Should I consider a second MBA?

[nikhil.rusty]

Hi

I am an engineer from IIT and MBA from MDI,Gurgaon. I have close to 6 years of FMCGs sales and mktg experience.

I am confused on the careeroptions post a second MBA from a top rung B-Scool in US.
Pls suggest.

[orientalkhichdi]

Hey Nikhil,

Probably had the same predicament a year and half back.. I too wanted to do my second MBA - quick look at previous background was BA (Eco) & MBA from IMT, Ghaziabad and had been in Retail Banking in India & SE Asia for the last 5 odd years..

Used to wonder whether it makes sense with a family, I am doing well at my present company and am based abroad.. Should I upset the applecart? And the big question what are the job opportunities after all this??

The answer is very simple – u need to be sure of yourself regarding the job, if you feel you have the skill set – you will always get a job… whether the markets are up or down.. Regarding opportunities for FMCG Guys – opportunities are there for everybody – you need to go out and grab them. After so many years you need to know what exactly do you want to do?? Which industry vertical would you want to make a career in..it can’t be like when I was at IMT.. jo aata hai lelo..we are no more waiting for a placement week as starry eyed 23 year olds..

Some bit of definiteness of what you intend doing will answer you question of whether you should attend school now or not. I knew I waned to get back into Commercial Banking but needed an MBA to broaden my horizon gather a more international flavor and specifically learn about how world politics and economics impact business.

Don’t know whether I could answer your question or clear or your mind… but if you feel you need it and have a goal which you feel you will reach faster by doing a second MBA.. Please go ahead and take the plunge.. Jobs are always aplenty for the best J


I had an admit to LondonBusinessSchool, but will be starting my second MBA in Jan 08 from IMD, Lausanne

Rgds,
OK

[nikhil.rusty]

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[orientalkhichdi]

Most top schools are very open to second MBAs barring a few.. so don't worry on this count.

regarding inv banking / fin consulting - u would first up need to understand both these professions entail a lifestyle change and whether you are open to that at 31.. (u ill pass out at 33)..I ain't - thus I didn't choose to go to school that catered to placements in these domains and choose to go to a school which has slightly senior management placements.. because post handling large teams it would be very difficult for me t sart at the bottom as an associate working 18-20 hrs.. I am not 25 anymore.

also please understand US schools are becoming younger by the day.. they are preffering younger candidaes with higher scores.. just a quick insight into the world of admissions..

Regarding the preperation.. First up get a great score in the GMAT..it just opens more doors of opportunities for you.. its about the complete package some would say.. but u need an opportunity to showcase your package - to do so you need a big score.. (I did not have one - so I cn tell you how it feels to have a low score and be rejected just because of that). so get a great score.. and then package yourself well - great essays / recos & CV..

Also if you are just starting with this process you probably will in best case be able to meet the Second round deadlines of some schools - which also is unlikely.. so this year is probably out.. your focus should be Jan 09 (INSEAD / IMD) and Aug 09 (US Schools & LBS)..

All the luck and bon voyage..

[shrp17]

Hey Guys,


First of all, heartiest congrats to oriental khichdi and all the best to nikhil.

Good to find people sailing in the same boat. My profile, I am a 2001 batch MBA from Bharathidasan Trichy and since then have had 4 years of Coporate Banking /Credit Experience in Indian Private Sctor banks and about 2.5 years of Credit Risk Modelling and Basel II Risk Consulting experience in International and Indian consulting companies.

To be honest I am happy in the domain I am currently working (I always wanted to do something similar) but the problem is that the exposure I am getting is less. To put it differently, I would like to broaden my horizon in this area, learn what is new and hot, get more groove in some of the subject technicalities, get more international exposure and if possible work with the best in this business eg: say an Oliver Wymann


Oriental Khichdi and Nikhil, please suggest if this is a convincing logic to get into a global B school and given my objective, should I target some select few schools only

Thanks and Regards,
Shravan

[nikhil.rusty]

Hi! OK

I guess what you mention is on my mind.....It shal be coming back to the bottom of the ladder of sorts...only that the ladder would reach a different place

I am in the middle of my prep and intend to take GMAT mid-Nov and apply in R2 .With a corporate life and a family....its a bit much to handle though.
Appreciate the GMAT score point but am targetting something like 720-730 types to give myself a fair chance than miss the year.I know age is not on my side !!! lemme see how that gets handled.
I shall seek your help in writing my essays so that i can manage in the limited time thati have. Trust you areOK with the same.
Do send me your mail ID, mine is nikhil.rastogi@yahoo.com

Its been nice reading your mails.

Nikhil

[orientalkhichdi]

Hey Nikhil,

Great to hear you in the middle of your prep for your GMAT.. all the best and do veryvery well...why 720-730 - u shuld go out there and get 750+ score..

Also I hope u can make the second round dealines this year itself.. regarding - helping on the essays I sure would love too.. its my strength I think...

Pertaining to age - don't worry its your single biggest asset.. if you know how to sell it..

Also though I would like to believe you on the bottom of the new ladder part will take you to a different place.. but somehow I am still to come to terms of starting at the bottom of the ladder... but will take it as it comes..because the eventual last ladder is always the CEO..

Have sent you a PM with my details.. would love to help in anyway..all the luck

Cheers,
OK

[orientalkhichdi]

Dear Shravan,

Thanks for the wishes..

Great to see another one of the second MBA types on the forum.. Yes, see the reason to do an MBA whether its first or second.. needs to be compelling enough for you to apply..its your reasoning to yourself.. if you sure of that.. U can always sell it to any School Ad Com..

Regarding schools u shuld apply to..the Usual suspects will be perfect..

Cheers,
OK

[theunkindmonk]

Well my 2 cents wrth opinion on this is .........

If its a break which u want to take on the behest of exploring the latest management practices then dont expect a lot out of it . Apart from new case studies and couple of new management practices nthng wld be path breaking there (thts my opinion!)

However if its the lure of having more oppertunities, lateral placement and probably the choice of being part of new prospering indstry then u shld go fr it!!!

Rest obviously is on your own descreation........

All the Best!