within the current role and take on more responsibility, aim for a promotion etc.

If the international assignment happens along the way, take it up. But don't chase it blindly.

Hope that helps.

- Sameer Kamat
Founder | MBA Crystal Ball
Author | Beyond The MBA Hype
281

Hi Sameer,
I have around 640 in GMAT and am currently based in US (Have an H1-B) as a Business Analyst. Working with Accenture for the past 5 + years and 3 promotions and 4 Role Changes.
I may not be able to retake GMAT in the near future may be in a year because of my hectic work schedule.

I know many people might disagree but I wanted an MBA degree from UK and want to work in UK post MBA. But the main concern is funding, I will only be able to manage around 12-15 lacs of money from my pocket.
Most of the UK require around 52 lacs INR with food and expenses.

Please suggest me as to what are the other sources of money that I can arrange for. Also I would like to provide two more points to this:
1) I know it is difficult to get scholarship with such a less GMAT score
2) I am planning to start my MBA by 2014.

Any sort of help is really appreciated as I know you are one of the persons who can provide me logical inputs.

Thanks,
Abhishek

282

hello sir,

i am also very confused abt my future
i want to do MBA abroad
but i dont know
how that would be possible pls help
my profile is not good
10- 71
12-64
graduation - will complete in march aggregare may be aroung 65

pls helpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp

283
@MartianOnEarth Hi Sir, I have read your replies above. I have 5.7 years of experience in Energy Sector after doing my B.tech and being involved in Project Management for the past 3.6yrs. I want to pursue a course in a regular Project Management Course so as to improve my profile and get new opportunities. I have been trained in a specific course by my organisation to work in PM . I would appreciate your help.
284
@reviliant said:
Hi Sameer, I have around 640 in GMAT and am currently based in US (Have an H1-B) as a Business Analyst. Working with Accenture for the past 5 + years and 3 promotions and 4 Role Changes. :Please suggest me as to what are the other sources of money that I can arrange for. Also I would like to provide two more points to this:1) I know it is difficult to get scholarship with such a less GMAT score2) I am planning to start my MBA by 2014.Any sort of help is really appreciated as I know you are one of the persons who can provide me logical inputs.Thanks,Abhishek

Hi Abhishek,

It does get difficult to get scholarships with low GMAT scores. Unless you go to really low ranked schools, which would then defeat the purpose of getting an MBA.

Here's a post I wrote for pagalguy earlier on MBA financing --> http://www.pagalguy.com/news/mother-all-international-mba-faqs-finance-your-mba-a-27811

Sameer Kamat
Founder | MBA Crystal Ball