I am just about to complete my chemical engineering studies. After completing this, I plan to do an MBA. Given my core education in chemical engineering, what specialisation should I seek in MBA?
Sudeep, Chennai
Of India’s 5,51,000 engineering graduates in 2009, over 69% are headed for higher studies including management both in India and abroad. The engineering curriculum is geared to honing the pre-existing quantitative and analytical skills. The process of selection for engineers is a guarantee of certain personality traits like diligence apart from the ability for analysis and quants, which is the reason for the tremendous skew on campus where the non-engineer is usually outnumbered one is to three.
There is little correlation between the engineering specialisation and the management specialisation. As you are undoubtedly aware, the management specialisations run the gamut from marketing to operations, from finance to human resources and even telecommunications and technology. There is no formula to be applied in the selection of management specialisation.
How about spending some time listing your career objectives? And retro fitting management specialisation to that. Another technique that works is connecting with your seniors who are now MBA students or have already finished their MBA to check out the various pros and cons. I prefer a combo of both. So what would you like to do/take on as a career option? And once you have narrowed your options, you must do a check on your natural talent and aptitude.
And, of course, you are welcome to write in once you have narrowed down on your options and we can discuss this further. All the best.
In Solutions@work, a top expert with the The Express Group, Geetanjali Pandit Gupta, Corporate Head-Talent Engagement, will address your queries. Sent them to geetanjali.pandit@expressindia.com