Torn Between Teaching and Corporate HR: How Do I Choose the Right Career Path?

Hi all, I am an MBA fresher, currently working as an Associate HR with an IT firm. I've received an offer from a premier MBA institute affiliated with the University of Pune and AICTE approved for the positions of Lecturer/Counsellor/Placement Coordinator. I have a passion for teaching/training and have been doing it since my graduation days, having taught many students privately.

Decision Dilemma: Teaching vs. Corporate Job

My confusion lies in whether I should pursue the teaching job or continue with my current corporate job. Kindly share your views. I seek clarification on the SWOT analysis of both options.

It is totally your decision. If you have an interest or passion for teaching, then go for it. You should enjoy the work, that's it. If you want to be in a corporate culture, then stick to your current job. The decision should be entirely yours. "Listen to your heart."

Regards,
Upasna

Hey Upasana,

Thanks a lot. I know what my heart wants. I just don't want to end up with a dead-end career. Teaching is something I love to do. Will practical experience help me in teaching?

Regards,
[Username]

Hi Tonmoy,

With reference to your query where you mentioned that you have received an offer for the position of Lecturer/Counselor/Placement Coordinator, please clear the air regarding these offers, as the positions you mentioned are different from each other. There is a huge difference between a Lecturer and a Counselor/Placement Coordinator job.

Also, you can research the reputation of the MBA Institute that has offered you these positions. This will determine the quality of your work. Compare the salary scales at corporate and educational institutes, from current levels to future growth levels.

Frankly speaking, as you mentioned that you are an MBA fresher starting off a career now, you may find it difficult to do justice to teaching students at college or postgraduate levels. You should possess a good mix of exceptional subject knowledge, practical experience, and reasoning ability to shape young minds seeking knowledge to make a career.

As you rightly mentioned in your post, do a SWOT analysis of these two careers and make a choice. Rate your competencies realistically and also compare the pros and cons of the two careers.

Moving forward, you can take up teaching/training based on the experience and knowledge acquired. Don't rush into career choices now. Make a steady path; you have a long way to go. First, make sure how strong your passion for teaching/training is.

Teaching classmates or juniors in college privately and taking up a full-fledged teaching career are very different. You should be able to command respect from students coming from different strata of society and life. For that, you need to build a credible knowledge base, experience, reasoning ability, and show immense leadership skills.

At the end of the day, you have the choices, and you have to make the decision. You are the king of your destiny!

Hope this was helpful.

Hi Hussain, yes, it was really helpful. As far as doing justice to the post of teaching, I am concerned about it as I have seen many degraded teachers in my life. I'll definitely broaden my practical experience so that I can give my best to my students, and they'll remember me and my methodologies forever.

Both Upasna and Hussain have given you the right suggestions. In my view, you must also choose the subject that you want to teach and, if possible, enroll for a Ph.D. in that relevant subject. This will give a boost to your CV, and in the meanwhile, your work experience will add weight to your biodata.

Regards,
Raj