Career Dilemma: Should I Start Working at Wipro or Pursue Higher Studies?

Hi HR Gurus,

I am a B.Com graduate. I was recruited by Wipro through a campus interview. Please suggest to me whether it would be better to gain work experience or pursue higher studies. My parents want me to pursue higher studies only. Please show me the right path for my journey.

Hi Karthik,

First of all, congratulations. Well, if you ask me, I can only offer suggestions, but ultimately, you have to decide. As you mentioned, you have been selected. May I know what the job profile is? If you are interested in studying, you can go for an MBA in HR. This will provide you with more knowledge. Alternatively, you have the option to do an MBA through correspondence.

If the job profile is good, please go ahead. If you can send the job profile, I can provide more precise suggestions based on that.

Take care. Regards, Devanand

Dear Dev Anand,

I am working as an Accounts Associate in Wipro. I am pursuing my MBA (Finance) through Pondicherry University. However, I feel that this education is not equivalent to a regular MBA, so I am seeking advice from experts like you.

Thank you.

Hi Karthik,

First of all, I am not an expert. Anyways, see, doing an MBA through correspondence is nowhere equal to a regular MBA. If one is a fresher, it may not add much value. However, since you are already working, it will help you in your career, though the knowledge gained may not be as comprehensive as in a regular program. In some companies, a Correspondence MBA is not highly preferred, leading to slower growth. However, this ultimately depends on the HR policies of the company.

I suggest that since you are working and studying simultaneously, focus on your studies. There is no requirement to physically attend classes to gain knowledge, especially in the current world. I recommend against pursuing further studies.

Anyways, good luck for your future. Take care.

Regards,
Dev

The most imp thing is Qualification. I suggest you to take up further studies, since that will help in future growth…… job which you are offered right now will be of starter – fresher or of a BOP executive… correct me if wrong…. For a B.Com if you see there is not scope for development… in big companies…. Also correspondence courses are not much of help… unless you have a big degree with you….
All the best and decide what best for you…..

Thank you for your advice. Please suggest to me about higher studies - whether to pursue an MBA or opt for professional courses. Also, advise me on the potential impact on my career if I were to quit my job today. Some of my friends have mentioned that leaving a job after only 8 months, especially from a reputable company, may not reflect well on my career. I am quite disheartened by these comments. I believe that as experts, you can provide me with better guidance.

Always obey your parents. If they want you to pursue higher studies, do so. Even though I was selected in an MNC for a Rs. 13,000 salary in the finance department after my B.Com, I chose to reject the offer and pursue an MBA in HR.

Hello Jayaraman,

Why alienate people by calling them gurus? This is a site where you share knowledge irrespective of your experience and level. To answer your specific query, study further. If you don't do it now, you will get stuck later in your career. Get focused now. What do you want to become? Government job? Private? Want to go abroad? Nationalized Banks? Public Sector? Chartered Accountant?

1. For you, becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is a very good option. After CA, you can explore any of the above options.
2. Consider pursuing an MBA in Finance/Marketing from an institute ranked within the top 30.
3. If you cannot secure either of the above or lack confidence in those options, join an MBA program in a decent college and continue your education with NIIT.
4. Another option to consider is pursuing ICWA.
5. If you have an interest in HR, which you may not be aware of at the moment, specialize in HR alongside Finance. But, ensure you study diligently.

Siva

Hey Karthik,

Congratulations! It's a great feeling to be selected from the campus itself.

A couple of floating ideas to help you make your decision...

The debate is not whether you should go for the job or not. The debate is how your career path would differ in case you do, and if you don't.

India is perhaps the only country where students first complete their full education and then look for jobs. In all other countries, individuals undertake an MBA (which is the logical choice) only after at least 3 years of job experience. It's logical too; you can apply all the learning to your work experience and understand the concepts instead of just the theory.

In India, however, you complete your studies and then try to apply the theory to practice... So?

I would suggest going for the job. It's a great addition to your CV that you were selected from the campus. Work for two years, study in the meantime for CAT, GMAT, XAT, and then get into a management institution.

1) The chances of getting in increase. Two, you actually understand the whole routine.

Whatever path you choose, all the best for that.

Saurabh

It is better to join Wipro to gain some experience. You can learn a lot from the job rather than in a classroom environment.

I repeat my advice: study further. We are not in the US. If you join now, you will taste earnings. That money is handsome. You will get into commitments. When you actually want to study, you cannot get rid of your commitments.
Better qualify yourself.
Siva