Should I go for an MBA?
Hi folks, I’m a Sr. PM at a good startup currently getting 40 LPA. My total experience is 6 years (2 years PM). One of the CXOs suggested to me (over a casual conversation) to consider doing an MBA from ISB or Ivy League colleges if I can afford a career break. I know that post-MBA might not see a huge jump in CTC but from a long-term perspective do you think it would be worth it? Will it open more avenues for growth?
Getting into Ivy League is ludicrously competitive for Indians, I don’t think it’s a realistic option
+1, and you'll only get one year to work in the US post your MBA, unless you win the H1B lottery which is pretty unlikely.
SubtleRed
Stealth
9 months ago
Even MBB firms? Don't they sponsor the visa or the one year clause stays at big firms too?
See more comments
Either executive MBA in ISB, or full-time MBA abroad, followed by a job there. I believe only these two options make up for the opportunity cost.
Long-term perspective makes sense to me if you want to be relevant in big companies. Startups - from what I've understood - do not focus much on degrees if the skills are strong, but that's not the case with MNCs. If you want to stay relevant, or jump to higher leadership positions in MNCs, MBA will matter.
Itachi777
Stealth
9 months ago
Why not trying for IIM ABC instead of ISB? ISB is usually for people who tried multiple times to get into an old IIM but couldn't so.had to go to isb
Won’t recommend going ISB in current market scenario and profile. Explore western MBAs but without too much burden of loan to prepare for worst case situation.
P.S. - Recommender CxO is an MBA?
SherKhan
Stealth
9 months ago
Yes, he is an ISB Alumni.
Consider talking to recent ISB grads and PM profiles offered on-campus. IMHO, not worth spending 36++ LPA esp in FY25/26.
CxO might be suggesting with your tier3 bckg, maybe spend some time with him and chalk out improvement areas. It will help in the longer run.
Have you considered an executive MBA? That way you won’t have a career break. IIMB offers one
SherKhan
Stealth
9 months ago
I’m susceptible about the value a part time MBA will add in my career. I’m a tier 3 undergraduate and really want a good course to add into my resume. Also not sure if companies consider executive MBA at par with the regular MBA.
You get the exact same degree regardless of whether you did executive or a normal MBA
Go for it, if you can optimize well for the outcome you are seeking.
Be it lateral shift into another industry, domain or anything.
Do ask folks who have had a similar trajectory to get a better sense of it too.
You may not see a significant shift in your CTC after the MBA You should definitely consider doing a one year MBA from ISB or IIM A PGPX. Your profile seems good and doing an MBA from these colleges would open up the entire alumni network of both these colleges which definitely helps in the long run. Plus your PM profile would be a good fit for day 0 placements.
See if your start up can pay for an executive MBA program. It obviously has its pros and cons. Just a thought you can consider.
Do part-time MBA (even Satya Nadella did one in UChicago). There are many companies that can reimburse your tuition fees , at least partially.
Discover More
Curated from across
