An Engineering student asked: ‘I am doing B.E. (Computer Science Engineering) and I would like to do MBA in US. Do the International students have good job opportunities after pursuing MBA from US? Is it worthwhile to do MBA in US in the present job scenario? How much score do I need in GMAT to get a seat in good B-Schools in USA?’

Answer: Pursuing MBA education from a good B-School in USA is an appreciable decision. It opens up a plethora of lucrative career opportunities. USA has some of the top business schools in the world. In the US, B-schools fall under two broad categories- public (state supported), and private (autonomous) institutions. The pedagogy, facilities and fee vary depending on the school. Students can opt for either a state supported or a private B-School in US.

Some of the top US based B Schools are run by the Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duke University, Columbia University, University of Chicago, etc.

For most US universities the eligibility criteria for admission in to the MBA program is 16 years of undergraduate education. This includes four years of education after completion of 10+2. Candidates with a 3- year degree will not be eligible for admission to most MBA programs in USA. They would need to have a professional four-year degree like Engineering or any such courses or undergo an additional one year full time educational program.

Most B-Schools in USA recommend or demand a minimum of two to three years of work experience. Though some US universities accept students without any work experience, preference is generally given to candidates having work experience.

Job markets are dynamic and managers need to continuously update their knowledge and skills to prosper. The demand for MBAs would be good as businesses are expanding and human resources are required to manage them. Hence the future is bright for MBA graduates from a good institution. The opportunities after MBA degree depend on a student’s knowledge, skills, aptitude, academic background, work experience, area of specialization and performance in the selection process. At an entry level, it also depends on the placement support offered by the Campus.

A student of BBA inquired: ‘I am doing final year BBA (Finance). I am not able to choose between MBA and Job options after BBA. Is it better to take MBA or settle in job after BBA?’

Answer: The demand for placement of good undergraduates is on the rise as industry is looking at hiring and training the young talent. BBA with a specialization in Finance does offer lucrative employment opportunities. However, whether to take up a job or pursue higher education depends on your career objective. Hence you need to look at your long term goals.

Even if you do get a lucrative job opportunity now, in the long run you need to have MBA degree to progress in career ladder. Otherwise your career shall stagnate after a point in time. Hence, it is better to complete your MBA degree and take up a job after that.

However, many youngsters prefer to work for a couple of years after their BBA and then go for MBA education either in a reputed institute in India or go abroad. It depends on your financial needs, aspiration to pursue higher education in a reputed institute and feeling responsible to study further after a couple of years of work experience.