Need advice on MBA program

[bijus76]

Hi,
I am an Indian IT professional working in Retail domain with 8+ years of experience (4+ years international exp).
Got a 710 (Q49,V38) in GMAT.

I am a career switcher aiming to get into investment banking or Fin serv industry.
Please help me in deciding wether to take a one year full time MBA or a regular 2 year MBA.
I am worried that,if get into one year full time program , I will not be able to excel in the MBA program with finance specialization as my fellow students would be from Financial background and I will struggle to keep up with them. I have good knowledge of stock markets and derivatives. I am not sure if this is enough to get through the 1 year program. I have decide to do a certificate program on "Financial modelling".
Meanwhile ,I like to do 1 year program to make use of my exp.

If I take a 1 year fulltime MBA program, Will I be able to switch my career or will have to go with Information management/Consulting?

Thanks
Biju

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Biju,

If you want to make a significant career change, then a longer program could be helpful in that endeavor as it would give you an opportunity to do an internship and gain relevant experience. While it would not be impossible to make the change from a 1-yr program, you are correct that you will be competing for job opportunities against others who have relevant, direct industry experience. If you do an internship, then you will be able to gain some relevant, direct experience and start redirecting your career towards financial services. My suggestion is to deeply research the 1-yr programs you are considering on career services for those who want to make a change, as well as the programs' ties to the financial services industry. If you find the programs to have strong industry ties and the resources you believe will help facilitate your career change, then those 1-yr programs might be a good fit for you.

Good luck,
Lisa