On completion of degree course, the question ‘what next?’ looms large in every serious student’s mind. For a majority, the answer is taking up a job: some students get picked up during campus selections in the last semester itself. Others go through the rigmarole of job interviews. But there are some who opt for studying further. And a sub set of these students plan to join a foreign university for studying MBA or MS. Surprisingly, this is not a small number. This article is about addressing the concerns of such people, specifically those who are not sure what to opt for, MS or MBA.
So read along, if you have decided to pursue higher studies abroad but are still confused about doing an MBA or an MS. You will definitely find some pointers and insights that will help you take the right decision.
Ask yourself these questions
You should start by answering the following questions sincerely.
- What is your aim for your future?
- Are you comfortable working under someone or rather love to do your own thing? Is it linked with your subject of study in graduation?
- What are you really passionate about?
- Why do you want to study further?
This will let you decide what you want to study, out of both the courses.
The Specifics: MBA or MS?
Once the above core questions are clear, we can move ahead.
| Course specifics | MBA | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Full time and part-time; 1-2 years | 2 years full time program |
| Field of study | Business and Management | Science, engineering, and medicine |
| Prior work experience | Prior work experience needed for executive programmes | Not a pre-requisite |
| Opportunities | Finance, Investment banking, Technology and Equity | MS in Computer Science, Information System, and Engineering |
| Focus area | Gain business management skills | Acquire technical or hands on experience |
| Admission requirements | - An aggregate of 50% marks - Passing entrance exams like CAT, GRE, MAT, GMAT, NMAT |
- An aggregate of 50% marks - Passing GRE |
Salary offered:
QS Top MBA salary report gives you a clear picture regarding the average salary that one can get after completing MBA in their desired field of study.
- Technology: 89,633 USD
- Finance: 97,100 USD
- Consulting: 90,900 USD
Salaries for various disciplines of MS degree are as follows:
- Engineering: 82,589 USD
- Maths and Science: 75,737 USD
- Computer Science: 81,466 USD
MBA or MS: Better Returns
Both these courses are globally popular and allows you work wide across the globe, with better salary package and perks. Compared to the MS program, MBA has shown to offer high returns within 3-5 years of graduating. You need to apply for the universities that offer merit-based scholarships.
Top 5 business schools:
- Harvard Business School, US
- London Business School, UK
- University of Pennsylvania, US
- Stanford Graduate School of Business, US
- Insead, France, Singapore
Having cleared the air at the very basic level is just the tip of the iceberg. The real and massive job starts now. Since it involves going to a foreign land where you will be alone among strangers, do the research work very thoroughly, before taking the plunge. Assess the ground realities very realistically. By that I mean, collect all the requisite facts wisely from authentic sources. Thoroughly find out about the rules and regulations first. Plan wisely using all possible sources and cross- check the facts you find on the internet.
