Should You QUIT Your Job for MBA Preparation?! | Career Matters Ep. 3 | Warikoo Careers Hindi

Summary

In this insightful career guidance conversation, Tarun, a young digital media analyst, seeks advice on pursuing an MBA while managing his demanding night-shift job. Despite his passion for business and management, he's unsure whether to quit his job for full-time CAT preparation. The mentor suggests studying while working, emphasizing the value of work experience alongside exam preparation. They also reassure Tarun that pursuing an MBA at 27 is not too late, and that gaining solid work experience is crucial. The mentor's advice encourages a balanced approach, optimizing career growth while preparing for the MBA journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tarun, a 22-year-old from Telangana, is currently working as a Digital Media Analyst in the advertising technology domain.
• 😀 Tarun's goal is to pursue an MBA, specifically from top Indian institutes (IIMs), after realizing a passion for business and management during his engineering studies.
• 😀 Despite enjoying his current job, Tarun faces challenges with his night shifts, which limit his time for MBA exam preparation and quality sleep.
• 😀 Tarun is considering whether he should quit his job and take a year off to fully focus on preparing for MBA exams like CAT.
• 😀 The larger question for Tarun is whether taking a break from work is the right decision to prepare for CAT or whether he should continue working while studying part-time.
• 😀 Tarun is clear about his decision to pursue an MBA and targets top-tier IIMs, with a focus on business management and finance.
• 😀 The concern around taking a gap year for MBA preparation is that people often perceive it negatively, but Tarun is open to the idea with parental support.
• 😀 Tarun's current job, which is in a completely different domain (advertising technology), provides valuable work experience but makes studying for the MBA exam challenging due to time constraints.
• 😀 The counselor suggests that it is a better idea to continue working in a job while preparing for MBA exams, ensuring financial security and a better routine.
• 😀 The counselor reassures Tarun that pursuing an MBA at 25 or 26 is ideal, as it provides the right amount of work experience to enhance the MBA journey without being too early or too late.
• 😀 In the end, the recommendation is to pick a day shift job, continue with work experience, and prepare for CAT alongside work, using weekends and free time effectively.

Q & A

What is Tarun's background and current situation?

Tarun is from Telangana, living in Hyderabad for his education and work. He graduated with a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication and has been working as a Digital Media Analyst in advertising technology for about one and a half years. His role is hybrid, though he prefers going to the office.

Why does Tarun want to pursue an MBA?

Tarun has always been interested in business-related subjects and has a passion for management. He sees an MBA as a way to land a role in management and to build a strong network, enabling him to move toward a more business-focused career.

What is the main challenge Tarun faces in preparing for the MBA exam?

The primary challenge Tarun faces is balancing his current job, which includes night shifts and demanding hours, with the time needed to prepare for the MBA entrance exam (CAT). He is concerned that his job leaves him little time to study effectively.

Why is Tarun considering quitting his job to prepare for the MBA exams?

Tarun is considering quitting his job to dedicate full time to preparing for the CAT exam. He feels that his current job's night shifts and workload are preventing him from preparing properly, and he thinks taking a break would allow him to focus on his preparation.

What is the potential risk of quitting his job for a year to study for the MBA exams?

The risk is that after taking a year off, if Tarun does not succeed in getting into the top MBA colleges, he might face challenges in re-entering the job market. He also worries about the negative perception of a gap year, especially if it extends beyond one year.

What is Tarun's main concern regarding his age and pursuing an MBA?

Tarun is concerned that by the time he completes his MBA, he will be close to 27 years old, which some might consider late for starting a career after the MBA. He is worried that it may affect his future opportunities.

How does the speaker suggest Tarun proceed with his career plans?

The speaker suggests that Tarun should continue working while preparing for the MBA exam. The speaker recommends finding a job with a day shift that allows time for study and recovery, rather than quitting to study full-time. This approach will give him both work experience and financial security while preparing for the CAT exam.

What are the potential advantages of working while preparing for the MBA exam, according to the speaker?

The advantages include gaining valuable work experience that will be beneficial during an MBA, maintaining financial security, and ensuring a balanced routine. This will also allow Tarun to practice for the CAT exam alongside his job, without the pressure of a full-time study gap.

What is the suggested timeline for Tarun's MBA preparation?

The suggested timeline is for Tarun to give his practice CAT this year to gauge his current level, then fully commit to preparing for the exam in 2026 while continuing to work. The goal is to give the full CAT attempt in 2026, with the possibility of needing to try again in 2027 if necessary.

How does the speaker address Tarun's concerns about being 27 years old when starting his MBA?

The speaker reassures Tarun that starting an MBA at 27 is not late. In fact, it is a good age because it provides enough work experience, which enhances the MBA experience. The speaker emphasizes that 25-26 is an ideal age for an MBA, and age should not be a barrier to pursuing it.