An overview of an Executive MBA : Pros and Cons

A Masters in Business Administration in definitely a worthwhile academic pursuit. It is one of the most popular degrees with students out there today and one that has a range of specializations from a number of different kinds of schools. A number of students today opt to pursue an MBA program to further their educational aspirations as well as enhance their career prospects. But what about those professionals who have already joined their chosen professional stream and are looking to climb the rungs of a slippery corporate ladder? It becomes impossible to juggle a full time job as well as a full time course. This is where an Executive MBA can come in and fill the gap.

A Executive MBA program or an EMBA as it is also called, is a Masters degree that serves a large population base of working professionals. It is as its name suggests an MBA option for executives and professionals who have already started working and want to gain an additional degree or diploma in order to give them a boost at the work place. Many employers too today willingly fund an executive MBA course for talented employees who they feel have the potential to blossom and be a major asset to their companies. It is in fact a great option for lower and mid level employees who want to advance to the managerial level and higher. 

If you are considering opting for an EMBA, here are a few pros and cons you may want to consider:

Pros: 

• It shows initiative – Employers love a worker who has the drive and ambition to succeed and wants to take the next step to not only further their career prospects, but also be a more skilled employee for their company. Opting for a course of study even after you have already begun your journey on the career path shows that you are serious about your job and want to rise. Talk to your higher ups whether going in for such a program would be considered a boon for the company and whether you can adjust your schedule if needed for course work.

• It is not as intensive as a regular MBA – An EMBA program will likely be a part time one, a few days a week. The course materials may be more targeted toward a specific set of skills and subject matters rather than a very comprehensive full time regular MBA.

• It is a good networking tool – An executive MBA course will likely be attending by other working execs like yourself. Although you will find people from all streams, some find it a great way to meet like minded people and people working in the similar strata as themselves.

Cons:

• It might be too much to handle – Not everyone can handle a full time job and a post graduate course at the same time efficiently. Responsibilities at work as well as course work can get a bit overwhelming if you cannot manage your time well and give due diligence to both.

• It may not be what you need – Not all workplaces are that supportive or appreciative of their employees taking on additional responsibilities and courses. It may not even be necessary in order to be considered for that career raise. Talk to your higher ups and check if this is something that is worth your time, if that is the sole purpose that is driving you to take it on.

Pros and Cons of a Career in Journalism

Journalism is definitely one of the most popular careers out there in the media sphere. Whether you aim to be a news correspondent, a travel journalist, TV correspondent, sports writer or more the world of journalism is a vast and dynamic one. It is no wonder then that every year hordes of students opt for mass communication courses in Mumbai and other metros. 

Whether it is for print, television or online media, journalism requires a certain kind of person. You have to be up to date on what is happening around you, be quick on your feet and even quicker in your mind. It is not a stream or career choice for the lazy or dispassionate! Whether you plan to take on a course in journalism or want to jump right in with an internship, know fully well of what you are getting you into. 

Like most careers in media, portrayals in movies and sitcoms are always glamorous and stylish. Yes, it can be fun, sometimes glamorous (depending on where you work and what you do), but also gritty, tough and difficult. But usually exciting!

Pros - 

Meet different kinds of people – Unlike a regular 9 to 5 job where you meet the same office goers day after day, careers in journalism open you up to so many different kinds of people. Whether it is people you are covering for a news report, interviews, working with different people within the industry and more, you usually have the opportunity to meet and experience so much and in so much diversity. 

It is rarely monotonous – Challenging and often extremely varied, journalism offers a career stream that is rarely monotonous. Yes, you may have to pay your dues during the starting days when you may not be doing exactly the kind of range of work that you want, but it is far more interesting to people who can't stand the thought of doing the same desk job day in and day out. You may also get to travel and explore new places depending on your job.

Cons -

Too fast paced for some to handle – If you are the kind of person that takes comfort in routine and wants a steady job with regular hours, this career stream is definitely not made for you. It can sometimes be a job that has you on your feet and alert 24/7 and definitely does not come with regular or even healthy working and sleeping hours.

Extremely competitive – Like it was mentioned earlier there are loads of people studying at mass communication courses in Mumbai and other cities that are strong media centres. Therefore, competition is fierce and the choicest jobs much fewer. If you are looking to opt for journalism and expect a sure shot path to fame and seeing your names in the major by lines or to rake in the big bucks immediately, you may be disappointed. 

Like any other career option, do a little research before opting for a course to supplement your dream. But when you know you will settle for nothing else, do all you can and go for it!