Hi Sameer

I have some confusions regarding future prospects after IT. It will be great if you can tell me, what kind of Job profiles are offered to those who are interested in MBA - Corporate finance and are doing CFA certifications (Read Ghost13 :)). Which companies will be willin to hire someone who will have this profile.

I am looking to do MBA from any destination(preferably USA and Singapore) which will have attractive ROI and great Job Prospects. However recenly Canada and Australia are also coming up.

Whats your take. If I have to be in India it will be ISB. Out of all these countries which one has better job prospects for IT Engineer like me. Moreover I was thinking of MBA less than 2yrs, but I guess that will be bit hard regarding my profile.

Work Ex: 4yrs in 2014(yr I am planing to go fr MBA)

GMAT : 700

Acads: 75% Avg

Extra CC: Above Avg

P.S: Sometimes I wonder, U must be getting bored from typical "IT Engineer" queries.

But I really appreciate your effort and way to tackle queries!! Great Going Man!!!

BTW Ill let you in on a secret, I am also trying to retire from Corporate life before 40!

Master - Please show me the light !!

@MartianOnEarth

More than the course work, what will help you more are the contacts that you build in HK. As it's a new region for you, it'll be good if you can start the process early.

On a related note, wondering if you'd be interested in sharing your application story on the MBA Crystal Ball site. We don't have anything on CUHK yet.

Sure...i would love to do that ..Please share with me the related links...My email ID abhigt.jumech@gmail.com.That's true.....I would build some contacts in HK and the "jugad" process has already started :). Taking into account I would have to learn Mandarin to get adjusted to the Business culture as most people do Business with China, I am planning to start it in may be a month or two.

@reviliant

Hello Sameer Sir, Hope you are doing good. I got an admit to CUHK Business School and am planning to join the same next year 2014 (deferred). I am right now in US and am planning to gather some money till next year and invest the same in the my education next year (which is the main reason I had deferred my admissions).Before going there and considering it's in Hong Kong, what do you suggest me to do as pre MBA course work which I can utilize post my MBA, as I am aiming to stay in South East Asia post MBA ( not necessarily though).Let me know your pointers. Thanks in advance.

More than the course work, what will help you more are the contacts that you build in HK. As it's a new region for you, it'll be good if you can start the process early.

On a related note, wondering if you'd be interested in sharing your application story on the MBA Crystal Ball site. We don't have anything on CUHK yet.

@kaz13

I plan to do a second MBA from a US university

Quite a few who are planning for that. So you aren't the odd one out.

@kaz13

As doing an MBA from abroad would be a huge investment, its obvious that it will make sense only if i do it from a top 25 institute in the US.

On the contrary, in your case it might make sense to be a little more flexible with the school list as you are planning to open an NGO. With the debt of a top-school that might become difficult.

@kaz13

So considering all this, would my present MBA degree be a big hurdle if I have to get admission to one of the top 2-year programs in the US..?

There'll be two main constraints:

- Number of schools accepting 2nd MBA applicants:

Here's a list to make your research work a little easy: USA business schools accepting second MBA applicants from India

- You'll need to go the extra distance (compared to first time applicants) to show why you are repeating the MBA process all over again.

@kaz13

I have already taken GMAT and have got a score of 710... and I was planning to start applying in the first round starting this August.. Please let me know if it is a good move to make considering my goals...?

Repeating the primary message from 'Beyond The MBA Hype', if you keep your expectations at a moderate level and target the right programs, it will be a good move.

@GMAT_Conquer

Hi Sameer @MartianOnEarth ,How should an Indian IT(IIT) applicant approach the application process for US schools.There are hordes of other applicants from similar background with not-so-different experiences.

The basic process doesn't change. Guys from non-IT background also face the same challenge.

That's why you need to go beyond purely highlighting your 9-to-5 accomplishments. Dip into your personal life and bring out elements that other candidates will not be able to talk about.

@GMAT_Conquer

Congrats on the success of your book .How should I order a copy now?Thanks!!

Thanks. Some of the book stores (Landmark, Crossword etc) might have a few copies left. if not, the next edition should be out in a few weeks. Flipkart is taking advance orders till then.

@MbaVision said:

@MartianOnEarth I just have One more question.. I currently have two options .. One go for an Indian MBA from a tier 2 institution (IMT Ghaziabad or IMI delhi) .. work for 3-4 years in corporate banking and then leverage all this profile to get One year executive MBA from top 5 B school (to get a Front end I-banking job profile)...(total 5-6 years work experience before Ex-MBA)

@MbaVision said:

Another option is to wait out in IT sector for 2 more years(which is a back end R & D job).. then go for a top 15 b-school in USA or Europe... One more thing I would like to add My long terms goals are Big, and a top class MBA is the only thing that can appreciate the gravity of situation.

If your goals are big, then that's more reason to target the right school once and get to the other side. If there are too many stepping stones, it's confusing for everyone involved:

- the international school needs an additional justification of why you want a second MBA
- the recruiter wants to know what you did between the two MBAs (and before)
- at some point in time along the loooong journey, you might end up getting burnt out. You would want to know where you are coming from and where you are going.

Avoid the multiple hops, if you can.

- Sameer

Small update: 'Beyond The MBA Hype' has been Sold Out on Flipkart.
Thank you everyone for making it a success !

@saurav205 said:

The question i wanted to ask was : does having few.years of experience in IT sector deter my chances.of getting into the financial sector post graduation??Thanks

@MartianOnEarth said:

What have you give thrice, sir? CAT, GMAT, Indian Idol auditions? Pleejh clarify.You are making it too complicated for yourself, Saurav. - A PSB stint won't open up M&A; opportunities for you. - Having an Indian MBA and two job changes and a second international MBA is also adding too much uncertainty.Either make the switch into the role you want right now and continue. Or go for an MBA and try to switch on graduation.Assume that you'll just get one shot to switch and make the best of it.- Sameer KamatAuthor | Beyond The...something something

@MbaVision said:

@MartianOnEarthHello Sameer Hope you doing well !

@MbaVision said:

I read your story and I shall say that you have really followed what your heart has told you to do..!!

@MbaVision said:

I would like to have an advice from you regarding my applications to some B- schools. I applied to Virginia Darden, CMU Tepper and Rotman (Toronto) more than a month back .. In some cases even 6-8 weeks ... I would like to know .. whether I shall approach them myself or wait out this period of uncertainity because there is complete radio silence right now..\

@MbaVision said:

Also, Can you please let me know of prospects of Investment banking OR corporate finance IF I pursue my MBA from Sauder school of Business, University fo British Columbia

@saurav205 said:

@MartianOnEarthHi Sir,Have given thrice (2 genuine attempts, 1 for the sake of it)

@saurav205 said:

I want to pursue a career in M&A.;Here is what i thought of, please let me know if this will work out or else your advice.I am planning to appear for PSBs now( to change my sector and also to get a basic knowledge of the financial sector).

@jeshlive said:

@MartianOnEarth

Hi,

I have just now received an admit from HKU MBA 2013 program with London Track. And I have to pay the deposit fee by March 11.

But I am also awaiting the interview results of Kelley, Smeal and S.P.Jain PGDM program. I am expecting the Kelley results by 10th March and I hope the results of other 2 schools will come by end of March. I believe I have done the interviews of all these 3 schools very well.

My expectations out of an MBA:

1. Interested Subjects/Specializations - Operations, Consulting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship

2. Good career prospects

3. The program should be strong and well recognized globally

4. Good global exposure would be a nice thing

Brief Profile:

GMAT : 700

TOEFL: 108

Work Exp: 3 Years (by July2013)

Good extra curriculars

Now I am in a dilemma of choosing the schools. I want to do a reputed program. Which school would be the best fit for me considering my expectations?.

@@MartianOnEarth

Hi,

I have just now received an admit from HKU MBA 2013 program with London Track. And I have to pay the deposit fee by March 11.

But I am also awaiting the interview results of Kelley, Smeal and S.P.Jain PGDM program. I am expecting the Kelley results by 10th March and I hope the results of other 2 schools will come by end of March. I believe I have done the interviews of all these 3 schools very well.

My expectations out of an MBA:

1. Interested Subjects/Specializations - Operations, Consulting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship

2. Good career prospects

3. The program should be strong and well recognized globally

4. Good global exposure would be a nice thing

Brief Profile:

GMAT : 700

TOEFL: 108

Work Exp: 3 Years (by July2013)

Good extra curriculars

Now I am in a dilemma of choosing the schools. I want to do a reputed program. Which school would be the best fit for me considering my expectations?.

@MartianOnEarth

Hello Sameer

Hope you doing well !

I read your story and I shall say that you have really followed what your heart has told you to do..!!

I would like to have an advice from you regarding my applications to some B- schools. I applied to Virginia Darden, CMU Tepper and Rotman (Toronto) more than a month back .. In some cases even 6-8 weeks ... I would like to know .. whether I shall approach them myself or wait out this period of uncertainity because there is complete radio silence right now..\

Also, Can you please let me know of prospects of Investment banking OR corporate finance IF I pursue my MBA from Sauder school of Business, University fo British Columbia

Thanks in advance for your advice

Regards

Aditya

@kimi.raj said:

@MartianOnEarth Thanks Sameer for your valuable suggestion. I had already taken my decision by the time I saw your post. But my decision is pretty much in line with what You have suggested. .....Satya

@MartianOnEarth said:

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

Thanks Sameer for your valuable suggestion. I had already taken my decision by the time I saw your post. But my decision is pretty much in line with what You have suggested. I have joined a new organizatio nwith better designation and scope of growth and as you said I have preffered this over another organization where I had a good chance of international opportunity but the opportunity and role offered to me was not good enough

@VABSKP said:

@MartianOnEarth Can you give me any suggestions on this?

@princess163 said:

Hi Sameer,Some basic acad info about me:Xth:95%XIIth: 95%Economics(H): DU: 70%No spectacular extra-curriculars, but decent participation.Joined the Data Analytics team of a consulting KPO a couple of months back.

@princess163 said:

Or should I set my mind to CAT and go for an MBA from India instead.Waiting for your response.

@prash264 said:

2. My post MBA aim is to get into management consultancy (M.C) at the top 4 firms. Even if it seems like a far fetched idea

@prash264 said:

Work Experience - It will be 16 months this december.GMAT : 730

@Arunabh.audi said:

Hi Sameer, I was curious as to how my profile fits in the scheme of things required to get an Interview call from ISB and the like?:P.S – Does a relatively off-beat Branch at IIT Bombay hinder my chances of getting into a good B-school?

@prash264 said:

Is this forum still active?????

@VABSKP said:

@MartianOnEarth I have read about PMP but frankly speaking, lot of companies are not interested in PMP's still in Energy Sector. Can you help me in a regular course in Project Management in India or abroad?

@princess163 said:

Hi Sameer,Some basic acad info about me:Xth:95%XIIth: 95%Economics(H): DU: 70%No spectacular extra-curriculars, but decent participation.Joined the Data Analytics team of a consulting KPO a couple of months back.I am interested in pursuing an MBA in Finance. However, I am not too sure if this kinda profile is likely to make the cut at a top B-school abroad. Also, as far as I have heard funding for MBA is hard to come by. Is the high cost worthwhile? Or should I set my mind to CAT and go for an MBA from India instead.Waiting for your response.

@VABSKP said:

@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.

@abhinavt09 said:

hello sir,i am also very confused abt my future

@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

@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

@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

Hello Sir once again, im planing for 2014-15

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

@mbatanycost said:

Hello Sameer sir...

I need serious advise plzz..

@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

@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.

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 ...

@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:>>