Post-MBA: Choosing The Right Career Path

Post-MBA: Choosing the Right Career Path

An MBA can open doors to a number of careers.

But how exactly do you know which path to take?

Sameer Kamat, of MBA Crystal Ball, recently discussed how students can select the right career after an MBA.

DO SOME INTROSPECTION

Kamat says introspection is the first critical step in deciding your career path post-MBA.

He recommends students to think deeply with honest reflection about their goals.

“Which industry and function do your educational background, skillset, and personality fit the best? It’s a good idea to mull these questions before and even while you are doing your MBA, as you will be alert to the industries and functions that may or may not be suitable,” Kamat writes.

After asking yourself these questions, Kamat recommends that students take a self-assessment on their strengths and weaknesses.

“Try to remove the weaknesses and develop your strength further,” Kamat writes. “Don’t feel overwhelmed by the job search to come. Remember and relish the achievement you have made already, such as having been able to get into a good b-school and do well in your MBA program.”

PREP YOURSELF WITH QUESTIONS

Kamat outlines a number of questions that students should ask themselves to prepare for the career search including:

  • “When do companies come to my campus for recruitment?”
  • “Which are these companies/industries?”
  • “Which of them should I prefer, given my skills and interests?”
  • “How can I improve my resume?”
  • “Do I know how to prepare for an interview?”

Experts recommend students to know their target industry and understand the ins and outs of that industry.

“Start by setting some parameters to guide your research, then do your homework,” Nonie Mackie, of Fortuna Admissions, writes for P&Q. “This can include researching specific industries and roles and identifying new trends and opportunities that excite you.”

In terms of what types of parameters to set, Mackie says, it can be helpful to ask yourself a few questions.

“Is your goal to work in a particular industry (i.e. retail, hospitality, energy), where you may pass through a variety of functions over the course of your career? Or is it to develop an area of deep expertise and specialization (i.e. finance, marketing or human resources)? Not only will this groundwork make your application stronger (by articulating a credible and compelling career vision), it will give you a solid understanding of what it’s going to take to land your post-MBA job,” Mackie writes.

Want more tips on selecting the right career? Click here.

Sources: MBA Crystal Ball, Poets & Quants

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