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SHOULD I GET AN MBA?

Is it worth

it? What will I learn?

When should I start?

Will I be accepted

in a program?

Which type of

program?

What schools are right for

me?How do I

begin?

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MBA Trends

• 1965 - <10,000 MBAs awarded• 1977 - 48,000 MBAs awarded• 1998 – 94,000 MBAs awarded• 2004 – 110,000 MBA’s awarded• Two-thirds of these degrees awarded to part-

time or distance students• 20% of graduates plan to go into business for

themselves

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Where do MBAs Work?

• Manufacturing

• Service Industries

• Government

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What do MBAs do?

• Accounting• Corporate finance• Information systems• Financial institutions • Marketing

• Consulting• Personnel• General management

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Starting Salaries

$70k - $90k+

Signing Bonuses

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Why Get an MBA?

• To open new career opportunities• Personal development – intellectual stimulation,

self-confidence• Shift from individual contribution to managing

others• To further your career – stay competitive• To increase salary• Potential to network• Company advice or requirement

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Why NOT to Pursue an MBA!

• Looking for a “silver bullet” for success

• Something to do while looking for a job

• Unhappy in current job without knowing why

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Typical MBA Student Profile

• Mid twenties to early thirties

• Good academic background with solid work experience

• Ambitious and determined

• Strong idea of career direction

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What You Get with an MBA

• “Boot camp” training for management

• A focus on all specialist areas of management

• Combination of technical and “soft” skills

• In-depth focus of a particular discipline, if desired

• Credentials

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Choosing a Program

• Curriculum

• Teaching methods

• Delivery methods

• Schools

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Curriculum

• Traditional– Begin with functional core courses – finance, marketing,

accounting, macro and micro economics, operations, IT, human resources, quantitative analysis

– General management themes – legal, social, ethical and technological issues; change management; organizational theory and behavior; strategic management

– Advanced courses or electives in a core area leading to major concentration

• Variations– Incorporate “softer” skills – leadership, negotiation,

teamwork– Internationalize their focus

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Teaching Methods

• Theory method – lecture/discussion

• Case method

• Team projects and presentations

• Computer simulation

• In-company projects

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Delivery Methods

• Full time

• Part time

• Executive

• Distance learning

• Flexible MBA

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Full-Time Programs

• Typically two years• Some work experience required (typical age – 27)• Advantages:– High interaction with other students and professors– Ability to take numerous elective courses– Appropriate for career changers

• Disadvantages:– Long time away from work– Expensive

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Full Time Degree Cost Analysis

+-+

Tuition, supplies, books, living accommodationsFinancial aid, part-time employmentLoss of salary during school

Total Cost:16

Part-Time Programs

• Typically four years (night classes)• Students tend to be older with more work experience (typical age

– 33)• Advantages:

– Continue to work while attending school– Employers more likely to provide tuition reimbursement– Utilize what you learn on the job as you learn it– Ongoing work experience may enhance your performance in the program

• Disadvantages:– Time is limited which places strain on job, studies and family– Company may not like subordinating work effort– Promotions and/or raises may not be automatic– Degree may not be viewed as prestigious as full-time degree

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Executive MBAs

• Weekly one-day classes or biweekly weekend classes• Typically two years• Students tend to have seven or more years of work experience

and already in a management role• Advantages:

– Company-sponsored– Continue to work while attending school– Apply learning immediately– Classmates provide excellent networking source– Programs are lucrative so schools provide perks and top faculty

• Disadvantages:– Limited choice of courses/majors– Time is limited which places strain on job, studies and family– Limited exposure to classmates

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Distance Learning MBAs

• Most coursework taught and completed online

• Typically three to five years depending upon student intensity• Advantages:

– Enhance cyber skills– Freedom to work at own pace– Less expensive than other programs– Location is not an issue

• Disadvantages:– High drop out rate – hard for some to stay motivated– Few companies will sponsor this degree– Limited physical interaction with other students and faculty– Few fully accredited programs

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Flexible MBAs

• Derivative of Distance Learning MBA

• Combines classroom with online courses• Advantages:

– Many of same advantages as Distance Learning– Many fully accredited programs are some online courses– Can meet with classmates and faculty– Can accelerate the degree

• Disadvantages:– Cost and time of attending class at the school

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Timing

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Selecting a School

• Self analysis – reasons, personal strengths and weaknesses

• Accreditation – American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

• Suggested criteria– Reputation– Size– Location– Tuition– School’s mission– Specialization– Teaching methods and environment– Placement services

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Selecting a School (cont.)

• Research Schools to find a fit– Publications – MBA Casebook, The MBA Career Guide, The MBA

Advantage, Which MBA?

– Business Publications – Business Week, U.S. News & World Report

– Get information from schools– Personal visits and MBA forums

• Rankings– Many different ranking methodologies– Should influence decision, not be sole factor– School rankings do impact recruiting companies

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Admission

• Self-managed application with essays• Academic record (transcripts)• GMAT score• Management skills – work experience• Letters of recommendation (specific)• Extra-curricular activities and community

involvement for leadership• Personal interview (possibly)

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Financial Aid

• Merit scholarships

• Part-time employment – graduate assistants

• Loans

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The Top 10 Reasons to Get an MBA

• MBA In Finance

• MBA in Entrepreneurship

• MBA in Supply Chain Management.

• MBA in Hospitality and Tourism

• MBA in Telecommunications

• MBA in International Business

• MBA in Human Resources

• MBA in Accounting

• MBA in Aviation

• MBA in Banking

• MBA in Project Management

• MBA in Marketing

• MBA in Information Systems / IT

• MBA in Accounting

• MBA in Health Care / Administration

• MBA in Communication

• MBA in Media

• MBA in Operations Management

• MBA in Logistics

• MBA in Retail Management , ETC….

Branches in MBA

Selection process for MBA

• To get into a management institute, one has to go through a selection

process which includes the following :

1. Written Test

2. Group Discussion

3. Personal Interview

4. Essay Writing

5. Psychometric Test

6. Group Task

7. Management Games

Written Exam Tests (MAT, XAT, CAT, ATMA)

• The written exam tests the aptitude of the candidate in a number of areas. It usually consists of questions related to :

1. Quantitative Ability (Mathematics mostly from 8-9-10 standard, Geometry, Menstruation, Algebra, Trigonometry and Co-ordinate Geometry)

2. Verbal Section - (Grammar, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Analogies)

3. Data Interpretation(Analysis of Data. Usually data is in form of tables, charts, graphs.)

4. Logical Reasoning/Ability (using Common Logic)

5. General Awareness. (current/past issues (national & global), economics, general knowledge etc.

Facing the GD

MBA Admissions- Common Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself. Why MBA ? What makes you stand out among other candidates? What can you contribute to our program ? What are your expectations of this program ? What are your main strengths and weaknesses? Where do you expect to be in 5 years? What do you expect to get from an MBA? ETC…

Jobs After MBA in Marketing

Manager

Marketing Manager

Event Manager

Sales Officer

Sale Manager

Marketing Executive

Marketing officer

Public Relation Officer

Advertising Executive

Product Development Officer

Relationship Manager

Networking officer , etc…..

Jobs After MBA in Finance

Invest Manager

Fund Manager

Junior Dealer

Junior Manager

Stock Analysts

Junior Stock Analysts

Investment Officer

Branch Manager, etc…

Jobs After MBA in Human Resource

Manager

H.R. Manager

H.R. Executive

H.R. officer

Public Relation Officer

Front desk officer, etc…..

Jobs After MBA in System

Project leaders in IT companies

Business process consultants

Techno Managers in marketing firms

Business Analyst

Junior Programmer

ERP consultant, etc…..

Jobs After MBA in Operations

• Operation Manager

• Sales Operational Officer

• Operation Executive

• Section Manager

• Supply Chain Management

• Inventory

• Material Management

• Logistic and Productivity

• Total Quality Management, etc….

Few Tips to Crack Entrance

I. Think positive, how much you have learnt in a year, that’s enough.

II. Reach at least half an hour before the commencement of

the examination.

III. Read thoroughly all the instructions supplied in the exam paper.

IV. Avoid guessing, there is negative marking. Guessing is

definitely a RISK

V. Attempt your favourite section first, followed by the toughest one

next. Then attempt the other two sections.

SHOULD I GET AN MBA?

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