Hi Baccardisprite,
First of all congats u r dng a gr8 job. Well done.
I am posting here hoping i too would get a genuine advice from u.
My profile:
10th std - 89%
12th std - 74%
B.E computer Sc. - 75%
GMAT - 690
Work Ex : 3 years in IT (mahindra satyam) as senior software developer.
I am basically interested in accelaratin my career in the software industry. Want to do MBA to get business knowledge and then club tech + business knwldge so as to climb up the ladder. Aimin for Business Analyst position. Have given Cat but no success. So i have planned to do MBA from abroad. Can you pls advice on which B schools to target lookin at my profile and interest? Also gud Universities in US which offer MS in MIS which accept gmat score.
rust in peace SaysI'm guessing you are from BITS? If yes, we are on the same boat 😛 I'm studying Economics + Electronics, GPA is just above 7 after 7th sem. Nice to know that somebody is on the same boat :)
Hey even I am from BITS, Pilani (Pilani Campus) ! in the 6th sem now, on campus. I'll be applying to the MSc in Management courses for Fall 2011.
which programs are you planning to apply to ?
Hey BaccardiSprite...
I just came across this thread.. hopefully you can offer some insight in my case (as you've done for countless others)...
Let me offer some background on myself.
I did my undergrad in Computer Science from a second tier US college.
During the undergrad, interned in Intel for 2 years. Got some development and testing experience.
Once graduated, joined the consulting team for a niche software consulting firm. Became an expert in implementing their products (which were for sales compensation).
Was in consulting role for 2 years. Focused on insurance companies as clients.
Got laid off, then joined a client in a full time resident expert role (in the same technology). I'm currently leading the system administration for the system that handles multi-million dollar payments every two weeks. Also have a team in India supporting me. Have been here for almost 1.5 yrs now.
Now the issue. I'm absolutely bored at this job. While consulting was borderline fun (due to the travel aspect), at this job I can literally count my brain cells rotting away. I see myself as a creative person. Love to write, take pics, travel (have blogs for all that).. A sys admin role where the system breaks once a week and then I'm needed for 10 mins.. that is extremely boring. Of course it pays well. But I can see myself doing better and more challenged in something with more people interaction... something like marketing or sales. Hell.. I'm even considering applying to Journalism schools for Masters. Am very confused.
Applied to ISB last year, but didn't get in. The collective wisdom of friends/family is that I should now apply to bunch of MBA schools to assure that I get in somewhere.. and then "life will be good".. I somehow don't agree. From your posts above, it seems that you're a big proponent of really understanding what we're looking for life, before jumping into an expensive degree program. I completely agree. Just don't know what direction to take...
To get into a sales/marketing role, seems like MBA would be one obvious possibility. To somehow convert my passions into my career, Journalism would be another obvious choice (but not very friendly to people around me). Just don't want into another ditch just coz I'm tired of my current role.
Would appreciate any comments.. Thanks!
Take some "you" time over a weekend, grab a piece of paper, ask yourself and answer the following questions:
- What were the best aspects of the career you've had so far? What made you wake up? Was it the sales / people interaction in your previous job? Did you have fun interacting with clients? Do you have a thick enough skin to have potential clients slam doors shut in your face and carry on?
- What are the key skills required in the field of Journalism? Out of those key skills, what do you possess? What are your gaps? Are they easily addressable with education? Have you done things before that reflect any passion for Journalism? Journalism is a highly experiential career, so most who enter grad schools of journalism / mass communication have some media, journalism, mass communication experience & skills that they want to complement to make a longer term career in this field. Is your passion & are your current skills transferable to journalism / mass comms without experience in the field? What would you need to do to address the gaps? If not, do you need to get into journalism to acquire certain skills for the 75% that future employers will hire you for (education being the 25%). Point is - mere passion may not be enough, it needs to be backed up by solid, tangible research that yields a career plan going forward.
- Assuming you get some answers around the first set of questions above, sales & marketing in what industry? Technology / Media / something convergent? So what companies could you possibly work for? Where do they recruit?
- What geography would you preferably access? If in the US, you have the cultural / people interaction experience. If you wanted to open up career possibilities in other geographies, what would they be? You'd probably need to proficiently speak a language other than English (example - Spanish if you want to potential work in Lat Am). Do you have the time / passion / diligence to learn another language in the next few months?
It's not about the right answers. Ask yourself the right questions.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Hi Baccardisprite,
First of all congats u r dng a gr8 job. Well done.
I am posting here hoping i too would get a genuine advice from u.
My profile:
10th std - 89%
12th std - 74%
B.E computer Sc. - 75%
GMAT - 690
Work Ex : 3 years in IT (mahindra satyam) as senior software developer.
I am basically interested in accelaratin my career in the software industry. Want to do MBA to get business knowledge and then club tech + business knwldge so as to climb up the ladder. Aimin for Business Analyst position. Have given Cat but no success. So i have planned to do MBA from abroad. Can you pls advice on which B schools to target lookin at my profile and interest? Also gud Universities in US which offer MS in MIS which accept gmat score.
Do you want to go abroad because you see a tangible path forward for your career through an education abroad? OR are you interested in going abroad simply because you haven't cleared the CAT? You need to get that straight for yourself & for your good.
Your career goal makes sense though. In your field, what I advocate is to attend a b-school in a university that has a strong school of engineering. These schools tend to offer strong & applicable electives in technology development / management / strategy alongside the core MBA education. MIT-Sloan, Stanford, Michigan-Ross, Carnegie Mellon-Tepper, Berkeley-Haas, Cornell-Johnson etc... Unless you have 7+ years under your belt, a more focussed education probably helps you better at this age.
From your user id, I guess you're female which probably helps from the diversity aspect. Even so - given your relatively young age (25-26?), I'd advocate preparing for and retaking the GMAT for a 720+ that gives you a chance against similar profiles in the schools you apply to. Further, you may be better off waiting a year and entering Fall 2011. Take the time to up-skill yourself in something that would be useful in front of a client in a Business Analyst / Associate role - like a foreign language. If you aim to work in the US after your MBA, Spanish might be quite useful.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Take some "you" time over a weekend, grab a piece of paper, ask yourself and answer the following questions:
- What were the best aspects of the career you've had so far? What made you wake up? Was it the sales / people interaction in your previous job? Did you have fun interacting with clients? Do you have a thick enough skin to have potential clients slam doors shut in your face and carry on?
- What are the key skills required in the field of Journalism? Out of those key skills, what do you possess? What are your gaps? Are they easily addressable with education? Have you done things before that reflect any passion for Journalism? Journalism is a highly experiential career, so most who enter grad schools of journalism / mass communication have some media, journalism, mass communication experience & skills that they want to complement to make a longer term career in this field. Is your passion & are your current skills transferable to journalism / mass comms without experience in the field? What would you need to do to address the gaps? If not, do you need to get into journalism to acquire certain skills for the 75% that future employers will hire you for (education being the 25%). Point is - mere passion may not be enough, it needs to be backed up by solid, tangible research that yields a career plan going forward.
- Assuming you get some answers around the first set of questions above, sales & marketing in what industry? Technology / Media / something convergent? So what companies could you possibly work for? Where do they recruit?
- What geography would you preferably access? If in the US, you have the cultural / people interaction experience. If you wanted to open up career possibilities in other geographies, what would they be? You'd probably need to proficiently speak a language other than English (example - Spanish if you want to potential work in Lat Am). Do you have the time / passion / diligence to learn another language in the next few months?
It's not about the right answers. Ask yourself the right questions.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Thanks for the reply.. You're right.. I need some serious thinking time. And have been trying to do that.
To be honest, the only marketing/sales experience I've had is some presales stuff in the consulting gig. I liked it better than sitting in the cube job.. but now I realize it.. that something I enjoyed the most was brain storming sessions with co-workers on analysis of requirements and coming up with the best design. That really got me going and had me working late into nights without realizing.
I haven't had much experience in journalism (except maybe a lil stint in college newspaper) The reason I brought it up is can't think of many other things involving writing...
Right now about location -- I won't mind moving back to India even. In fact.. thats my long term goal. I've been in US for 10 yrs now and am dying to move back. Wouldn't mind staying in Europe or Australia for couple of yrs.. but goal is to move back (hence the application to ISB)..
Maybe I should apply for a job with a business consulting firm.. and try to move to business development role. Don't think I understand my goals enough to jump into a full time degree at this point.. Would you suggest anything else to maybe help with any career changes I have in mind? Also.. applying in US these days is highly restrictive due to hesitance of a lot of companies to sponsor H1Bs.
Thanks!!
hey baccardisprite
This thread is really great. good work. I've been having lot of doubts about mba and masters programs and how they differ and what would help me and this is the perfect place.
I am currently in final year of engineering (mechanical) from one of karnataka's top colleges.
I am interested in pursuing a career in talent management for entertainment and sports sectors(particularly entertainment) and i have read up about it and i have got the understanding that a degree or course in marketing is required for the same.
my query is, would it be better to do a MS in Marketing, rather than an MBA, if i wish to pursue a career in this field? Also, are there any recommendations for universities in the US/ in singapore, where i can pursue the same?
EDIT: i have no problems in restricting myself to USA or singapore. even doing such a course in the UK or rest of europe is feasible.
thanks in advance, looking forward to your response.
Oromis
hats off for the stamina and enthusiasm you have baccardisprite
its been more than 2 yrs to this thread, and you reply constantly.
i will also ask you about myself someday
Hi all,
Actually I am already an MBA and pursued Mcom too....
Now planning to do some course inorder to fullfill my thirst on Phoren 😁 certification
Can you all please help me out if there are good online/distance learning short term program which can be done from prestigious university abroad?
A brief about my education/work background is as below.
SSC - 75%
HSC (commerce) - 76%
BMS (Marketing) - 76%
Mcom (Management) - 50% 😁 Mumbai university & that too Correspondence...
Diploma in Export Import Management
MBA (General) - 76%
MDP in Knowledge Management - IIM Ahmedabad.
Work Profile:
Started career with BD Profile with 3 months Exp.
Then worked for 1 year in VSNL in Tech support after Graduation.
After MBA working in Oil and Gas firm but deputed into IT Arm looking after HR Profile. (2.5 Years)
Total Work Ex - 3.9 Years.
Now planning to make a career in Strategy, Policy Formulation in long term.
Can you all please help me out in identifying some course.??
Hi Baccardisprite,
Thanks a lot for taking out your time to help us in making career decisions. I have the following question which i could not have asked anybody better:
I have 7 years of experience in core Consumer Credit Card processing industry (motstly in IT and Business analyst). I would like to open an NGO (education) of my own. Though along with few of my friends we have started the work unofficially ( i.e. did not register it yet) but in a very small scale (offering money to help few poor students for carry forward their study) and we pay from our own pocket.
My future goal is to take up this NGO in a bigger scale. But I must gather the knowledge to run an NGO first. And as I have family responsibilities so i can not quit my current work and join an NGO to get ground experience at this moment. So its important for me to join somewhere who will also give me above avg salary(may not be very good).
So I thought of getting an MBA degree from a good institution (appearing for the exam in feb 11) which will help me to get more contacts and understanding of operations, business knowledge etc... However I am still not sure what course I should look for in my MBA program which will help me in this regard..More over are there any B schools which are specialized in this area...
Basically .. I want an MBA degree with which i can get a good package and in the field of NGO ...
Thanks a lot...
Excellent.... you have chosen your passion over a more predictable career path :-). Hope this inspires other posters as well.
I am not particularly knowledgeable on professional bodies in CI or Epidemiology, so don't feel qualified to advise on this (apologies). Would strongly suggest you talk to experts in both fields and get their opinion.
Congratulations once again.
Hi Baccardisprite,
Been long. Since I am technologically challenged at PG, I am pasting the initial conversation we had.
Hi Baccardisprite,
Untill I recently, I was planning on an MBA abroad as a path to fulfillment of my career objectives but thanks to your posts, I have discovered better alternatives. Let me pull up the relevant details for you:
1. Education: B.Tech. Biotechnology (2009) with CGPA of 8.20; additional courses in IPR (WIPO) and QMS (BSi).
2. Work ex: Started recently as a GET at a global biosupplier major. Landed the job off-campus without any reference through a maze of interviews, technical discussion and aptitude test. Got placed in an IT company through campus recruitment but yet to get a joining date.
3. Career Plans: Technology assessment/management and policy analysis/formulation, especially in therapeutics and biosupplies (already working in this domain). I understand these terms are too hot-shot for a beginner but with continued learning, I intend to get there sooner rather than later. What I know is that this is the domain I would work best;first industry-then consulting-and finally finishing off in academia.
Possible career focus being on technology transfer to emerging nations (life sciences again), uniform dissemination of technology products(vaccines, nutraceuticals). Some more avenues to explore. Admittedly, the specific domain is still tentative;when make a decision when I have learnt enough but yes, therapeutics is an area of keen interest.
4. Courses: TPP (MIT) and EPA (TU Delft). Also exploring CMU and Stanford. Already speaking to MIT and Delft and discovered that what they teach and what I want to learn fit.
5. Why this career: A sincere interest in assessing technology as a function of society and vice versa, Swami Vivekananda(his thoughts are a very strong influence), Childhood ex (presenting national level award-winning techno-social projects since age 10).
6. Acads: Good except +2.
7. Extra and co-curricular: Lots; Award-winning projects Projects, Summer Research ex at top industry n govt. labs (Ranbaxy and NCCS), Head of Lit Comm in College, Cheif Ed of College Magazine, Coordinator of Corporate Resource Centre, Working with a Scientic Foundation (NGO) for past 1.5 years, Achiever's award in 'Excellence in Knowledge Creation' from University- intention to play it well as preparation for prospective career, National Topper in English in CBSE Boards (0.1% certificate), etc.
8. Other stregths: Am sure of what I want to do (preparing since 2nd year of college), Have established decent contacts in industry n govt. sector and learning from them, strong hold over written n oral english, persistent (wrote to so many ppl that facebook suspected me of being a spammer).
9. My questions:
i. How can I make my profile more engaging? Joining international comm. is an option but I don't have the fees to pay.
ii. I have some basic knowledge of German. Would building on that be of any advantage?
iii. I plan to apply for the fall 2011 session. EPA and TPP say such experience would suffice. Is that actually so?
iv. Are there any organizations regarding technology (life science specially) and policy forums of which I can be a part without burning a hole into my pocket?
v. How can I be more market-savvy? I religiously dig to business mag, IBEF etc.?
vi. Any specific DOs or DONTs regarding the application process, specially the TPP?
vii. While the EPA program is good, the employment scenario post-graduation is not clear. Your opinion on the same is deeply solicited.
Thanking you in anticipation,
Partha
Firstly - you have the opportunity to make a great career and an excellent education. Congratulations on having the courage to take on an off-campus job search and being successful! I believe you when you say you're persistent! You also appear hungry for knowledge and fairly certain of where you want to go in your career.
1) Here I wouldn't advise any different. 2-3 years solid experience, knowledge and career progress will get you ready to make the jump with an education + professional profile that future employers will value. Use the opportunities in your company available for learning outside your professional confines, particularly:
- Presentation skills
- negotiation
- project management
- social skills and networking
- language and cross-cultures...
2) Yes, yes, and yes! German & Swiss Companies are some of those at the forefront of Small & Large Molecule life sciences, and speaking German with a degree of fluency will almost certainly make you attractive to them.
3) If the schools say it's sufficient, then it is!
4) & 5) more of the same! try also Pharmaceutical Business Review, BIO | Biotechnology Industry Organization etc... alongside the Financial Times, BusinessWeek and other business mags...
6) Articulate your thoughts (why this program, why now, and where to next) clearly, cogently and succintly, and in grammatically perfect fashion (avoid journalistically long sentences, and keep the vocabulary simple, straightforward and no more than minimally metaphorical). Don't be or sound overconfident!
7) German with a good degree of fluency will help. Solid experience and achievement and your networking skills will make you attractive to a host of employers. You needn't worry.... Concentrate on getting into your dream school, use the training & education the school's career services give you, network well and you'll be fine.
All the best.
RELEVANT TO THIS POST:
I have been communicating with the TPP admissions coordiantor and alumni consistently. Here's the gist of what's transpired since we (you and me) last communicated.
1. I did not join a CI professional body. Firstly, its very unlikely that I would draw tangible benefits from it as far as my job goes. Secondly, an alumni informed than MIT cares two hoots about paid memberships.
As an aside, I've extracted a commitment for a one-to-one conversation from the guru of CI! (Once I am in US that is).
2. I am into drafting project proposals. I am assuming that not too many applicants would show this experience, and that it should indicate some degree of preparedness for policy analysis to ad comm. Please correct me if I am wrong.
3. Fate has contrived to hand me complete ownership of a legacy project at my firm for a top biotech company. I love the domain that I work on. Can doing every bit of the project be attractive to the ad comm?
4. I've commenced client communication. I am expected to scale-up to be the in-house expert of the domain as well.
5. I am working on developing white papers. Does this kind of activity add value to one's application?
All said and done, here are my concerns:
1. The ad coord says that every TPP student is unique, and hence its not wise to seek records of what past students with similar backgrounds have done. Is there something unnatural about not revealing what their previous students with similar backgrounds have been upto?
2. They have no idea if one can get into the UN after the program. Although the website shows that UN has previously recruited TPP students, life sciences doesn't appear to be domain. How do I figure out that I will at least have a shot at performing my envisaged responsibilities after graduating with a TPP degree?
While I do have alternative career plans, it is my ardent desire to work for the UN.
What else could you suggest I can do in about 1 more year before I apply for the program to maximize my chances of getting an admit.
Regards,
hi i m planning to do my masters degree abroad.but i kinda of having second thoughts as my acads are avg and no work ex. i m an engg grad
, can suggest me few job oriented courses abroad.(Both tech & nonTech)
Hi, I am a 3rd year engg student. I want to get a MBA from a international university after 4-5 yrs. But I am interested to do masters in fields relatd to management. Then work for 2-3 yrs and go in for MBA. Suggest me sub branch masters for freshers except masters in management. Thanks and Regards.
leisuresoul SaysHi, I am a 3rd year engg student. I want to get a MBA from a international university after 4-5 yrs. But I am interested to do masters in fields relatd to management. Then work for 2-3 yrs and go in for MBA. Suggest me sub branch masters for freshers except masters in management. Thanks and Regards.
Actually I am planning to do masters just after my bachelors and then take a job exp of 3 yrs and go in for International MBA. The thing is I have to choose between weather i will be doing MS in my civil engineering fields and MS in management fields. I will prefer later because of my profile and goals.
Please tell me which programs will you suggest for me in MASTERS in specific fields of management/ master in management with job that I will get later.
Thanks a lot for such a great thread. !!
Hello Puys.
I've been trying to find Finance masters programs in canada, preferably in Ontario. Apart from the offerings from Elite B-Schools Schluich, Rotman & Queen's, are there any good programs? with good job prospects?
Finance programs offered in these schools cost almost as much as the MBA programs :|. Am looking for a more affordable program.
Hi Baccardisprite,
My profile:
B.E. in Computers from Mumbai University
Work ex: 26 months Infosys
GMAT: 570 (Quant 48, Verbal 21, AWA 6)
I am planning to retake my gmat. However I am confused as to whether I should go for an MBA or a masters in management program. Can you please throw some light on the difference between an MBA and a masters in management. One reason I am considering an MS in management is due to its reasonable tution fees compared to an MBA. I am considering b schools in US, Europe and Singapore. But some programs in Europe and Singapore are only for 1 year. What do you think is better : a 1 year course or a 2 year course.
Thanks
Hi,
I am Ankita Nayyar, I am having 28 months of full time work experience as a business development executive in a mid size recruitment firm. I have completed my BE in 2008. I want to apply the logical process of thinking inculcated in during engineering to non technical aspects. My current job role requires regular interaction with high level clients. Therefore in a very short time i have learnt a lot from various interactions on how to deal with a variety of people and solve various issues by thinking on my feet. My GMAT score is 640. I am interested in pursuing management education in marketing. I have fair amount of knowledge about marketing, as i have read many books on sales, marketing and advertising. I have practical exposure of sales and business development and I am very much interested in pursuing formal education in the sam. I am targeting US universities. As i am a newbie, so please help in shorlisting universities. If any experts can suggest me some universities according to my profile, it will be of great help.
Regards,
Ankita Nayyar.
hey,
This info is for my cousin.
Looking for information about the JURIS DOCTOR (JD) law degree offered by law schools in the usa for people who have complete their graduation in any non-law degree.
it seems writing the LSAT exam is required for admissions into law schools for the same. i have been trying to get more info about this exam, about formalities for the admissions etc but most foreign education firms i contact only seem to know about SAT/GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS etc .
is there any way i can get more info about such a course and the LSAT exam? for instance anyone here who has written the exam or is preparing for it? or anyone know any educational counselors who may be able to guide me in this regard?
thanks.
hi
I want to know about erasmus course in eroupe.it is also equivalent to MBA.But I dont have full information.Please let me know if I can get any guidance.
Thank you.
Hey i am pursuing my b'com..wil complete in june 2011.
Can any1 help me regarding landscape designing course is it worth it and it is best in new zealand.Am i eligible for it.
I don't have gud extra curriculars.
10th-78
12th-71
grad til nw 68.i wil end up in 70-72.PLZ TEL ME Abt my options of dis course puys.
Thanks for the reply.. You're right.. I need some serious thinking time. And have been trying to do that.
To be honest, the only marketing/sales experience I've had is some presales stuff in the consulting gig. I liked it better than sitting in the cube job.. but now I realize it.. that something I enjoyed the most was brain storming sessions with co-workers on analysis of requirements and coming up with the best design. That really got me going and had me working late into nights without realizing.
I haven't had much experience in journalism (except maybe a lil stint in college newspaper) The reason I brought it up is can't think of many other things involving writing...
Right now about location -- I won't mind moving back to India even. In fact.. thats my long term goal. I've been in US for 10 yrs now and am dying to move back. Wouldn't mind staying in Europe or Australia for couple of yrs.. but goal is to move back (hence the application to ISB)..
Maybe I should apply for a job with a business consulting firm.. and try to move to business development role. Don't think I understand my goals enough to jump into a full time degree at this point.. Would you suggest anything else to maybe help with any career changes I have in mind? Also.. applying in US these days is highly restrictive due to hesitance of a lot of companies to sponsor H1Bs.
Thanks!!
First - sorry for the delayed response to you and other posters. I have been extremely busy the last 6 weeks with no time to log in to PG.
It would make sense to do the things that would re-orient your career towards marketing or business development. Getting into a business consulting firm is a path of relatively lower resxistance.
Go for it.
All the best