My Post-MBA Plan

As of now my plan is to take up technology and marketing courses at XLRI and try for Business Development roles in IT companies, preferably in the US. I also have the option of returning to my current organization, but again it depends on what role I am offered here.
The reason for going for MBA at this juncture in my career is because I want to move from the IT Project Execution side to the Business Development side. An MBA is the ideal vehicle to make this job function switch.
Finally I did not want to get into a 2-year MBA programme, as being out of the workforce for two years is suicidal in the fast-changing IT industry.

One Year MBA

An MBA today comes in many variations: the full-time 2 year MBA, the full-time 1 year MBA, distance-learning MBA, part-time MBA, executive MBA - all options that have evolved to suit specific needs of the customers (us). However, all the good MBA programmes irrespective of their duration mainly focus on developing 3 competencies: knowledge acquisition, leadership skills and the ability to network.
The 1-year MBA is specifically designed to suit the requirements of experienced professionals like myself who are looking for a change in or add a zest to their careers. The student profile of a 1-year MBA is quite different. They are slightly older, with a minimum of 4-5 years (or even more) of experience. The 1-year MBA also provides a cost advantage for self-funded students. The cost, in terms of tuition and living expenses, as well as the opportunity cost of leaving their job is proportionately lower. This model also helps students on a sabbatical to return to their workplace quickly. Companies intent on equipping their employees with General Management skills prefer a 1-year programme for the same reasons.
Now, the 1-year programme is quite intensive and requires a high degree of commitment. However, there is no doubt that it is a good preparation for achieving success in a corporate setup where effective time management and priority-setting are essential skills. The 1-year programme also aims to improve job effectiveness and ability to respond swiftly to newer situations. Networking with experienced peers is another important outcome.
I personally see the 1-year programme as a faster way of reinventing myself. Finally, it's a matter of individual choice to suit individual needs.

Why MBA ?

The MBA degree is increasingly being accepted as a measure of acquired business skills and management acumen. The most compelling reason for a lot of us is a promotion into a managerial role. For instance, there are many IT professionals, who have been doing extremely well in their technical jobs. These people also have great soft skills. They now wish to move up the ladder into middle and senior management roles. Finally they would like to move up to head major corporations someday.
To do that, one needs to know concepts of General Management, which only an MBA program could provide. An MBA also gives one a great network of batchmates and alumni. For some, MBA is the vehicle of choice for a career shift. For example, an MBA could help an Army officer or a Marine Engineer to enter the Corporate world for a desk job. In many careers, an MBA is a rite of passage. Investment banks typically expect their Analysts to get an MBA before promoting them as Associates. Lastly, higher compensation package is also a good reason to do an MBA. Many people double their salaries after completing MBA. So, at the end of the day an MBA definitely has a great value proposition.
For me the objective is pretty simple. I feel that at this point in my career I require a lot of exposure to the theoritical foundations in management and a holistic perspective of business so that I can evolve as an effective manager/leader and prepare myself to shoulder greater responsibilities in the future as I move up the Corporate hierarchy.

Hello World

Hello World,
This is my very first post.
Let me start with a brief introduction.
I'm your regular guy-next-door. By profession I'm just another software techie employed with IBM. I have around 5.5 years experience out of which 2 years were spent in the US of A.
I have recently got an admit from XLRI in the 1 year General Management Program (GMP).
In this blog I will try to capture the highs and lows that I would experience during the 1 year MBA.
I hope you will enjoy my experiences as much as I am sure I will enjoy sharing the same with you.