It is easy to be lost in a myriad of choices to make a career in. Choosing your MBA specialization is one choice that you need to make on your own. You can consider other’s opinions but cannot rely on them entirely to make your life decision. This decision is usually easier to make if you have some work experience and are well aware of your forte. However, recognizing what you would do best comes as a challenge when you don’t have any work experience. Here are some useful tips on how to choose MBA Specialization.
Do Your Research
Research is not limited to googling facts, career prospects and salary of different specializations. Attend seminars, visit your dream university, talk to the experts and listen to what experienced MBA graduates in your field have to say about the challenges and opportunities in that field.
Dig Out Your Strengths
No matter how enticing a particular MBA specialization might sound, when choosing a specialization, find out whether it’s meant for you. For example,
- Choosing International Business as your specialization will require you to have cross-cultural communication skills, excellent networking abilities and adaptability. If you’re armed with these skills, MBA in International Business can allow you to make a lucrative career in international trade, foreign service, and other such fields.
- Choosing MBA in Tourism and Hospitality will require you to have a pleasing and an influential personality with strong strategical skills. Being multi-lingual can give you an edge and give an opportunity to expand your career to an international level.
- Usually, MBA in Information Technology is chosen by engineering graduates. A stronghold of technical skills, though not a pre-requisite, but can be quite beneficial in understanding the tasks you shall be managing.
- Likewise, before you choose MBA in Financial Markets or MBA in Banking & Insurance, make sure you are adept at analytical and quantitative skills and also have a pre-hand knowledge of Business Studies, Accountancy, Statistics and, Mathematics.
Understand the Industry
Before setting off into the industry, understand what kind of people and organizations you shall be working with. Research on the opportunities to grow in the industry and how often will you be given those opportunities. Research the various organizations and companies that are leading in the industry understand their work culture. Can you imagine yourself working there as well as enjoying it?
Make Long-Term Goals
Where do you see yourself in 10-20 years from now? Does the choice of your MBA specialization direct you there? Don’t go after short-term trends in the market. Analyze and introspect whether the chosen field will keep you satisfied in the years to come.
Follow Your Passion
By pursuing MBA and developing a critical understanding of the business environment, the MBA specialization you choose can help you set your sail in entrepreneurship and be your own boss. This will truly allow you to do what you are passionate about.
Take Risk
If you still aren’t sure of which MBA specialization to choose, you can postpone the decision. Enrol in 1st year in your dream college. Wait, observe and repeat all the above-mentioned steps for one year until you make your final decision in your 2nd year.
