Work experience can be advantageous

Dear Sir,

I have completed engineering in Information Science this year. I want to pursue an MBA abroad. When I searched through the criteria for getting seats in foreign B-schools, I found that they want students with experience. How many years of work experience do I need? Are there any B-schools which prefer students without experience?

Amit Hebbal

Dear Amit,

Certainly, management education abroad gives you much wider exposure and a broad outlook into management subjects and the opportunity to mingle and interact with students from different parts of the world.  The reason behind this is that one understands business principles better after getting exposed to actual business practices in the practical sense. Yet there are universities in the UK and Australia which admit fresh graduates without any work experience. Definitely the standard and quality of management graduates is far better when one studies management after a minimum of two years of work experience. Top rated universities all over the world including UK, USA, etc. look for work experience of three or more years in addition to your GMAT score. In fact ISB in Hyderabad insists on a 5-year work experience to give admission and have an entrance examination. If you are keen on not wanting to wait but get on with your management education you may look for courses ranging from one year, 18 months and two years in countries such as UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, etc. However the best and quality MBAs are from Universities abroad that have the entry requirements of a high GMAT score, work experience and good academic record.

Dear Sir,

I am a second year electrical and electronics engineering student from Bangalore. I am very keen on studying MS in the US, as there is better exposure and better research opportunities. My aggregate so far has been 90%. Please inform me about the kind of projects and research work to be done, as I know this is very essential for getting into a good university. Where can I find these projects (as my college does not offer any, apart from the final year project)?

Are there any other specific requirements to get into a tier-1 university other than the projects and good scores? I would also like to know the job prospects in the US or India after studying in such universities.

A Student

Dear Aspiring Student,

You have an advantage as you are studying a basic stream of engineering. Since your desire is to pursue engineering related career path your plan to pursue education at a higher level in a top university of the world is the right approach. Continue maintaining your academic achievements and if possible even better it. Also make sure that you acquire the ability to apply the acquired knowledge in practical areas. Choose a project where you feel that you can apply all the acquired knowledge in related fields.

Apart from this concentrate on getting very high GRE and TOEFL scores. Also indulge in some form of social work where you grow as a mature human being acquiring the capability of developing good people relationships and team building and leading qualities. Job prospectus is never a problem for a bright and enthusiastic youngster who is passionate of what he is doing. At the moment it is not so good in USA but it is slowly and steadily increasing. In our own country it is very good. This situation keeps fluctuating. Immaterial of what the scenario is continuing with your focus helps you to start your career at a high level after completing the Masters programme in a top rated university. What is important to your career growth is matching the job profile you are getting in to with your passion and interest.

Dear Sir,

I am a final year electronics and communication engineering student. I am inclined towards the environment and want to do my Masters in a related field. I have received an offer from the University of Edinburgh for MSc in Carbon Management for the fall of 2011. I would want to know the job opportunities/scope after completion of the Masters. I have also been placed by TCS and Accenture.

Usha

Dear Usha,

Though you are graduating in electronics and communications you can still deviate towards specialising in environmental issues. It is good that you have already been given a seat in that subject in a good university abroad. The scope, your growth and your earnings from your chosen career completely depend on your capability, your ability to apply your acquired knowledge and the way you interact and get along with people you work with.

Your satisfaction in the field of your passion brings you success. Certainly the field of environmental issues has taken a prominent role and necessity to address the burning ecological issues is being given priority hence you can grow well. Be aware of the placement and pursuing your career based on the placement. The job profile must suit your requirements.

The author is the Director of Banjara Academy and co-ordinator of Helping Hand. Send your queries to: Studying Abroad, DH Education, Deccan Herald, # 75,
MG Road, Bangalore-560001, or email us at: [e-mail]