As always the answer is “it depends” . First of all don’t look at others and decide what’s good for you. It’s an incorrect way to decide. Career decisions are very subjective . What’s good for you might be bad for me and vice versa. 
  
 So think you a tech geek or business focused person or somewhere in between? The answer lies within you not outside. Also don’t go by trends. They are just influences that will subside sooner or later.

Software Engineer

Growth Marketer

Hi All, I am a Java developer with >5 YOE, currently working in a low code tool. I see a bunch of my colleagues and friends are pursuing M.B.A which made me feel lagging. Could you please tell me  ...

Hi All, I am a Java developer with >5 YOE, currently working in a low code tool.
I see a bunch of my colleagues and friends are pursuing M.B.A which made me feel lagging.
Could you please tell me 
1) if this degree is relevant to me in my current position / generally for a dev. I mean, if I stay as a dev for the next 5 years, will an additional degree in my resume do any good?
2) Seeing BAs in different companies / clients that I worked for, I liked what they do and I might be inclined to take that role in the far future. My understanding is that BAs are still in touch with tech tools or most of them I've seen are, and hence I like this. Are there other similar roles?
3) Will an M.B.A be a deciding factor in roles like engineering manager, engineering director, head of business systems etc?

How can M.B.A help me in my career?

Software Developer

How can M.B.A help me in my career?- Grapevine

Welcome to Software Engineers's Private Community

Context:
Currently a fresher, with about a year of internship experience under my belt. Tech is my calling and I love doing this. 

But, people (family especially) have been hounding me to get an MBA degree, I've managed to convince them I need a couple of years of work experience, which is appreciated in B schools. 

But my UG is from a tier 3 private college, but it's there among the top private colleges. So my understanding/dilemma is that since my alma mater isn't there among the top, would it hinder my ascent up the ladder, since I don't have a tier 1 degree. 

Dilemma:
- It's not that I don't find an MBA degree interesting, but is it worth losing the job/interview momentum and the couple of years. 
- If you're good at your technical end, and keep going up the ladder, is it wrong to think one would acquire the people skills along the way.
- Let's say you get an MBA degree from a tier 1 B school, and want to get back in the tech industry, what are the roles one would expect and how much tech would they be involved in?

To be (MBA) or not to be

Welcome to Indian Startups's Private Community

Hello all,
I'm a software engineer at one of the service based companies and I graduated last yr.

 Though I always knew software engineering isn't for me, I still gave it a try hoping my perspective would change when I enter the industry. Bummer! I hate it even more

What I have realised is I don't like to code or spend all day finding a solution to an error. Not to say I don't like problem solving but I simply don't like the problem solving that is required for a great software engineer.

I have been a content writer in the past and enjoyed it. I also helped a small digital marketing agency launch a campaign for a product. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of coming up with ideas that suit the tone of the brand, writing copies and much more.

I'm thinking of switching to a marketing role or anything that aligns with what I have mentioned above.  

My question to you are:

1) Is it even possible to switch without an MBA?
2) If so, What should be my approach to applying to jobs? (Kindly tell me the specific and not just -' Make a stellar resume and apply ' kind of a vague answer)
3) What other roles can I look into?

Hate My Software Engineering Job

with the huge ctcs being offered from 2020 onwards, do developers still go for a MBA course?

Do the recent devs(2-3yoe) also explore doing MBA?

Product Manager

Welcome to IT Company Discussion's Private Community

I'm thinking that I haven't utilised my full potential and left behind from folks around me . 
Right now I'm 27 and earning 22LPA as an SDE. 
I'm constantly worried how can I earn better or make some skills which can bring some money too as IT industry is not stable. 
So what could be best for me to do : 
My strong point is if I focus on one thing I can put more efforts into that work. 

The options that I could think: 

1. Work on my tech skills and get into High paying IT job .
2. Pick one Govt exam and get any govt job . I'm thinking of SEBI grade A exam .
3. Pick up any skills like video editing start freelancing.
4.Prepare for MBA that might help me in longer run in corporate . 


Guys can you suggest which one area should I select and why . As if I focus on more than one I won't be able to fullfill any.

Want to level up career and finances

Welcome to Product Managers's Private Community

Sharing some reflections on this:

1. Product is not a function with a large hierarchy / multiple levels in the ladder. Managerial responsibility comes in very late in the product career and the spans are typically small (relative to other functions like engineering, sales, operations). This also means a steeper funnel to the top and only a handful VP Product roles in the industry.

2. Product is centered around technology and digital consumer trends, both of which are fast changing. This requires constant unlearning and relearning. But more critically, this also means that previous knowledge/experience hits a plateau on marginal value beyond a basic threshold (where you have developed some essential product semse and skills).

3. Product managers are also much higher-paid vs other functional peers, at comparable years of experience. This means that a PM gets to a very high salary (say, 1+ crore) by the age of 40 (15-20y into their career). Tech functions in non-tech companies (like FMCG, banking) cannot offer that kind of pay, meaning salary growth beyond a point is limited to tech-first companies / limiting addressable market for lateral moves.

All of these considererd, how should PMs think about the longevity of their careers? Unlike traditional roles, this does not seem like a "retire at 60" job. What would be the realistic age one should plan for, at which career growth and salary growth will stagnate? What are ways in which a 80%ile PM can extend their career (eg: also taking up engineering management or P&L responsibility or growth function etc., to increase scope)?

PS: this post is not for the top 5-10% PMs. They will always find roles at VP level etc, this is for the 50-90%ile bucket of PM talent.

Longevity of a product career

Will commend you on a very well written and well articulated post. 
  
 Options for the future will be apparent at ~40.  Most peak roles will be achieved between 45-50. 
  
 Possible exits: 
  
 1. Running Category roles at companies which have a broad canvas, multiple product categories. 
 2. Deputing for and eventually running a P&L or a LoB. 
 3. Sales or more critically Customer Success.  Don't shy away from revenue responsibilities. 
  
 Engineering is a sharp left turn imo.  It's not an overlapping skillset at best and don't see how that is part of a PMs likely roadmap.

Sales Manager

Investor

So, I have an admit from IIT Madras, currently working as a software engineer for a product based company 11Lpa.
The jobs not too great but not bad either 
Hybrid model, chill team, great wlb no pressure or anything. 
I am up for appraisal next month even if i get a minimum of 20% hike and prepare for next 6months and switch with a minimum hike of 50% my ctc would be around 20 which is the average numbers in madras . 
Not taking cat again, so its now or never for MBA.
Should I continue with job or do MBA.
Any suggestions.
TIA.

Software Engineering or IIT Madras MBA

I have overall 4 YOE in software engineering space now and have been considering long term view of my career and what my future would look like.

Is MBA a better choice for long term growth and trajectory, I have been working primary in frontend software engineering space and still find it exciting and challenging due to new changes and updates coming everyday.

But is product management better for the long term, what is the career graph for frontend engineers after maybe 10-12 YOE ?

Also how does AI impact both roles in the long term ? Any past software engineers turned PMs what are your thoughts?

Frontend SDE vs MBA

Saw some misguided student post about PM internships. This is for anyone considering a PM internship.

DONT.

A fresher should not be going into Product Management. Focus on building hard skills first. You need an edge/alpha in your career strategy while reducing risk.

Atleast work for 1 year in the industry in a hard skill role. Then, think about transitioning.

This does two things.

1. You have a core differentiator compared to other candidates: Engg/ Design/ Sales/ Data Science/ Analytics.

Having a PM internship is not a good enough differentiator. No company would hire a Product Management intern over someone with hard skills in another domain. 

Product is different. In SDE, it makes sense to have multiple internships as it gives confidence to the recruiter that you’ll be able to do your job.

In PM, no recruiter worth their salt will consider a PM internship contributing to you being a successful PM. Your internship doesn’t contribute anything meaningful to its ability to communicate your skill.

2. You realise if you’re getting into a field because it’s a fad or you’re genuinely interested in it.

I’ve seen many such freshers switch into product and get into suboptimal orgs. Don’t. Do your career a favour and work on your hard skills. That alone will contribute a lot more to your Product Skills than some poor internship.

As a GPM at Gojek, I will never hire anyone who has done a PM internship unless they have a solid track record in a hard skill based role.

You can only be a good “enabler“ if you can empathise with a “builder”. 

Can you be a PM out of college, YES? Should you? NO.

You’ll realise this later in your career. First gain experiences building/enabling real products, you’ll thank yourself for that when it helps you build better Products. 

Also, stop listening to these charlatans who masquerade as Product Gurus. They are out to make a quick buck. Don’t do these Product Courses. It’s all a farce. First, get some experience and then you’ll know

Why you shouldn’t do PM internships?

Hey everyone, So I have done my Bachelors in Engineering and I am thinking of switching to the role of Business Analyst. I was wondering if anyone could help me out wether it’d be a good idea or not also if I make the switch which skills or tools should I work on to make my profile look good or stand out. Other than that I am thinking of doing MBA so I am starting to prep for GMAT too so if you guys could give input on that would appreciate that. Thank you. The reason being for me switching is that my field is not giving me any job openings or opportunities which I can look or commit for a longer period of time.

Switching to Business Analyst

Automobile Engineer

Questions:

1. What was your job title pre and post MBA? 
What kind of an expectation did you have before going for an MBA?

2. How did the degree help you in terms of career growth, salary hikes?

3. Anybody who's started up post the MBA? If yes, how did it help?

Any product manager who has done an MBA from ISB or ivy league? If yes, please comment 🥺🙌

Anyone regretting not doing an MCA after BCA?

Can a person join product based MNCs with a BCA degree? 

Or should one do an MCA for better career prospects in tech?

Job after BCA or MCA?

Analyst

Welcome to Business Roles's Private Community

I am confused if I am the right candidate for the program. I don't have a solid reason for pursuing this course. 

My thoughts:
1. How will this degree help me in my career growth?
2. am I already earning more than what usually is earned by a passing out MBA grad?
3. I will get married in the next 2 years, and I want to get done with any additional degree before that.
4. What if my career growth hit some blockers just because I didn't invest some time and lacs into this degree.

About Me:
I have 4 and half years of experience as a Data Engineer. My academics are phenomenal (10 CGPA in 10th, 78% in 12th(99 percentile State Board) and Gold medalist in Btech with CGPA of 9.2 from new IIIT.

Experience: ZS, Flipkart, Grammerly 
Current role: SDE2 / L2, will be promoted in next 6 months

Salary: Cash component: 35LPA+RSU( projected to reach 40LPA + more RSU) in next 6 months)


Pls, this post is not to brag. I am asking for genuine advice on why one with such a portfolio should join an MBA degree program. My motive is just lying in how it will increases my earning potential along with career growth.

Should I do an executive MBA from IIM?

Data engineer

I need some advice. 

1. I am a fresher and am considering giving the CAT exam this year. 
2. Currently working as a data science intern and frankly, not enjoying it a bit. I dread debugging. I also feel everyday that AI can easily do 75% of my work. 
3. I want some business side roles, thinking I won't have to stare at a screen all day, fixing bugs. 

What roles can I expect after doing a MBA, is it worth the extra 2 years and the money, and if you are someone who can relate to my situation, what are some of the things you enjoy about your work and some things which you absolutely hate. 

I might have completely wrong expectations, so please feel free to correct me.

Life after MBA

I know it's an apple-to-orange comparison but which of these two, according to you, leads to a better career*?

By a better career I mean a role that pays better, has better chances to increase that pay, better opportunities to have an impact, better WLB, better peer group, etc

*Let's assume we're talking about a respectable level of competency in either of these fields (a good engineer vs a good MBA)

Software Engineering vs MBA

Hi,
I am working in an mnc as a software developer since 2 years after graduating from a top tier IIT. But I don’t see myself doing this in the next 5 years.
Should I do an MBA from top tier IIM college? I know it will not be beneficial in short term but in long term is it a good idea? 
Anyone from similar backgrounds do share your experience.

Should I do MBA after IIT

I’ve noticed a pattern that most folks at leadership have a masters degree at least (mostly mba). Im at that point where leaving my job (20LPA, 5YOE) for 2 years does not make sense and getting into ISBs would demand a strong Gmat score which looks difficult.
Should I take a MS or some other masters degree for the sake of it? Just so that I might be in contention for senior roles years later?

If not MBA, then what?

Growth Manager

Overview: 
Everyone around me, be it old school friends to the people in the bangalore startup ecosystem are planning to or already in the process of doing an MBA. 

What is happening:
Most of the people I know, either are going for a tier 1 MBA in India or colleges like “Carnegie Mellon”/ “INSEAD”/ “NUS” these are really good places. 

Why am I concerned:
I dont have great acade, GEM candidate so I have decided to not pursue CAT at all, and MBA outside India is too expensive. 

I feel like my job and career are going fine with 4 years of professional experience I am making 25LPA in marketing. I am not keen on doing an MBA but I dont want to regret later.

I consider myself to be fairly smart but what happens when I am competing with people who have great brand names on their resume and are actually smart. 

People on GV with more experience, have you gone through this struggle? 


Sidenote: I also have friends who have cleared IIM ABC, ISB and not gone, because they just wanted the admit letter. Which is brave lol!

Will an MBA destroy your life or make it better?

Performance Marketer

Hey everyone, excited to be doing this AMA!

A brief about me, I work currently as a Director of Product at an Indian unicorn startup 

About my career: 
- Did my undergrad from IIT and then masters from an Ivy league school
- Have been in product for almost 10 years now - across 2 Indian unicorn startups and a publicly listed company

Would love to take questions on what it means to be a PM, growing within the role, building your career, and other things :) 

Will be back here at 4 pm and start replying
Shoot away!

AMA 🎙️: Hey all, I am pmsprint, Director of Product Management at a Unicorn in India!

Any Product Managers with an MBA degree from ISB or any other ivy league abroad? If yes, please comment. 🥺🙌

What are the ideal options out of the PM roles and what kind of profile is required for the same considering I've started my career being a PM only?

Is an MBA required for these roles?

How can M.B.A help me in my career?

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