Fresh MBA Grads: Is Experience a Must for Landing Top Jobs Today?

Hello, myself Srishty and I am pursuing an MBA in HR. I am curious about the scope for professional degree students in the current scenario. Freshers are typically full of energy and enthusiasm to secure a job in top companies. Is it necessary for a person to gain experience before aiming to be recruited by these companies? Companies often hire for marketing, production, purchase, or sales sectors, with job vacancies mainly targeting experienced professionals. So, where do we as freshers fall short? Please suggest what companies today require from freshers.

I am also an HR professional, having ventured into HR after working in hotel operations. You are right in surmising that companies are looking for people in marketing, finance, operations departments, and so on. While I may not have heaps of experience, I can put forth a few observations and questions that hopefully might help you. Here goes:

1. Pursuing an MBA

You are pursuing an MBA from which institute? What is your motivation behind doing an MBA? Is it getting a good job, creating a knowledge pool, a desire for education, or other? Which semester are you studying in? Whatever may be the answers to these questions, you need to understand that a lot of education happens in an MBA course through self-motivation. You will have to talk to your seniors, peers, and professors to get various perspectives. Reading books and participating in competitions (of B-schools) will also help in widening your spectrum. It is these things that will make you employable. It should be noted that in this time of quick returns, companies don't have time to train people, especially new talent in the company.

2. HR as a Support Function

HR is and will be a support function for a company, which is typically seen as a cost center with no direct profit contribution. Whereas most other departments directly impact sales and hence money influx. Moreover, a company's HR department is relatively smaller than any operational department, and hence they naturally require fewer people in HR.

3. Credibility of the MBA Degree

The MBA degree itself lacks credibility nowadays. Many industry experts feel, and even I agree, that there are so many MBA colleges and there is a general doubt on the employability of many MBA students.

4. Aligning with the Industry

What to do in this case is aligning yourself with the industry. No matter which semester you're in, start doing internships with companies. It will serve two purposes - you will get to see HR function live, although from a grassroots level, and you will get to network. These are my - if flawed - opinions. Think about it.

Regards,

How does one gain experience unless they make a beginning somewhere? All experienced individuals must have been beginners at one time. Therefore, dispel the impression that newcomers can't find a job and develop a positive way of looking at things. Aditya has given you some useful tips. Here are some more to make yourself employable:

1) Since you are pursuing an MBA now, focus on grasping all HR concepts thoroughly rather than worrying about the future at this moment.

2) Form a group of enthusiastic students and engage in discussions among yourselves. Some individuals may only be seeking a degree, so it's advisable to avoid them.

3) Utilize the library facilities offered by your college to the fullest.

4) Participate in intercollegiate quiz programs/debates on management, regardless of winning, as it keeps you engaged with the subject and contemporary developments in HR.

5) Engage in seminars and actively participate in them as there could be questions related to this in interviews.

6) Undertake project work independently instead of delegating it to other team members, as you may face probing questions about the projects/assignments you have worked on.

7) Maximize your summer internship to ensure it is a real learning experience rather than just attending it as a formality.

8) Develop a network with professionals from the industry who visit as faculty or attend seminars; this networking may prove beneficial in the future.

If you combine your energy with your knowledge and showcase them during interviews or campus placements, I have little doubt as to why the interview panel would not take notice of you.

All the best,

Regards,
B. Saikumar

HR & Labour Law Advisor