The exploding numbers of engineers graduating annually in India are in a problem whether to pursue MBA. Majority of the MBA aspirants land up in b-schools because of either the low quality of engineering curriculum which led to the loss in interest in technical subjects or the lack of enough engineering jobs in India that requires them to consider for post-graduation. But they don’t have the desire to pursue Masters in Technology and thus, find themselves writing the cat exam. Quite many a times peer pressure and the stereotype that MBA graduates are paid more than the engineers also shape their decision to opt for MBA.
But these are not sufficient comprehension as to why one should go for MBA. Being an EC engineer myself and an employee at Cognizant for 20 months, I decided to pursue MBA for the fast-track career growth and eventually a higher salaried job. After one-year preparation for CAT and clearing the levels of GD/PI process, I am now in K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (SIMSR), Mumbai. After being here for almost three months, I am convinced that there are abounding apprehensions as to why engineers should consider MBA.
Here are five primary considerations for the engineers in a dilemma for pursuing MBA
• Fast-track your career and Develop managerial skills
Mid-career software professionals have honed their technical skills to maximize learning and there comes the point when the career graph flattens. An engineer not only rises beyond the mechanical hold to suit for a managerial role but also expands his or her skill set in all dimensions after MBA.
Frequent Guest Lectures in SIMSR invite great personalities who have created an impression or their brand value in the market, have achieved exceptional growth in their lives. Some of them have been the alumni of my institute. The knowledge imparted and experience shared has been quite inspiring and instills positive energy for students to work diligently on the following paths.
• Better Exposure to Real World
As an engineer, I have developed a deep understanding of the technical knowledge and have gained experience with various technologies. However, an MBA prepares you for the real world challenges. In SIMSR, the foremost thing I learned is Time Management amidst the hectic schedules of its curriculum.
Lectures are conducted throughout the week, and a continuous assessment is a part of the curriculum including class participation, assignments, presentations, case studies, and tests. Beyond the books, students also engage and enroll for the live projects, guest lectures, certifications, and research papers. All such programs help in providing the real-world experience as we get the platform to implement practical applications.
• Gain Holistic Knowledge of Firms
As a human, understanding the market is quite essential as we are a part of it and dwell into it. Even in a technology-driven world, engineers need to go beyond creating products to study the market and the requirements of people. In SIMSR, first-year students have to review the basics of all specializations and then chose the desired field next year. It gives us an opportunity to develop an outlook towards all areas of management and understand the scope of each field. The diverse subjects as part of the curriculum in MBA help in imbibing the holistic knowledge of all sectors to be flexible managers in a dynamic and rapidly transforming world outside.
• Implements decision making and problem-solving
Business requires us to deal with the macro level problems and be able to manage the entire operation which involves decision making. At SIMSR, various HBR case studies as a part of the curriculum have helped me to develop and groom my analytical as well as reasoning abilities that play a crucial role in decision making.
• Enhance Global Perspective
The Semester Exchange Programs in various b-schools help students in expanding the functional competencies and transforming the students’ view of Global Business Perspectives. They also help one gain the practical experience in global management and develop cross-cultural sensitivity. SIMSR is affiliated with many foreign universities across the globe for various Student Exchange programs. Also, foreign language learning as a part of the curriculum at SIMSR has helped me widen my skill set.
Hence, MBA transforms a novice graduate into a polished professional with a distinguished personality.