A lot of engineers among us might be trying to go for MBA after their graduation in B.E. or B.Tech.
If you face a personal interview for any MBA college, you are bound to be asked this question, Why do you want to do MBA after engineering? This question comes because you are trying to shift from a technical domain to a managerial domain.
Though most people have either one of these reasons - "Shift of domain" or "Packages that are offered" - This answer isn't convincing enough for the interview panel. Engineers in India are clueless about their careers till they graduate and when they decide to opt for MBA, not all of them have a clear perspective in mind.
Hence, this question for you all. How would you answer this question?
Why MBA After BE? Let us try to find out an answer that can impress and convince us all.
Imagine yourself sitting before the panel and give a 1 minute reply.
Having worked as a software engineer at both product and consulting firms, I have seen that key to business operations of technology/engineering firms is the management of technology. A well rounded MBA program from so and so institute would help me to get an insight of the operations of the technology firms. Along with that, since, I had chosen IT as majors, , hence, I have chosen information management for my specialization.
What can Engineers do if there is no participation of industry and Engineers don't get exposure? I think that Indian industry is responsible for this.
The next questions the interviewer would ask, if he/she wants to grill you are -
1. Is your enthusiasm to learn technical things over after B.E./B.Tech? Why not pursue M.E./M.Tech?
2. How can a MBA help you in 'expanding your career to the fullest within a short period'? (This one usually turns to 'Why MBA? Why not other career options that go in-line with your goals?')
PS: These are just some questions that MBA applicants should be prepared to answer. If you can justify your answers with your real life experiences and examples, you are good to go.
When I started preparing for CAT, everyone used to say, IIM-A, finance and a package.
For interviews, the response used to be because I am very good in number crunching, then why you did not opt for commerce and choose DBMS,OPERATING SYSTEMS in course instead? Result, clueless , no answer.
I again see the debate going back to the same question "IS THE QUALITY OF ENGINEERS IN INDIA DEGRADING"
It is high time that coaching institutes stop hyping up the entrances, particularly JEE and CAT, so that people here start getting real education.
Simple answer is that these Engineers did not get a chance to study Engineering right, hence, they are not doing Engineering right. Why google,facebook,microsoft,palantir etc are exceptional and not norms in Engineering? Because the Engineers there studied their Engineering right, which happens in the college. No corporate can train basics, that happens only in college.
This is the reason that why many engineers flock to do MBA. The people actually want to get their Education right. They want to get a stamp of an Ivy League, to get out of the gut rut.
But unfortunately, the lack of exposure to any thing makes these Tier II students speechless and clueless. They are not exposed to many things. They think that if they will say big things, quote something, the panel will get impressed. But this is not how things work
I as a Engineer would suggest that at last the thing that will keep you happy is your passion.Make your work your passion and you don't have to work a single day.
How exactly did engineering teach you 'how to learn'? or How did the time spent in B.E./B.Tech help you learn things in a better, practical way?
Could you explain that in detail?
Also, @Rakesh Kaushik Your answer is self contradictory. Either say money matters and justify it. Or say you are really interested in management skills and support the answer with examples, past experiences and solid proof that convinces the interviewer.
Being a Computer Science engineer, I understood that most of the work I did was to automate business processes. However, to understand the business process itself and to impact the product at a far more earlier stage, I needed to understand how the business works and how to appreciate different business workflows. I realized that a bschool education will help me understand this ... yada, yada, yada.
However, what I am seeing as an undercurrent in this thread is MBA will get me a higher package and better career prospects. Let me tell you, this is wrong. A techie can earn as much (if not more) as a techie + MBA.
When I see my engineering classmates, their salaries are on par with my PGDM classmates. So this fallacy that an MBA will get you more money is malarkey 😀

Would like to tag @mayurpathak @CIVILPRINCESS and @cooltwins to share their opinions! Your responses will be most valued as you've been there done that.
Although I wanted to get into media, I took up Science stream after 10th grade, primarily because I felt converting my writing hobby into a career would be an amateur decision to make. After 12th science, I took up Computer Science and Engineering at Babaria Institute of Technology, Varnama. Computer Science because out of all other engineering fields, this was the only one which I liked; engineering because it became a logical extension to Science. I believed it would form a plinth for fulfilling my creative pursuits with a blend of technology.
i want to do an MBA so that i can manage the external entities of my life like finance, humans, resources, marketing and other operations.
Rest the entire answer looks good enough to me.
Computer engg. developed me internally upto a certain extent like for gaining technical knowledge. I would not be able to apply it for a whole process of product development. i want to extend my knowledge to marketing a product apart from just developing it. the people i may come across in that stage, the resources i may get, the product itself would mean external entities. a formal b-school education would help me provide the same.
...
how does this look?
Gathering from what data has been posted on the MBA college websites about placement reports (where they note that 60 or 70% of the students sitting for Post-MBA placements are engineers/IT professionals), if more than 50% of the public who apply for MBA entrance exams and subsequently face the interviews are Engineers (by degree ;-) ), isn't it just fruitless to ask the question - "Why MBA After B.E. or Engineering?"
Even the interviewer sitting across you from the table, has gone through the same education system and knows how students are literally forced to opt for medical or engineering courses and only after getting a degree do they start thinking about what they really want from their life/career.
My guess is that they want you to answer in a way that portrays a logical thought process. How you climb the stairs one step at a time, why you choose to go to the next step, why not take elevator, why not stop at a particular step etc.
If an interviewee is able to convince the MBA interview panel that his/her choice of B.E. or B.Tech degree was ONLY the next logical step, the battle has been won.
What do you guys think?
*** if required and improvments pls suggest as I will be sitting in the GD/PI of a reputed Bschool very soon. Thanks
Inviting @Dhananjay Harkare to put up his response for the question:
"Why MBA right after engineering?"
How would you justify that?
Also, if you look at companies, say IT firms, after a person gathers some experience, he/she is given a role of project manager. Thereon, the person need to "manage" the whole project where everything that a B-school teaches yo, comes into picture. I've seen my friends (seniors) who feel the need of MBA or similar program when they're assigned the responsibilities of a manager. So, considering few years down the line, I'm sure MBA would help me in some or the other way. Also, such a program would definitely be an add-on to the personality and will open more doors.
Many people take up MBA for witching careers or a upgrading their pay package but fail to understand the profound impact of this degree on our day to day life.
As a Mechanical Engineer, working for a supply chain firm I always took the assigned work & projects head on , technically.Engineering taught me to answer technically. But when it came to negotiating or talking about a particular activity of firm, in front of a potential client or even an existing client, I realized that they are not interested in technicalities of the business. They are more interested in understanding what makes my firm profitable even during economic meltdown.
For this it I had intense brain storming sessions with my mentor & we came to a simple outcome, Masters in Business Administration.This degree if perceived with a perfect aim & vision along with systematic case-study based methodology, will define me as a person who can talk lengths about a particular problem set, not just talk but effectively interact with people whom I rub shoulders.
Last but not the least, MBA is not a money guzzling initiation. It is a self sustaining branch of science whether economics, operations or marketing, which gives a organized approach to potential leadership & people who want to be ardent followers of great business leaders.
There's no one perfect answer. Go through all the answers written above and come up with your own answer. In all the answers written above, you will find how articulately the engineers have put forward their views in a way that is convincing to the interviewer of your decision to pursue post-graduation in management immediately after a degree in engineering.
If you don't hesitate, put your own answer in replies here. Me and all your engineer friends here can help you out in correcting it if it is needed.
All the best for your interviews! 👍
Henceforth with engineering ,MBA would add perfect combination of technical and social,economical knowledge. Engineers graduates are more effective as we can not skip away from technology in any industry. One with technical background will be effective.
Will my 2-3 years of experience in software testing field will be considered...by interviewer?
In mba interview..they wont say na tha its off field experience
They might turn your answer into: "You want to do MBA for change of role aka becoming a manager." Be prepared to back-up your answer in that case.
Rest is good. 😀 All the best!
PS: The interviewers try their best to put you in a fix. Confuse you with your own responses. Channelize your thoughts well so that they see you have a clear idea of what you want to do and where you want to be.
Hi @Bhushan parekh Sorry for the delay in response. My name did not get properly tagged. Anyway, any kind of professional work experience will definitely be "considered" in your MBA interview. You will be asked questions about it. You will be made to justify your decisions and asked about your achievements, the skills you've developed etc.Bhushan parekhAfter i work for 2 years in software testing...will it be counted as my experience by interviewer..? @Ankita Katdare
Will my 2-3 years of experience in software testing field will be considered...by interviewer?
In mba interview..they wont say na tha its off field experience
Whether or not it will be considered as an 'off field experience' depends totally on what course your interview takes. Since you are an electronics engineer, they might ask you why you chose to enter IT Industry. You should be able to put very clearly your thoughts about why it was the "right step" for you. 👍
How do you know that you develop management skills in MBA? I'd strongly recommend that you should go through the syllabus and talk to MBAs from reputed business schools. MBA is NOT necessary for starting or running a business. Entrepreneurs need a totally different set of skills than a manager who's managing an existing system.santosh28In MBA we will learn the managing skills with laws to grow the company stands.thus why every entrepreneur will look to MBA after B.tech.
In MBA they will give some training on management. how to deal with management and the individual employee.Yes Entrepreneurs no need to do MBA but mba will help to give some knowledge on management and businesses system.Kaustubh KatdareHow do you know that you develop management skills in MBA? I'd strongly recommend that you should go through the syllabus and talk to MBAs from reputed business schools. MBA is NOT necessary for starting or running a business. Entrepreneurs need a totally different set of skills than a manager who's managing an existing system.
I am not saying that the interviewer won't be convinced with your answer, but if he wants to probe you further - he can grill you a lot. The bottom line is be very clear with your thoughts. Organise your thoughts & ideas beforehand. Preparation is the key here. All the best.
During college, My parents enrolled me into CAT coaching. Frankly speaking back them I did not even know the importance or pattern of CAT. Many of the students who attended the class had been preparing for the exam for quite a long time. I was awed by their performance. So, it initially started as something personal, to prove myself that i can definitely perform at par with them. But it was too early to be driven by emotions and in turn take a wrong decision. Hence I got a job in a reputed IT company and that is where the idea of MBA began taking complete shape. There were many instances in which we as developers has tremendous lack of business knowledge. Understanding business process will help you not only develop a more effective application, but also prepare for future changes and failures. I found that unless one understands the business process one can never effectively relate to the work one does. This increased my interest in pursuing an MBA. More over, I feel it will also give me a platform to improve on a personal level by making me less risk averse, making me think in a more practical and logical way and mold my thought process. I have also been complemented at work for my ability to understand and relate to people well. I can definitely explore and put this quality into better use with an MBA.
PS: I hope the interviewers will have the patience to listen to such a big narration.😕
@Ankita Katdare Let me know if this is ok.
Yes they do.DeepthijyothishPS: I hope the interviewers will have the patience to listen to such a big narration.😕
Be prepared to narrate any real life experience where you spoke with the customer, understood the real life problem they were facing and the solution you developed.Purva24I was good at understanding the needs of the customer, devising the solution for it and deciding how to implement the solution
The two things aren't 'either - or'. What's preventing you from understanding business processes by staying in your current role? 😀Purva24I am more interested in understanding the process of how a business runs instead of automating the business.
Well, it's not like you'll get a '5-6' year jump by investing 2 years in MBA. You will begin as a 'junior' in your new role and grow up from there. Also - keep in mind that MBA will actually add value to your overall career only if you do it from a reputed management college. Average MBA would not offer much after you get your diploma/degree.sangram singh shishodiaso instead of taking 5-6 years, i m investing my 2 years for better opportunities.
i know sir i will start as 'junior' but the thing is instead of working in technical field for years and then switching to management and then learning management at that stage, why not start now open my options and work in my field only.Kaustubh KatdareWell, it's not like you'll get a '5-6' year jump by investing 2 years in MBA. You will begin as a 'junior' in your new role and grow up from there. Also - keep in mind that MBA will actually add value to your overall career only if you do it from a reputed management college. Average MBA would not offer much after you get your diploma/degree.
@Ankita Katdare can we ans like this :
I want to develop as an individual who plays a major role in the decision making of the organisation and also serves the community around. I believe that compassionate business can bring social upliftment and eradicate poverty.Thus I want to be at management level where my decisions can create more business and hence more jobs and wealth to the nation. Also adding management skills with technical not only help in leading a team but also help in taking critical decisions for the successful running of an organisation.
@Ankita Katdare please reply..
The natural question that'll follow is why did you opt for computer science engineering if you didn't want to get into it? Another follow up question - Are you sure that you want to go for MBA? You might just realised that you didn't want to be an MBA after getting your diploma/degree in management.aniketh007i have done BE in computer science. i am planning to do mba in finance/banking. the real reason is that i dont want to be a software engineer. what should i answer in the interview if they ask me "why mba after BE?"
Care to explain what a compassionate business is? Which business or company is 'compassionate' in your opinion? What if the business that you join isn't compassionate?shivanshuaggarwal92I believe that compassionate business can bring social upliftment and eradicate poverty
You might just want to become a business owner - if that's your dream.shivanshuaggarwal92Thus I want to be at management level where my decisions can create more business and hence more jobs and wealth to the nation
I've a feeling that many engineers who are preparing for MBA think that getting an MBA degree would make them 'managers' who controls and commands a large group of people and influences business decisions. Unfortunately - that's going to take YEARS - at least 10-15; before you can reach that position; where you will actually INFLUENCE business decisions. I'm not discouraging you, but rather making you aware of the reality.
Most of the MBAs are going to be put into marketing or finance positions will be playing with Excel sheets for a large part of their career.
I will tell you the real situation, besides the reality that MBA folks are paid high package. But here's a thing these days engineering cadre do not involve in day to day routine work. For example when I worked in company bieng mechanical guy I wasn't getting my hand greased everyday. Okay I had done every floor work but mostly I was involved in management of utilities like labours, power stations, consumables, maintenance schedule, controlling inventory etc. So if any guy after doing all these, thinks that management education might give him the actual mindset , the corporate mindset which lusts PROFIT over scientific awesomeness then I don't find any looseness in it.
Many times it happens that while learning engineering we become more science oriented and perfection lover than just being good at powerpoint presentation. It's what we Mechanical guys always used to say that "it doesn't matter whether you are wearing a tie or sleeveless as long as you are using correct tools while solving problem"
But sadly corporate world also insist that you should wear a good tie to match ur intellect. I think this missing approach is what every engineering guy entering MBA should look after. And if someone is having that already then he/she really don't need to spend lakhs of rupees on MBA, instead do engineering job complete online mab and some foreign language like frenach.
Happy life guys.
Thanks for reading.
Apologies for any mistakes.(not good at perfect writing but accurate at message conveyance)
It won't matter at all, right - if MBA's being done for the sake of adding three letters after your name? If you want a random choice - go with Finance.amey1293MBA just for the sake of doing
I would answer the question why MBA as, after studying engineering I have acquired technical knowledge now I want earn knowledge management domain. I want to learn what is business and skills and techniques required to solve business related issues.
Being a fresher one should never talk about monetary values.
Also interviewer is interested in knowing your plans and goals in life. He wants you to be prepared and planned for your future. He should never feel that this candidate is here just because he don't like engineering.
Further I would like to know your opinions for question like, WHY MARKETING, WHY FINANCE and so.
Please reply. 😀
An MBA degree will teach you how to manage people, finances or an organization from a holistic point of view or how to strategically position an organization to function effectively.
I see myself in progressively responsible positions in my future so it is naturally a very good fit to complement my technical expertise with management knowledge.
Having already obtained a technical degree, an MBA expands the horizon of my education in the wider areas of management.
Importance of work experience:
Many of the courses during the MBA program revolve around concepts and principles that one would get exposed to only at work. In such cases work experience becomes the distinguishing factor. The ability of the person with some work experience to interact, discuss and handle a particular situation will always have a more practical approach than a fresher
Nice answer, @Bineeta Sahoo
I however beg to differ that MBA will teach you how to manage people. I think it's a myth. MBA study typically focuses on case studies, problem solving but does not focus on human behavior. Managing people is an art; and it's to be acquired through experience and self-learning; I think.
I've seen BE or BTech students opt for MBA for two main reasons:
No immediate placement right after Engineering Degree
I bet this is one of the biggest factor that many engineering graduates opt for MBA after BE or B.Tech. The job market cannot accept the graduate engineers for several reasons. These students are then forced to get into MBA degree so that they have better job prospects with an additional degree.
Change of Domain
Many engineering graduates or even working professionals do not want to pursue their career in technical fields. They tend to opt for positions in marketing, sales, finance, HR etc. For such engineers, it's impossible to switch to another role without getting a qualifying degree. It's one of the reasons engineers go for MBA.
However, we need a few practical answers for this question. Tagging @Anoop Mathew . He's been there, done that! ?
As an electronics and communication engineer i have my fare share of knowledge in technology sector but to perform better and fulfill my aim of becoming a Sr manager in a MNC , i choose MBA to expand my knowledge in management sector, learn the basics skills require to run an organization . I develop my interest in MBA when i was in my third year , i was coordinating an event in cultural fest and i like the process of managing people, consulting with seniors and make proper use of resources.
Aditya ... coordinating a cultural fest has nothing to do with your interest or inclination towards MBA. It'd look more authentic if you said there aren't plenty of jobs for E&TC engineers and MBA is your chance to get a better package than what you'd get as a fresh engineering grad.
MBA may or may not be the place/course where you learn to develop your skills or become a Manager. It all depends on your College/University, and your 'self'. MBA from a Tier-1 or Tier-2 renowned college also doesn't guarantee that your become a better manager. Everything lies within you. You decide what you become.
Here are few facts about my MBA life that have helped me better myself in a Business/ Management role. This information is purely from my own experience and doesn't necessarily have to follow suit for all MBA graduates out there:-
1. The College I studied in had multiple Teams/Committees. These Committees were involved in varied activities (eg: Branding, Marketing & Designing, Placements, Sponsorship, Technical Seminars/ Event Management, Finance, etc). The scale in which these events were organized, and the end-to-end planning that was involved, introduced the basics of management into us. I was fortunate to be the Head of one such committee which helped me manage 32 members under me effectively, handling critical responsibilities in all the events conducted including two TEDx events. Our team even received appreciation twice from esteemed Chief Guests. This helped me take a step into the management perspective, with 'Time' & 'People' Management being the major learning point.
2. After MBA, when I joined work as a Consultant, I quickly realized that the work done by Engineers (in Technical Field) and Consultant/Analysts (in the Business Field) although are more or less towards the same goal, there is a huge difference in approach followed. An Engineer may look for the best results, and best product output. However, a person in the Business front will eventually be poised to think 'money-wise'. This ideally 'comes' to your naturally if you have a natural tendency towards business, or have seen family businesses closely.
Verdict: A good Business Personnel would be someone with an Engineer's thought process but an MBA's Money & Return-On-Invest (ROI) mindset. For this, you don't necessarily need an MBA, you just need to understand how the Business World works.
Now, to answer "Why MBA (or any form of higher education) after BTech?" would be like asking "Why Lunch after Breakfast?"
Answer to Both:- 'Hunger' for Growth!
If someone gives you some other explanation, they're just beating around the bush!
Like I said, Growth is inevitable one way or another, and getting a Higher education can open more doors for that, unless you already know how to make money / have an entrepreneur-mind.
Learning never stops in this era, irrespective of which industry you work for.
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