DizzyQuokka
DizzyQuokka

Confused about a foreign MBA, leaning on a NO

I have “hustled” (whatever that means, most times I feel like a fraud) my way to a 60 LPA (no ESOPs and non engineering background) after 5 years. I’ve also realised that the job market has become pretty flat and degrees (ofc there are exceptions) don’t really matter once you have a foot in the door in the “ecosystem”.

However, I feel considerably lost (more existential maybe) and have been contemplating an MBA abroad for quite sometime. BUT, I don’t want to take money from my parents and I don’t want to exhaust my savings on one degree.

I’m not thoroughly “excited” about networking or just partying for two years and don’t feel very strongly about moving abroad either.

I think a foreign MBA just feels like an escape at the moment. However, I don’t know how it’ll solve anything to be honest, since I’ll still have to deal with the larger questions around purpose, what I stand for etc etc.

Any thoughts?

17mo ago
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DizzyMarshmallow
DizzyMarshmallow

As someone in almost the same boat (non-tech, 60LPA+ESOPs, hustle all the way), let me ask you a question - why do you need an MBA?

Is it the network? Or is it the escape? Or is it something else?

I have evaluated this decision for years now and I have to come to my own conclusion - better to go in-depth into what your ikigai is (or if you don't know the same, go in-depth into what you are doing irrespective of you liking it or not) than go into a breadth- based role like MBA.

Going ahead, with AI acing many repetitive and generic tasks, I feel depth is the only solution to be one step ahead.

GigglyDonut
GigglyDonut

Damn, can you share your role and journey?

DizzyMarshmallow
DizzyMarshmallow

Hey,

Sorry - but long to type. Link is here within Grapevine as a comment: https://share.gvine.app/YSuyNezsaz4SYbjL8

I have worked in Business led roles mostly

PerkyMarshmallow
PerkyMarshmallow

Do the one year program from IIM ABC or ISB. You want a thappa, this is a good thappa.

DizzyQuokka
DizzyQuokka

Out

DizzyQuokka
DizzyQuokka

Thanks though

BouncyRaccoon
BouncyRaccoon
ITC8mo

Hey, myself in the same split. What did you decide then?

FluffyBagel
FluffyBagel

what do you do and how do i do it too?

PeppyPretzel
PeppyPretzel

I was kind of in a similar situation to you in 2015. I had a chance to go to Wharton, didn't move ahead and now I regret it.

My reasons were broadly, I didn't want to take a liability (loan) which would have impacted my ability to pursue something of my own post MBA. I felt I was already kind of part of the ecosystem and MBA wouldn't help much.

Fast forward, I did try my hands at entrepreneurship. Was not super successful and moved into a job again after 3.5 years. However while being the founder, I was focused on building and lost touch with almost half of my network. While I am doing more than okay financially, I do believe not having a Tier I MBA has restricted my ability to get some roles.

Again everyone's situation is different. I come from a non-tier 1 undergrad background. If you have a Tier 1 undergrad background, what is applicable for me is not applicable for you.

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