Career Change

Question

Hi,

I don't know whether it is a relevant page to ask about this question or not. IF I am in wrong forum, please do excuse me.

Since many consultants might came across the question, is it possible to change my career post the Executive MBA (Especially the B-schools from India, which I am targetting)?

A bit about myself:

I have a background in Aeronautical Engineering worked as a design consultant for the Airbus project (offshore & Onsite) for 4 years. I have a Master's degree from KTH and post this I am working as an R&D Engineer for the past 4 years in Gasturbine Product development. Now I would like to change my career towards strategy and digital transformation side, which is relevant to the Automotive/Aerospace/Power sector, however, I am more inclined towards working for MBB's as Strategy/Digital transformation consultant. Is there a possibility for me to shift career through IIM (EPGP/PGPX) programs?

Looking forward to your suggestions and insights.

Cheers
Pksri

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Pksri , firstly, the programs you mention are not EMBA. Read here regarding a common confusion on  EMBA vs MBA for Executives .

Broadly speaking, such MBA programs can help. In India, you should also definitely look at ISB where you are likely to be a better fit from an age/experience perspective.

Consulting firms hire people from a very diverse range of experiences. With the right efforts during the bschool, you can have a shot but be aware that such roles are amongst the most coveted ones on any bschool campus globally. So expect very tough competition.

Cheers,

Pksri · Answer

Hi Manish,

Thanks a lot. I wasn't aware of the differences, but now it is clear.

Yes, I do understand that MBB's are quite challenging to get into, but all I wanted to know whether there is a shot for me or not!

Coming to ISB, isnt the application pool is mostly 5 years or is there people with higher experiences too? I would love to hear their journey. How do you think I will fit if my Experiences level 9+ with ISB aspirants? Is it also a good option to consider?

Best Regards,
Pradeep

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Pksri , my bad, I misread that your total experience is 4 years. You are right, the IIM A and C will be a better fit.

That will also make it trickier at MBB as they tend to prefer younger candidates. That is changing, but still not very common.

There are candidate with a lot more experience at ISB; for instance that of an  MBA after 40 . You'll find a few more on our blog. ISB is a big class and you'll have folks in this experience range, less but still a decent number. The journey is more challenging but the diversity is richer. If you are looking at Indian MBA programs only, it would be worth considering since there aren't very many options as it is.

Cheers,

Tahutempe · Answer

hi Manish,

I am kind of in the same shoes as Pksri. I got PhD in chemistry 10 years ago. After working for almost 10 years in academia and R&D in Manufacturing industry, i feel reaching saturation in career path and want to expand my knowledge more in Consulting and strategy. These knowledge is quite hard to get in my current employer. That's why I am considering to give myself a chance to pursue (E)MBA. From my age (41), I am too old for fulltime MBA and should probably go for EMBA. On the other hands, I do not have significant management experience as other EMBA do. This is quite a big question for me. Could you give me some advice?

Because I reside in Europe, 1 year b-school would be good for me. INSEAD and IMD offer such program.

best regards
Ina

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Tahutempe , thanks for the query.

Transition from a research and academic career is not unheard of but tough given the visible lack of transferable skills. The issue for EMBA programs won't as much be about the chances of admits as it should be about what you want out of it. It is important to have realistic expectations as such programs are not the most effective in making a big career change. Consulting firms rarely hire candidates in your age range - have you done any research that shows otherwise? If not, do that by expanding and reaching out to your network and connect with people who may have done this. That'll also help you get better understanding of the road ahead.

Hope this helps some.

Career Change

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