Which B School should I join

 - Dr. N. H. DESHPANDE

Just like in 80s everyone wanted to join engineering courses, now the buzz word is to pursue MBA. At times without assessing self, thousands of graduates/postgraduates are seen chasing this dream and going through the process of preparing for B-School admissions. While interviewing many such students since 1993, I have noticed that generally they hardly have any knowledge of the programme, they are undecided on their career objectives, do not know which B-School to join and why, more importantly which specialization to opt for.

With more than 1000 B-schools around and the number continues to increase year by year in the country, the confusion is proportionate. Two things that are compounding this confusion are (a) B-School ranking and (b) B-School branding.

A no. of steps I wish to suggest ending this dilemma, especially when the admissions are in full swing these days deciding the careers of many students.

a    a) Know thyself: - The first and most important is to ask yourself why do I wish to pursue this programme? Just because others are pursuing, or due to compulsions from parents and other family members or for lucrative pay packages? Is it a stop-gap arrangement (in case of some girl students, I came across, it is so- till she gets married, she wishes to pursue this course) or just because the course is in the city, so sometimes the students take admission with a hope that they can support their parents in the family business and also manage to get MBA. The point is one should first decide career objectives and then start the search for a B-School. The course is rigorous and demanding. Am I mentally and physically prepared (and fit also) to undergo the schedules? A good MBA programme may engage you 12-15 hours every day in some or other form of activities for two years. This is a kind of rehearsal of next 25-30 years of your corporate life where we are on 24x7x365 kind of work mode. If till graduation, you are happy-go-lucky kind of person, think twice. There is no point in complaining afterwards. Remember pay package and designation comes only after compelling efforts. You cannot expect general manager’s salary with that of working hours of a peon or clerk. In short find out first, are you a MBA material? If the answer is affirmative, go ahead or look at other career options which are equally, if not better these days.

b    b) Know the expenses: - B-school fees must match your pocket. Majority of students’ today eye for bank loans. Look at the financial component of this learning process and then choose the school. Generally the expenses are few lacs of rupees depending on the duration of the course and obviously return on investment is bound to be one consideration. Otherwise part-time MBA or Distance-learning programme can be the option.

c    c)Know the B-School: - Over and above branding and ranking, which I have referred above, please go through the website and prospectus of the school minutely. The vision, mission, core value system of the top management of the school is most important and is a key differentiator. The qualifying entrance examinations which the school recognizes, the quality of faculty, track record of examination results, the placement record all matters. The courses offered and their quality should match your career objectives. The teaching pedagogy, staff/student ratio, the kind of practical exposure offered during the course, the finishing touches practiced to polish your personality and enhance your employability is all that matters and hence is equally important. The infrastructure, the facilities, the library, the computer centre, the amount of industry exposure of faculty, the no. of class hours (on and off campus) etc .cannot be ignored too. If possible, visit the campus to see it yourself, ask questions and get them answered rather than wasting two years at a later stage at a wrong place. These are some of the indicators of quality of schools and course/s that they offer. Significantly the past and current students of the school can also be authentic source of information who can share with you a lot about the school that normally may not be there on the website or printed brochure. If possible, try to talk with the employers of past students of that B-School, who can also give you unbiased piece of information. In case of all, but especially for girl students the environment, the safety/security concerns are always at the back of mind of their parents.

Finally my personal opinion and based on experience I feel taking MBA after some experience to understand it better is desirable. Fresh graduates going to MBA without any exposure, may find it difficult to connect with the course.

It is high time to take a call before you repeat the mistakes of others and find yourself in a mismatch situation. Remember the course is unique and so are you!

SHUBHASTE PANTHANA SANTU!