Why MBA

In my previous posts I have always criticized Masters of Business Administration course and its usefulness. This post will be a welcome break.

During any MBA interview "Why MBA" is always asked. Lesser mortals like us have limited foresight of the future and we end my giving cliché answers. Few top answers are

1. I want to be an entrepreneur

2. I am a Manager in the Making

3. I want to expertise in Finance, so on and so forth.

I will present my perspective on this Legendary Question. I would like to start by squashing myths about Entrepreneurship and MBA. MBA can never inculcate entrepreneurial traits in anybody. Though, it can easily take them away. It is because of the inherit structure of the whole MBA course. You will learn Marketing, Finance, HR, Ops, Systems but not entrepreneurship. Best route to be an entrepreneurship is to become one. Nothing else matters.

MBA for me is about following things.

1. Change of Perspectives: As an undergraduate or working in the technical arena the way we look at things is different. For example 3 years back when I used to see an aircraft I used to think about the great engineering effort that must have gone into building it. Formula 1 was the mother of my imagination. But now Formula 1 is more of a brand to me rather than anything else. WWF now is a legendary because of the way they market themselves rather than anything else. You are able to appreciate a TVC commercial, in a new manner.

2. Environment: I have always believed that the culture and environment around you changes you as much as you change it. When you are among bunch of smart people, who talk about MBA fundas all day night, they way you perceive things also change. The Environment helps in transition of Technology oriented mind to business oriented mind, which is an important goal of MBA. One is better able to appreciate important terms like Positioning, Market risk, Prime lending rate…

3. Meeting Business leaders: Meeting and listening to top business leaders can influence your thought process more than anything else. As a part of MBA program one gets ample opportunities to meet these great thinkers. It is also about the self realization that happens after meeting these people. You tend to get overwhelmed by the vision they have. In the process seeds of great traits of these leaders are also sown in your heart, ready to bear fruits in the coming years.

4. Professors: These angels can change the course of your life, literally. They don't influence your thought process but in fact make it. Everyone must have had overwhelming moments listening to these great academicians. They introduce you to the world of Business. They hold your hand and walk you through complex jargons of MBA.

Ideas/criticisms are welcome, as always.