5 factors to keep in mind before choosing MBA specialization | the Prep Board
Choosing
the MBA specialization is a crucial decision for MBA aspirants. MBA programs
come with different specializations and you need to choose one that aligns with
your career goals. In this article, we will list 5 important factors to
consider before deciding on an MBA specialization.
1) What
are my interests?
- Do you prefer entrepreneurial or managerial aspects of business? Do you want
to work in marketing or finance? Knowing what types of activities interest you
is the first step when choosing an MBA specialization. You need to be honest
with yourself regarding this aspect because once you sign up for a
specialization you need to commit your time into it in order to carve out a
solid professional career for yourself. You might get intrigued by the monetary
aspects of the various specialization but do not get mesmerized and take up the
specialization blind folded. Here, there is a need to understand that any
specialization brings in money when you are emotionally invested into it, that
means you must possess certain qualifications and interest before venturing out
into a specialization. So, interest is the most fundamental thing to consider
while choosing a specialization.
2) What
are the subjects offered in various specialization? : Are you familiar to the subjects
being offered in the various specialization. Take a thorough look into the
course curriculum break-up of a particular specialization. Then analyze the
subjects properly and then ask yourself that whether or not are you ready to
channel your efforts into those subjects. Whether the subjects are sustainable
or not? Will they help you to future-proof your career? These are the basic
questions you must ask yourself after looking at the subject being offered in a
particular specialization which might help you to take a better calculated
decision.
3)
Number of Companies visiting your campus for the particular job-role: You need to check with the
placement department of your college regarding the number of companies
recruiting for your desired specialization. If the number of companies visiting
campus for a particular job role are less then you must look out for off-campus
placements and develop your profile accordingly. Otherwise look for any
different specialization for which a large number of companies hire from your
campus and also keep an eye on the pay packages being offered for the said
specialization. In short, your specialization should provide you with ample employment
opportunities within and outside the campus placements.
4)
Faculty Expertise:
Look thoroughly for the faculty available for various specializations being
offered in your b-school or the b-school which you are targeting. Faculty plays
an important role in making a specialization or a subject interesting or boring
as hell for you. There are a few faculties who can really inspire you to think
out of the box and work on innovative ideas. On the other hand, there are some
faculties who will just spoon-feed you with whatever is being offered in the
specialization without any critical thinking or analysis from your end. So, it
is always advisable to check faculty expertise before finalizing your
specialization.
5)
Prior Working Experience:
If you have prior working experience (both part-time and full-time) and want
top level jobs in that particular field only then go for the specialization
that augments to your career goals. Keep looking to add onto your existing
skill sets and MBA degree will be of a great use for you in that pursuit. Use
your specialization in order to achieve an exponential growth in your career
and justifying the investment made into your MBA. In such a way your learning
will be fun and will add immense value to your career trajectory.
These are
the five ways which can help you to choose the right MBA specialization for
yourself. Specializations like HR, finance, marketing and operations are some
of the most popular ones that students usually opt for. But it is always
advisable to do your own research and carve out a niche that suits you the
best. Your research can include talking to people already working in the
domain, consulting your professors and peers, connecting with people on
LinkedIn, watching interviews on YouTube, going for short term certifications
online etc.
It is
crucial that you choose the right specialization because that decides the
course of your career as well as the efficiency of your time invested in MBA.
MBA degree with a specialization will give you an extra edge over other
employees.