Need Help with Career Path

[sohrabkalra]

Hi,

i wanted to discuss with you two options that i have in mind for the future Career Path. I intend to make a career in Brand Management But given the fact that i have an undergraduate Degree in Computer Engineering I am finding it difficult to Move to that are without some relevant Courses under my belt. I am giving a brief regarding my profile below and my questions below them .

GMAT - 720( V-30,Q-50)
TOEFL -113
UnderGraduate G.P.A -6.91/10 (B.E Computer Engineering)
Nationality - Indian
Age -24
Current Work Ex- 18 months
Company - Amdocs

Internship - Texas Instruments

I am attaching my CV for Detailed Work experience and Extra-Curricular Activities and the Essays i wrote for Columbia Ms in Marketing

Now i have two paths that i can choose from

1) Go for a 12-18 months MS/MSC in Marketing/Management . Use that to switch locations and Domain and then after another 5 years Exp Go For the MBA when i have climbed to Mid- Management Role. I am more biased towards this option Because with my Current Work -Experience of about 18 months , It is very tuff to break into a Reputed School for an MBA and since an MBA abroad involves a lot of financial Implications, i want to invest that much money only if i get the experience of studying in a reputed Brand. I can not delay Moving out of this field also because if i stay in my current field( that is IT/Telecom) I do not see it contributing towards my long term Goal of moving to brand management.

2) Stay here for another 3 years. Move up to a role of say group lead and then go for my MBA

Which one do you think is a better option ! And given my current profile , What chances do you think i have for MS in Marketing in a)Columbia b) Meddill C) MMS in Duke

Hope to hear from you experts

Much Thanks,
Sohrab

[Tani]

I would look closely at your target schools to see what percent of the students have a masters before applying to their MBA programs. My experience has been that masters degrees are not a big help. Schools already have picture of your academic ability and are more interested in how you perform on the job. Ideally you would be able to gain on-the-job marketing exposure with your current employer to demonstrate interest and ability in that area. Alternatively, consider taking an entry level marketing position in a company that can capitalize on your technical skills. Even though you might take a pay cut, that would be a lot less expensive than two years' tuition with no income.

Another route would be to continue with your current employer but take a couple of basic marketing courses at night. This might also help you leverage your current job into a position with more marketing exposure.

Good luck,

[sohrabkalra]

Hi Tanni,

If i take that option, my six targets would be Fuqua,Columbia,Stern,Kellog,Sloan,Haas Taking into consideration , that i would work on improving my profile in the years i work after the specialised masters.

What would you advise ?

Regards,
Sohrab

[Tani]

Not sure which option you are referring to.