Pursuing an MBA degree is a big decision in anyone’s life. There are many MBA colleges in India offering various courses. It’s not easy to choose the right college. Students often get misguided when they see a large number of colleges and courses. We have seen students joining top B Schools and even IIMs with high hopes and later regretting their decisions as outcomes may not meet expectations when it comes to the overall learning experience.
People join MBA not only to enhance their professional experience but also to develop certain managerial skill sets which propel their career opportunities, professional as well as personal life.
Before joining any MBA college, one should be asking certain questions so as to ensure that the institute provides the desired learning environment.
1) What will be the total cost of the program and how much expense will I incur every year? Also check Hostel /Lodging / Fooding / International Immersion Cost etc.
- What is the Average Placement Offer ? Find the trend for at least the last 3 years. Verify the figures displayed in the website of the college with 3rd party. If possible with alumni.
Check Placement trends of Top 100 Colleges in the link below in #4.
- What are the profiles of recruiters that keep visiting the institute – consulting, finance, HR, Operations, Marketing – this would indicate which area this institute is strong at and what is preferred intake by organisations from this institute ? Check past 3 – 5 years of data to see the organisations that are coming again and again.
- What is the Return on my Investment (ROI) ?
- What is the placement policy of the college? Do they allow students to have multiple offers or is it restricted to one offer per student? Remember your first offer may not be the best offer. Do they allow students to sit across domains in campus placements or restrict them to sit for placements only to the specialisation undertaken by the student ?
- Will I be able to manage my time between studies and other activities like sports, hobbies etc.?
Well, this is very difficult. Once you have enrolled for a good B School and started your MBA / PGDM programme most of your time will be absorbed in projects, case studies, campus activities etc. There will be barely any spare time to pursue other things seriously. If you are really serious about something and want to balance your MBA and interest you need to check it out before taking admissions. Do not get disheartened or demotivated later. It would also affect your MBA.
Do enough research. Verify and fact check the claims made in the brochure or website of the college. List out Pros and Cons. If you are not sure about your answers to these questions, then consult with someone whom you think may have the knowledge and experience on this and can guide you. Remember it’s a big investment and one should not take the decision unless you are too sure of what you are getting into. There shall be no regrets.
