Myths about MBA

While everyone has heard about the one million and one benefits of doing MBA, one hardly ever discusses or debunks the myths attached to this “magical” degree. There is so much controversy surrounding MBA and PGDM – which one has more value, which one will be recognized abroad and which one is the ticket to millions of dollars once you become an investment banker. The truth is (drum roll please), in the end it only depends on you. No matter how much you study or how hard you work, if you do not access your full potential you are leading a half-baked life, with or without a MBA. While it may sound very brutal, there is no denying that the right education and experiences always open the right doors, but don’t hold your breath! There are many other factors at play; let’s look at some overhyped MBA myths.

MBA plucks you out of the “masses” category and puts you in the “classes” category: Well some people think that simply doing MBA will make them conversation prodigies and networking geniuses, as they will know how to approach opportunities and create a leverage. Well, while these things may work in a professional environment, if you try to convert every social interaction into a professional opportunity, you will soon find your name being dropped from all lists.

MBA will finally give you the tools to implement that multimillion dollar idea: A lot o aspiring entrepreneurs think that if they go ahead and do their MBA before starting their own venture, then there is no stopping them. While it’s good idea to be positive and ambitious, it’s best to take off the rose tinted glasses in the start up phase. MBA or no MBA, it’s going to be a rocky ride – your idea may not generate the response you thought it would, you may have to shelve the company altogether or start from scratch for the third time in two years of operations.

It will all become smooth sailing and easy with MBA: Nothing could be further from the truth! It’s never going to be easy, especially after your MBA. Today’s corporate world is all about deadlines, strategies, crisis management and cash crunch. So if you think that life will be all about holidays and luxurious lunch meetings after MBA, then think again.

The degree matters, not the institute: Choosing the right institute for doing your MBA is extremely important, if you want it to add to your profile while applying for jobs. It is all about the institute, the syllabus and what you could extract from the whole experience.