Torn Between TCS Job Offer and MBA in IT/Systems: What Would You Choose?

I am pursuing B.E (Computer Science) final year. I got placement in TCS this year. I am in a dilemma... whether to join TCS or do MBA (IT/Systems). (I want to be in a technical line, that's why if I would be doing MBA, then it would be in IT/Systems only.) Please suggest me... MBA (IT/Systems) (full-time) or MBA (IT/Systems) (part-time) after joining TCS? What are the scopes of part-time and distance learning MBA's? Waiting for your precious comments. - Prateek Jain

Hi,

Prioritize your current needs. Are you in need of a job? Can you do without being employed, take up further studies, and then go ahead for a job, etc. It's good that you got placed in TCS. Opportunities will flow in when you do an MBA as you will have double professional qualifications (degrees, I meant). There are people who work after BE and take part-time MBA courses (one of my colleagues was pursuing from NMIMS).

It's up to you to decide if you want to give it a try to work in TCS and simultaneously pursue a part-time MBA. If there are no personal issues or problems like financial constraints, then you can wait a while. Otherwise, you will have to prepare yourself to work very hard, manage the job, and studies as well.

Some companies prefer candidates who have done a full-time MBA, while some consider just the degree (part-time/full-time/correspondence; doesn't matter). See if you can seek part-time admission, take up the job, and if you feel you cannot manage it, you can always leave the job. The final decision is yours.

Best of luck.

Ambika Kamath

Thanks for your valuable response, Ambika.

Suppose I am doing MBA (part-time or distance) in IT/Systems while working at TCS. After the completion of my MBA, will my company offer me a salary or position hike?

And one more question... My intention is to work as a System Analyst. I personally think that I should pursue an MBA. As a computer science engineering student, should I opt for SAP training instead of pursuing an MBA in Systems to achieve that position?

SAP is very much in demand. Honestly, the choice is yours, Prateek.

After completion of MBA, some organizations will not immediately hike your salary or promote you, but will definitely consider it during your appraisal time. As soon as you complete your MBA, inform your seniors/immediate reporting boss, HR, that you have passed MBA. Do not forget to give a copy of the certificate to HR. Also, make necessary changes in your bio-data - your additional/professional qualifications.

Ambika Kamath

That's absolutely fine, madam. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Well, I am planning to go for TCS. Then, according to demand, I will pursue an MBA. I am ending up with my Engineering in June 2008, and I will probably get my joining in October. Meanwhile, I will undergo training in SAP (ERP) so that the company might associate me with a SAP project.

I will take MHCET in January 2008, and if I get into a good college, I will pursue an MBA in IT/Systems. I hope I'm on the right path! 😊

Good decision. A person who has some experience (3 years or so) before doing an MBA will benefit much more from the course. TCS is one of the finest IT companies in India. Congratulations on your selection!

Dear Prateek,

Congratulations on deciding to join TCS, as it is a dream company for many aspirants. I am a student at ICFAI Business School, and based on my experience here, I would recommend pursuing an MBA in finance as your major. Given your existing technical expertise and your future role involving software development for banking and financial institutions, an MBA in finance would be beneficial.

After completing an MBA, you can explore opportunities in banks with attractive packages exceeding 7-8 lakhs. From your message, it seems that pursuing an MBA from ICFAI (through distance learning) could be a suitable option for you. I encourage you to consider this and share your thoughts with me.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Sumit