Hello MBA Aspirants!
By now, most of you are aware that MBA is not just about cracking the entrance exams. One also needs to have the right skills and an impressive profile to make the cut. This article talks about the different areas you need to focus on to build a profile that stands apart. While preparing for the entrance test is important, you need to make sure that you are working on your profile as well.
Here’s why:
Once you clear the entrance exams, the next challenge is that of clearing the b-school interviews and group discussions. Your profile (i.e. your academic background, work experience, extra-curricular, hobbies and so on) is something that you will be judged by. Also, clearing the interviews and GDs will require you to showcase your abilities and skills. Even after entering a b-school, your profile plays a vital role in placement procedures. Thus, it is important to maintain a well-balanced and consistent profile.
Depending on your domain interests, you can work on your profile in numerous ways:
- Academics: If you have already graduated, there is not much you can do about your scores. However, if you are still studying, taking academics seriously will pay off. If you are inclined towards finance, then you must know that most companies look for a strong academic background while recruiting. Having strong academic achievements is thus imperative.
- Work experience: The kind of job you are doing now definitely influences your future opportunities. If you do not have any professional work-experience, then try to take up a good and relevant internship.
- Extra-curricular activities and Positions of responsibility (POR): Do not neglect your studies, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities just because you are preparing for the entrance exams. These out-of-the-way activities are a way to portray your leadership skills, creativity, hard-work, dedication and an all-rounder personality. If you wish to pursue a career in sales and marketing, then these skills are what the recruiters look for.
- Hobbies and interests: Work hard for something you are passionate about. For example, if you like music, learn a new instrument; if you like singing, take formal training or participate in competitions; if you love reading, join a book club.
- Social work: Volunteer for an organisation and work for some cause if you are interested in social service. Being a socially sound candidate will be an impressive point.
- Certifications: Get relevant certifications if you are interested in a particular domain. This will prove that you have an inclination and the basic information about that domain. For eg., Someone with an inclination towards Finance can go for a CFA certification.
Here’s a detailed article about the different certifications that you can opt for:
https://backend.insideiim.com/certifications-every-mba-aspirant-know-part-1-finance-marketing/
Building the right profile takes time as well as efforts. Start working on your profile well ahead of time, just as you work hard for the entrance exams. You do not have to work on each and every aspect above. However, it is strongly recommended that you enhance the skills that you have. Your profile is just as important as your entrance exam score. However, many people realise this when it’s too late. Hope this article provides some direction to build an impressive profile. All the best!