B-Schooling Queries

 

MS, other programs?!

 

Hi Sowmya, I was going through your article regarding Intl MBA. I'm yet to finish it. Before that I couldn't stop my self mailing you. Great work! I'm recommending it to my MBA-aspirant friends. I'm sure that it'll help them a lot.

I'm thinking whether to go for MS in Quantitative Finance (to enter IB) or MBA in Finance. It's a big dilemma. Being a graduate from Bits Pilani, I feel that I should go for my Masters. I'm not happy about the work I'm doing. I feel that I can achieve more. I'm not confident about my communication skills. Even my English (as u see) is pathetic. That's what is frightening me most. Anyway, congratulations for getting into Duke. I hope you got your Visa by now. If not, my best wishes for your Visa Interview.

Thanks Sarath, I am done with visa et al. And I am leaving in another fortnight. Thanks for the wishes!! :-) I am not really sure how I can help you. I think its time u made up ur mind about either an MS or an MBA, else u will be stuck with this dilemma for a long time. As I have very limited exposure to Finance/IB, I wont be the right person to guide you. But I would suggest u spend some time in some of the discussion boards like PG or testmagic or gmatclub or BW forum etc. These will atleast start ur thinking process. All the very best. Do let me know if u need anything.

Hi Simba, To start with my intro. Iam Deepak Rao, working in an IT company at Hyderabad. On PG, I came to know that your in Fuqua @ Duke. Congrats for getting there. Iam planning to apply for MEM ( Master of Engg Management) program @ Pratt School @ Duke. http://memp.pratt.duke.edu This program is conducted in conjunction with Fuqua SB , Duke School of Law and Pratt school of Engg. Can you throw some light on it. For e,g: How is this program,in terms of course curriculum, faculty, Industry relevance, and Placements. Thanks and Regards!

No idea Deepak. U might have to call people in Admissions & ask them!! :)

Hi Satya, I saw your comment on my blog. >>hi,…am satya and i wish to join this community..could u pls send me an invitation??? i coulnt fine ur email id here..could u pls help me???

I think you are referring to PagalGirl. It is no more. It was brought down last year by the PG management. Thanks!

Hi Simba, Thanks fr ur reply...let me tell u about my profile.. i have completed my B.tech in Electronics and communications with an aggregate of 78%..now i am going to the US to pursue my MS in VLSI...my long term goal is to get into ISB..pls tell me if my career map is correct enough..i got placed in infosys here in mysore..do u advise me to join here or to go fr my MS. i opted fr MS as it will help in proper employment in a fortune 500 company..and later after working fr 2 years i can write GMAT...tht was my plan..but i would like some guidance frm u as well..also pls tell me the current GMAT score required for getting into ISB..pls do reply..am confused as ever...

Dear Satya, I did my BE long long ago & won't be able to comment on how good or bad your aggregate percentage is. But it seems reasonable to me. :) Let me give you a snap shot - so, you are looking at MS for 2 years and if the job market is good, another 2 years in work force. However, you never know what may happen, so, lets give it another 6 months extra. Then, a shot at ISB with GMAT et al. So we are looking at something like 5- 6 year future plan - do you really think that things will just lay out the way you want! It might not, so don't over plan.

If you have made up ur mind for MS, then go ahead & do it with all enthusiasm. Try to over achieve and pick up a great GPA. And that might put you in some great company where you might actually enjoy working for a long time to come. You might not even feel like ever studying again. But later, if you wish to, you can always get back to business school anywhere in the world. GMAT for ISB, hmmm.. some where average - 700s. But don't let that be an anchor. People with various GMATs make it to diff schools. All I am saying is, for right now, concentrate on this piece of nearest future! Make the most of it! And stay in touch. Good Luck. let me know if you need anything else.

Dear sowmya... thanks for ur immediate response...yeah i guess ur rite..nothing is generally the way we want it..so anyway rite now let me concentrate on my MS..later on i can shift off to management... rite now thats the general idea i have...anyway thanks fr ur time and advise... cheers!!!!

Hi, Hope you are doing well. Just went through your website ...loads of the people must have said you that you are doing a great job by helping "confused" people out. Add my name to that list. Pls Help me out now. I have been thinking over it for last few months and whenever i approach someone for help..he multiples the mess. I passed out form a reputed college in 2006 and am working in Gurgaon. As far as future plans go..i wanna pursue an MBA from Fundu college.I have always loved brands and will rest in a branded coffin for sure. Skeleton profile: BE. 72.13%. Extra curricular (not toooo good ..) And Associated with some NGO's etc etc.

So the story is ....as far as i know MBA from fundu college requires a lot apart from the GMAT score. I think i can crack the Cat but don' t get the feeling to do my post grad frm India. I have exactly 1 year experience and planning to give GMAT next year and apply for 2009 batch. Where the problem arrises is, I dont think with average profile and typical IT male Indian thing i would be able to get into coooool MBA collge in US. I try to make it more straight.The opitons that are bugging me at this point of time.

1. Go with so-so profile and 3 yr exp. and huge loan...Whts the problem here: I may get into B grade B-school ...huge loan....nd as you said in your last post about not getting H1b visas after MBA. In that situation coming to India with Huge loan from b grade B school ...No one will welcome me here for sure. And in case Loans have to be avoided NUS and NTU are options.

2. Go for more exp. in IT, may be 3-4 yrs more. Look for onsite projects.. Whats the problem here: Very less onsite projects here in my company. Also onsite is pure luck. As far working in India is concerned No ways..I dont feel like working here..Wanna settle in US for sure. Can not spend 4-5 yrs in India. Eeeeeeh...!

3.I have 1 year exp.. right now. Give GRE by this nov(2007) and join the fall 2008 batch.. for MS in good Univ in US..work there for2-3 yrs and give GMAT with good work exp..and Extr curricular that I will enhace during my MS. By this atleast i will get some quality IT work in US and good MBA school after 4-5 yrs.. Whats the problem here: When i join MBA school i'll be around 30.. age factor is little concern here.

Am really confused with these 3 options..So let me knw the best possible way out of these three or any better one you knw. Now evrythng lands on your shoulder..I ll roar frm the second you say it. Pls dont give mixed solution..Your say will be last nail in the coffin of confusion. Waiting for your reply.. Stay True and beautiful.

Vinay, Now, let me tell you one thing. You are far too young to know what you want to become in life, at least your email portrays so. But one thing is for sure, you hate to stay in India. So, I would suggest an easy way out, maybe a little work on your side but surely will help you get out!

Follow your third option. I imagine, MS is much better for your candidature at this point. Just so, you get enough time in the industry and also give you a chance to move to US faster, because following the MBA path can be a lil more winding & long. Get an MS in whichever field you choose and work for some years here. That will give you an idea about your career & also enough time for you to learn more about yourself. You can always opt for an MBA at a later part in life, like say, after you get your Green Card. That way, you dont have to worry about the problems I am facing now. And 30 is not too old for B-schools, at least the top ones.. the average age is 29. Hope it helps!

 

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