I did my B.Tech in computer science & engineering & worked as software engineer for 2 years. Now I want to get settled in abroad (Europe/U.S./Canada/Malasia/Singapore) at least for 5-10 years. Is it necessary to get MBA From abroad for this? Aren't there other routes by which I can do MBA in India & still go on settling in abroad after 4-5 yrs. working in INDIA??

@baccardisprite

Sorry to be harsh - this is a stunted and myopic approach. Think about your career and tell us what you want to do, NOT what you don't what to do and/or don't think you can do. IF you looked back at your career, think of all the key skills you have acquired over 8 years, including on-site where you (hopefully) enjoyed direct interaction with your client. Did you win business for your company? Did you resolve strategic & tactical challenges for your client / your company? Did you lead teams, manage people, manage and optimize budgets? Did you manage projects?

Decide what you want to do functionally after an MBA/Masters? In what industry / type of company? If you looked at industry & type of company post MBA - do you have at least some of the skills, experience and competencies required for that industry? What are your critical skill gaps (only some of which an MBA might help address)? How do you address those gaps? How do you become more attractive to your future post MBA employer? Then which school should you attend to ensure you have some sort of access to that employer / industry?

Think and post again - help will come!

All the best

Baccardisprite

Hello Baccardi,

Thanks for your insightful remarks and please feel free to provide your comments. I think that majority of the applicants do MBA for 2 reasons : up in corporate ladder or career switch. Up in corporate ladder is easy to judge as one knows what one would get in that role; but, for career switchers, I don't know how they choose to post MBA industry. May be from friends remarks, online research but still different people different perspective such as I am good in IT sales that means am I equally good in FMCG sales. May be ?

I understand your point that your goal should drive your decision not the other way round. But how you know that which industry you want to work if you have never worked in that industry. It's like following the herd that I would be in investment baking (PE/VC).

Through my exp, I enjoy leadership type of role (Who doesn't ). Though, I want to be in rotation leadership programs but don't know whether I am a good candidate after 8 yrs Exp in IT or May be in Management consulting firm where I can work in different industries but doubt the possibility for candidates with 8 years exp. Through chat with my Indian friends studying in US/European business schools, I had the impression that these firms prefer young/Local guys for such programs. In short, if such programs are not available for me then I want to be in closest role that would fulfill my criteria and hence looking out options for my profile.

Plus (just FYI) I want to study abroad and don't want to go for 2 years MBA.

May be my thinking is flawed based on incomplete/wrong data available, but I am open for discussion and for your insightful remarks.

Thanks

@baccardisprite

Makings of an excellent profile! Stay the course for another 2-3 years and try gaining project management skills on your current role (or move companies to get more project engineering / management experience); acquire some team-lead experience, and some external interaction experience (supply chain / procurement / supply management etc). Profile will be gold. Get some help with the GMAT and try cracking a 720-730 range score. Golden profile, any core manufacturing or civil engineering heavy industry / company. Learn a foreign language; try Chinese or German. Then target an MBA program from a school affiliated to a University that also has a strong school of Engineering; OR target programs like TPP (at MIT), or EPA (TU Delft); MBA programs in MIT Sloan, U Michigan, Urbana, Berkeley etc....

Don't rush. You have time.

All the best

Baccardisprite

Thanks baccardi for that encouraging reply. Could you please answer few more queries.

How is the job market in US for such profiles. Is it like very tough to find job opportunities there? especially for managerial roles, is it like the local population are highly preferred over outsiders?

U mentioned to learn chinese/german right, that would help even to work in US?

@crazy.kumar

baccardisprite

Tej_D Hi baccardi. Really great to see so much of active participation in the group. Could you please help me out with my case. I am a graduate in Civil engineering, worked as structural engineer for past three years in power and infrastructure sectors. Interested in working in roles like infrastructure finance and energy consulting. Have GMAT score of 690.

Could you advise me on any good MS courses that you may know? or information about the above jobs?

Also, my job has been primarily designing structures - I do not have any project management experience. So, getting into a good MBA would be really tough right?

Makings of an excellent profile! Stay the course for another 2-3 years and try gaining project management skills on your current role (or move companies to get more project engineering / management experience); acquire some team-lead experience, and some external interaction experience (supply chain / procurement / supply management etc). Profile will be gold. Get some help with the GMAT and try cracking a 720-730 range score. Golden profile, any core manufacturing or civil engineering heavy industry / company. Learn a foreign language; try Chinese or German.

Then target an MBA program from a school affiliated to a University that also has a strong school of Engineering; OR target programs like TPP (at MIT), or EPA (TU Delft); MBA programs in MIT Sloan, U Michigan, Urbana, Berkeley etc....

Don't rush. You have time.

All the best

Baccardisprite

baccardisprite

Tej_D Hi baccardi. Really great to see so much of active participation in the group. Could you please help me out with my case. I am a graduate in Civil engineering, worked as structural engineer for past three years in power and infrastructure sectors. Interested in working in roles like infrastructure finance and energy consulting. Have GMAT score of 690.

Could you advise me on any good MS courses that you may know? or information about the above jobs?

Also, my job has been primarily designing structures - I do not have any project management experience. So, getting into a good MBA would be really tough right?

@gauravherefor

Hello,

My Profile :PMP certified project manager working in Indian IT company. Got more than 8 yrs of exp in IT industry and out of that, around 4 yrs abroad. Now I feel that I have hit the ceiling and want to go higher in corporate ladder. Lately, I was looking out other options for me and here are the results of my research :

Sorry to be harsh - this is a stunted and myopic approach. Think about your career and tell us what you want to do, NOT what you don't what to do and/or don't think you can do. IF you looked back at your career, think of all the key skills you have acquired over 8 years, including on-site where you (hopefully) enjoyed direct interaction with your client. Did you win business for your company? Did you resolve strategic & tactical challenges for your client / your company? Did you lead teams, manage people, manage and optimize budgets? Did you manage projects?

Decide what you want to do functionally after an MBA/Masters? In what industry / type of company? If you looked at industry & type of company post MBA - do you have at least some of the skills, experience and competencies required for that industry? What are your critical skill gaps (only some of which an MBA might help address)? How do you address those gaps? How do you become more attractive to your future post MBA employer? Then which school should you attend to ensure you have some sort of access to that employer / industry?

Think and post again - help will come!

All the best

Baccardisprite

@kevlor

Hi , i am following this awesome community from quite some time but was never serious about getting MBA degree but after working all these years i feel so stuck with my current position and work profile. So i just wanted to change my job profile to something more challenging in finance/consulting or investment banking i am planning to take GMAT but still confused about whether to take the risk or not, after some research i zeroed in on UC Berkeley as my first choice. As far as my profile goes i always been an average student have done my Engineering in computer science but really screwed my graduation percentage, i worked 1 year as a web developer and then switched to banking sector , where i am working as manager banking operations for a leading private sector bank from the last 4 years.I wanted to know whether my average academics hamper my chances to get into a good B school or my exp plus a good GMAT score ( what should i aim for? ) would be ok one more thing could you please suggest some schools by looking at my profile. Thanks in advance.

Your undergrad performance is something the consulting firms & investment banks will consider. Of course you can't undo that; but a good score in the GMAT + attendance into a strong & academically heavy program will help your cause. The best schools that would offer a way into both consulting and banking would be Columbia / Chicago / Wharton. Get a strong GMAT score (730+ is almost mandatory) for you, write a set of strong applications. If you get into school, you will need to stay in the top draw grade wise (meaning get an A/A+ on all the most important courses / subjects). If you have the time and ability, attempt at least 1 (if not 2) levels of the CFA to help a career in banking. This communicates 2 things - you have passed a high quality test of your academic & financial ability, and have communicated that you're serious about a long term career in finance / banking. Third - if possible, learn a foreign language, consultants love skills that help them build relationships with clients. A foreign language simply widens your possibility.

While you have realized you need this education to enable a long term and successful career (which is half the battle won), be patient, and build a good bank of skills & credentials (as mentioned above) before the MBA. It's 75% of the reason why a Bank or a Consulting firm will hire you. The MBA program you attend will be the best of the remaining 25% - it's the visibility and access (through the credibility of the program) to the Banks and Consultants.

All the best

Baccardisprite

@tusharmilan

Hi baccardisprite @ PaGaLGuY, I am Tushar. I got admit at Tu delft in the Engg and policy analysis program. I am learning german (A1) level) and will try to complete A2 level. Is it possible to look for Job in Germany after doing MSc from TU Delft. Can I look for Job in any EU countries or whether I will be restricted to Netherlands. Thanks in advance.

Congratulations on the admit. TU Delft is a Top 5 European Technical University. The EPA program is similar in design and impact as the TPP (Technology & Policy Program) in MIT. I don't know (don't recall) your career goal, but the degree can offer wide techno-commercial functional career; that you can grow into mid/senior level roles in the next 8-10 years after graduation.

Yes - you can get a job provided you do a few things:

1. decide early what industry/type of company would make best use of your skills (acquired before and during the EPA program). Use the resources of the school, including job boards, alumni contact, and absorb the training they can give you in order to conduct a structured on & off-campus job search. Career service offices are enablers of the job search, NOT the placement offices you find in India. You drive your job search 100%.

2. use the opportunity to improve your German to at least B2 levels (ability to read and write, and at least conduct a business conversation). Expand your possibilities by learning the Dutch language as well (learn to speak at least conversational Dutch).

3. Keep your geographical options open. Go for the job, career growth prospects and the company first, then the geography.

Congratulations again and all the best

Hi baccardisprite @ PaGaLGuY, I am Tushar. I got admit at Tu delft in the Engg and policy analysis program. I am learning german (A1) level) and will try to complete A2 level. Is it possible to look for Job in Germany after doing MSc from TU Delft. Can I look for Job in any EU countries or whether I will be restricted to Netherlands. Thanks in advance.

@kevlor

Hi , i am following this awesome community from quite some time but was never serious about getting MBA degree but after working all these years i feel so stuck with my current position and work profile. So i just wanted to change my job profile to something more challenging in finance/consulting or investment banking i am planning to take GMAT but still confused about whether to take the risk or not, after some research i zeroed in on UC Berkeley as my first choice. As far as my profile goes i always been an average student have done my Engineering in computer science but really screwed my graduation percentage, i worked 1 year as a web developer and then switched to banking sector , where i am working as manager banking operations for a leading private sector bank from the last 4 years.

Great, this work experience will help you for sure, how ever also start writing bullet points on your professional and extra curricular achievements. This will help you prepare better essays later.

@kevlor

I wanted to know whether my average academics hamper my chances to get into a good B school or my exp plus a good GMAT score ( what should i aim for? ) would be ok one more thing could you please suggest some schools by looking at my profile. Thanks in advance.

I can only comment on how strong your profile is if you tell me more about your projects at work as a banking operations manager. But a good GMAT 700+ will take care of your academics.

Hello,

My Profile :PMP certified project manager working in Indian IT company. Got more than 8 yrs of exp in IT industry and out of that, around 4 yrs abroad. Now I feel that I have hit the ceiling and want to go higher in corporate ladder. Lately, I was looking out other options for me and here are the results of my research :

Options Available :

MS/Msc/MIM courses -- a bit older for these courses

MFE - does not suit my profile

MBA - Option left

Preferable MBA location -- Abroad (Class diversity, better work culture)

College - still exploring

Purpose of MBA : Don't know which field/role would be best for me, but want to explore what options are available for me.

Post MBA roles in IT Industry:

Business analyst -- After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Pre-sales -- After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

IT consultant -- Since last 8 years in consulting; therefore, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Business development Manager - After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Post MBA roles in other areas/Industry:

HR -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Marketing -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Sales -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Positions in Industry --- Would not fit as not having degree/exp. in core Engg. fields

Management consulting --- Would be fit for my profile

Business strategy -- Would be fit for my profile

Business development Manager in companies Abroad -- Would be fit for my profile

Query :

Is there any other role/area that was missed and would be suitable for my profile. Looking for Post MBA areas where I can use of my last 8 years of exp. Please feel free to provide your comments.

Hi , i am following this awesome community from quite some time but was never serious about getting MBA degree but after working all these years i feel so stuck with my current position and work profile. So i just wanted to change my job profile to something more challenging in finance/consulting or investment banking i am planning to take GMAT but still confused about whether to take the risk or not, after some research i zeroed in on UC Berkeley as my first choice. As far as my profile goes i always been an average student have done my Engineering in computer science but really screwed my graduation percentage, i worked 1 year as a web developer and then switched to banking sector , where i am working as manager banking operations for a leading private sector bank from the last 4 years.I wanted to know whether my average academics hamper my chances to get into a good B school or my exp plus a good GMAT score ( what should i aim for? ) would be ok one more thing could you please suggest some schools by looking at my profile. Thanks in advance.

@soulreaver15

Hi Baccardisprite,I have done Bsc. Biotechnology and I wish to make a career as a research analyst in the same field.After graduation, I appeared for CFA level 1 twice but failed to crack it.Also, didnt get any employment opportunities in Biotech industry nor financial services so since past one year I have been working at Maersk line in the export documentation department.Now, I feel I need an MBA from a reputed institute to break into the industry I wish to make career in.So, kindly advise what should be my next step,should i appear for CFA again or complete my MBA first.Also, advise what are the chances of obtaining a job as a research analyst as I don't have any experience in that domain.I am very confused at this stage, so really looking forward to your advise.Thanks in advance.

Might you be better served with a Masters Degree in Biotech/BioInformatics? How does a CFA help you become a research analyst in the field of Biotechnology? Can you please think and let me know?

@umangs

hi

@baccardisprite

, can you pls pen down your thoughts on the PGCIM program offered by SPjain in collaboration with ESB,Germany and IESEG France?

I would specifically like to ask (i) how good will be the placement prospects after completing this program at ESB,Germany (i have no idea of this college to pursue Masters in international management)

(ii) Overall, how will you rate Germany with respect to the placements after management related courses

Germany is one of the better performing European economies. I don't know about the ESB, but if you can achieve business conversational fluency in German, your chances of employment with the big German companies and Global companies with large German operations, is much better.

@umangs

hi

@baccardisprite

, can you pls pen down your thoughts on the PGCIM program offered by SPjain in collaboration with ESB,Germany and IESEG France?

I would specifically like to ask (i) how good will be the placement prospects after completing this program at ESB,Germany (i have no idea of this college to pursue Masters in international management)

(ii) Overall, how will you rate Germany with respect to the placements after management related courses

Germany is one of the better performing economies in Europe because of a balanced mix of manufacturing, technology, and services. IF you can achieve business fluency in German (ability to hold a business conversation, and negotiate business) then your chances of employment in the German speaking part of Europe (Switzerland, Austria and Germany) would be better than if you didn't. So if you have an opportunity to improve your German language skills, use it.

@rsanyal42

Somewhere i was reading that business magazines help you out on this but at the same time, i find many topics written in a manner which a business person will be able to decipher( for example: topics on hedge funds, finance). Some said that a CABM(Certified Associate Business Manager) certification would help to understand the depths but I am not very confident about the authenticity of this credential. Can you help me out to increase this business acumen natually.

Never heard of the certification you speak of.

All the best

Hello Puys !!!

I have already done MBA from FMS, Delhi in Marketing and have been placed in Vodafone India in S&M; profile. However I am thinking of doing another MBA (1 yr preferably) from ivy b-schools abroad. So just wanted a suggestion whether it's worth or not to further boost my career with fatter pay package.

If yes, then whether I should try to first gain some work x of 4-5 yrs or should I take GMAT straight away?

My profile:

X: 86.6%

XII : 89.8%

B.Tech: 7.8 CGPA

MBA: 61.3% (DU)

7 months work x in TCS

Placed in Vodafone S&M;

Extra-currics & Co-currics: Decent

Academic achievements: Average

@rockinsitu88

ivyctor2010 @ PaGaLGuY

I have completed my BTech from NIT (with good score) and I have work ex of 3 years in technology sector (design and troubleshooting) as a manager and I want to change my domain into finance.So what should be the minimum score in GMAT to get an admission in UC Berkley or similar universities in the US?

You will have to aim at a GMAT score of 730+ considering the kind of colleges you are planning to apply to. If you are considering UC Berkeley then you should also consider CMU Tepper and UMich Ross, though these 3 would be tough nuts to crack with your profile. Other schools you can look at are UCLA Anderson, USC Marshall, Indiana Kelley, UT Austin Mccombs and others. But you will have to research deeper into which ones are the best fits for you before you decide a list.

@rockinsitu88

(Also suggest some other universities).Will banks finance my study without any mortgage? (I'm ready to work on part time basis there but I have heard that during VISA interview they ask to show financial backup.)

As far as banks work they either need a mortgage in form of a collateral or they need a US co-signer (someone with a credit history in US). But this changes from banks to banks. As I see you too are aiming to minimize your risk. Why not choose schools which are good and where you have a chance to get scholarships as well. And then you take a smaller loan and work part time to cover your expenses. What do you think?

@rockinsitu88

Kindly address my query.Thanks

ivyctor2010 @ PaGaLGuY

@GunjanPattnayak

I would love to go for the second choice. But I just wanted to know if I still stand any chance to get an admit to a good B-School if current profile and work-ex.

Work exp is on a lower side no doubt about that, but you can actually form a set of B-schools where you can have all SCM schools such as Michigan Ross as dream schools (tough to get into but worth trying) and schools such as Georgia Tech, MSU Broad, which are decent schools and known for supply chain where you do stand a fighting chance with your current profile. Apply to this set of schools this year with some really good GMAT score and awesome essays. Who knows you may be sitting with a B-school admission offer a few months from now.

@ivyctor2010

Which of these situations will you choose:

1) Admission to a rather average college now because you have low work experience

2) Admission to a top-notch Ivy League B-school 2 years later, with some superb work experience

I would love to go for the second choice. But I just wanted to know if I still stand any chance to get an admit to a good B-School if current profile and work-ex.

@GunjanPattnayak

@ivyctor2010 But what about my low experience ? its just 1.5 years. Will that nor be a problem while applying for colleges in US ?

Which of these situations will you choose:

1) Admission to a rather average college now because you have low work experience

2) Admission to a top-notch Ivy League B-school 2 years later, with some superb work experience

@ivyctor2010

@GunjanPattnayak While you may have your reasons for going to Germany for your MBA, German B-schools are generally not top ranked in Global Business Rankings. You have a decent profile in terms of your professional experience, extra curricular experience and if you get 680+ in GMAT then you should apply to top B-schools in US. If your final aim is to work in Germany that is still possible. MBA from a prestigious school enables you to work anywhere in the world. Give it a thought.

@ivyctor2010 But what about my low experience ? its just 1.5 years. Will that nor be a problem while applying for colleges in US ?

@soulreaver15

I have done Bsc. Biotechnology and I wish to make a career as a research analyst in the same field.After graduation, I appeared for CFA level 1 twice but failed to crack it.Also, didnt get any employment opportunities in Biotech industry nor financial services so since past one year I have been working at Maersk line in the export documentation department.Now, I feel I need an MBA from a reputed institute to break into the industry I wish to make career in.

MBA is a learning which you can use to enhance your career. Right now you wish to use this learning to get a better job. This may not be the best usage of this tool. Best usage of an MBA is to enhance your career when you have significant work experience and are looking for management/business oriented roles in your career. Start to think on these lines.

@soulreaver15

So, kindly advise what should be my next step,should i appear for CFA again or complete my MBA first.

Why CFA? Do you even like Finance as an area? Don't force yourself into something for the sake of it.

@soulreaver15

Also, advise what are the chances of obtaining a job as a research analyst as I don't have any experience in that domain.

Can't give a very specific advise as I am not an expert on how to get into research. Search for a more appropriate thread on Pagalguy, I am sure you will receive loads of pertinent help.

@soulreaver15

I am very confused at this stage, so really looking forward to your advise.Thanks in advance.

@soulreaver15

Hi,

Anyone kindly advise,waiting for a reply.

You should probably wait to gain experience for a few more years before you do your MBA. Moreover, you need clarity about which of these multiple options you wish to pursue in the long term. Once you are clear, you can find a path to walk down.

@soulreaver15

Hi Baccardisprite,I have done Bsc. Biotechnology and I wish to make a career as a research analyst in the same field.After graduation, I appeared for CFA level 1 twice but failed to crack it.Also, didnt get any employment opportunities in Biotech industry nor financial services so since past one year I have been working at Maersk line in the export documentation department.Now, I feel I need an MBA from a reputed institute to break into the industry I wish to make career in.So, kindly advise what should be my next step,should i appear for CFA again or complete my MBA first.Also, advise what are the chances of obtaining a job as a research analyst as I don't have any experience in that domain.I am very confused at this stage, so really looking forward to your advise.Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Anyone kindly advise,waiting for a reply.

W Ex : 32 Months (as of now) in a Manufacturing firm. Work in the Plant.

Looking for a course in Business Management/Finance that will consider my experience as a plus point. I heard from some counselors that if i don't have an experience in the same field in which i want to do my MBA, they don't consider the w ex as something solid. Looking for good programs abroad as well as in India.

@avik12321 Work experience is an important factor but your interest in your dream industry also matters. When you say finance, you may be asked what steps have you taken to learn more about Finance? Did you try to get a corp finance or a financial analyst role with a company? Did you try for CFA? Do you keep track of financial market etc. Start thinking on these lines.

@Tej_D said:

@baccardispriteThanks a bunch for the info. I googled a lil bit and these schools and courses are some of them which combine both Architecture and Business management degree. But these are highly expensive and demanding as 1. most of them have very high credit requirements and 2. they literally are the ones that are combining M.Arch and MBA making it a 2.5-3 year course. If anyone is looking for information like this, please chk the below links. All these schools here have a dual M.Arch+MBA.Dual Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration (MBA)Arizona State University -http://sala.asu.edu/degrees/grad/mamba.phpUniversity of Colorado â‚Źâ€œ Denver -http://business.cudenver.edu/Graduate/ProMBA/Pro_Arch.htmState University of New York Buffalo -http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/architecture/degrees/mba.aspUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign -http://www.arch.uiuc.edu/programs/degree/march/dualdegree/march_mba/University of Kansas - http://www.business.ku.edu/masters/dual/Kent State University -http://www.caed.kent.edu/Academic/grad/march_mba.htmlLawrence Technological University -http://www.ltu.edu/architecture_and_design/dual_master.aspUniversity of Michigan -http://taubmancollege.umich.edu/architecture/programs/graduate/dual_degrees/march_mba/Penn - http://www.design.upenn.edu/about/dual-degrees-other-university-programsTexas Tech University - http://arch.ttu.edu/wiki/MA_MBAhttp://mba.ba.ttu.edu/MBA/MBA_Current/MBA_C_JP_MBAARCH.aspUniversity of Utah - http://www.business.utah.edu/display.php?pageId=2540Washington University - http://www.arch.wustl.edu/master-architecture/mba-marchYale University -http://www.architecture.yale.edu/drupal/programs/march_mbaAgain it makes me think that a Masters in construction management would be easier in such a scenario when the subjects all demand the same and the combined course of M.Arch+MBA feels like you are neither here fully or there fully.On a different line of thinking do you think that a MBA from a reputed college if I structure it with construction related internships would give me a better opening into the industry? Thanks a bunch.