A young software engineer with three years of experience recently shared a post on social media about a major career dilemma. The technologist is at a crossroads, debating whether to continue working in the technology industry or pursue an MBA to further his career prospects.
A person who started in a top IT company with a salary of Rs 3.5 LPA moved to a Big 4 company as a data engineer where their salary increased to Rs 11 LPA. With skills in SQL, PLSQL, Python, dbt, AWS, and Power BI, they are now considering a job shift that can fetch a salary of around Rs 20 LPA.
Alternatively, they intend to pursue an MBA from an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) other than A, B, C, L, and S campuses. However, pursuing an MBA degree requires taking a loan of Rs 15-20 lakhs, and a post-graduation can fetch a starting salary of Rs 20 lakhs. Despite the expectations, one is concerned about the challenges that even the top IIMs face in securing placements, which raises doubts about the return on investment.
The professional acknowledges the benefits of staying in the tech industry, such as the flexibility of remote work, the potential for career growth in the United States due to a STEM designation, and the variety of job opportunities offered by the burgeoning technology sector.
However, they know that without an MBA, only a degree can limit their chances of moving into senior management positions and the prestige associated with an IIT or IIM qualification. Their main goal is to find a career path that provides a good balance between a fulfilling career and personal time for travel and family.
They seek advice on whether the significant time and financial investment required for an MBA is worthwhile in this context. They are open to learning from others who have faced similar crossroads, and they emphasize the importance of seeking advice based on real experience and practical understanding rather than vague suggestions such as “follow your passion.”
The individual is grappling with a decision that hinges on balancing the immediate high earnings in the tech sector with the long-term benefits an MBA can provide, particularly in terms of work-life balance and financial growth. They weigh the pros and cons of both options, aiming to find a path that best fits their career goals and lifestyle aspirations.
In response to online feedback, one commenter asked if the person enjoyed their current job, and the person replied that they were primarily in the job for financial reasons, and that technology or management were not their true passion.