With an exp. of 10 years, should I go for 2 yr. MBA program?

Question

Hi,

I am a 33 yr old Engineer, working for one of the major Engineering Firm in India, which is amongst the top public sector of country. I have over ten years of experience in Contracts Management & Procurement.

I have been getting regular promotions in the last ten years (3 promotions in last ten yrs.) However, now I am looking for a career change, as I feel that I have learnt most of the things that I could learn here added with probable stagnation in my career in coming years.

I wish to switch my career in some other domain and hence I want to go for full time MBA. I am just too confused whether one yr. MBA will be of any help in switching the career? Further, I have doubts, will colleges be interested in taking me for two years programs as the average age of the class in most of the colleges is around 27 years with 5-6 yr. of work experience?

Please guide!!!!

Thanks and Regards,
Manu

getsunny · Answer

Hi manujichaubey,

There are actually several answers to your question, depending on which colleges you're targeting. If you want to do an MBA from India, then the best option would be going for the 1 year executive MBA that IIMs, XLRI, SP Jain and ISB offers. That would be the best option or someone with your level of experience. The 2 year MBA degrees in India will not be able to justify your experience and you will struggle with the placements there.

However, if you looking at going for an MBA abroad, then 1 year and 2 year MBA degrees are equally good. The 2 year courses are in US and the 1 year courses are in Europe and Australia. For abroad, your decision would be based on which industry you want to switch to after your MBA. For example, if you want to switch to the finance industry, then the best options are NYU Stern or Wharton or Kelloggs. So you should do more research on which colleges are best for helping you switch to the industry of your choice.

Hope this helped clear your doubts to some extent!

P.S - Have you written your GMAT yet?

manujichaubey · Answer

Hi!!

Thanks for the reply.

Actually I took GMAT 7 years back and scored a dismal 650. I was not very enthusiastic about leaving my job and going for a second tier college. Now, however, once again, I want to give it a shot. Started with GMAT Prep 1 V28, Q47 total 620.

Although, I am not very keen to do MBA from India but since I belong to the most over represented "Indian Male Engineer", I would have to decide about this aspect (i.e. India or abroad) after taking the GMAT.

I just wanted to explore about the chances of my changing the profile I have been working so far.

GeneralEducation · Answer

Hi Manu,

Your profile seems to be good. However 10 years of work experience might become a challenge at most of the US B-Schools. Switch your career only if required. You can either stay in the same industry and find a different role. This will help you learn the industry in and out. You can try for the European schools and also AGSM. You can have detailed look at the schools here:  https://goo.gl/RZg44t

All the best!!

amanagarwal · Answer

Did you do MBA then?

With an exp. of 10 years, should I go for 2 yr. MBA program?

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