Should I seek employment or start my own business after MBA ?

Should I seek employment or start my own business after MBA ?

I am in the final year of MBA and placement season has already begun. I am confused whether I should seek employment in an organisation or should start my own business after completion of the course next year. I think I’ve acquired a lot of knowledge as I have always had a good academic record. My friends are pressurising me to get a job just like them. My parents and relatives are also not very supportive of me starting something of my own. I know it is not going to be easy but I am sure that I will do well if I start my own business. 

The newspapers are full of news on start-ups and all this sounds very exciting and adventurous at this point of time. But then again, sometimes I feel if it is better to just get a job and settle down. This confusion is really stressing me out and I’m not able to focus on my academics. Please advise.

Firstly, let’s get real. Some of the glamorous start-up stories that you read in the papers are an extension of the government’s marketing efforts to expand the scope of the Start Up India campaign. The intent is of course laudable, as it would provide incentives and motivation to budding entrepreneurs to unleash their potential of catalysing the job creation process, that is currently a pain point in our economy. Unfortunately what you don’t really get to read about, is that various such organisatiions have bitten the dust after their high decibel launches and acquisition of the requisite funding. Mainly due to lack of experience and understanding of the heart and mind of the consumer and the market potential.

I appreciate the fact that you are contemplating a journey into the unknown, but I would advise you to tread with caution. At your age, you have been exposed to a lot of academia in your growing up years. Unfortunately our entire education system is based on rote learning capabilities rather than on developing  personality traits which are required to succeed in the game of life.

I would suggest that you focus on your institute’s efforts to instill confidence in your persona by means of various grooming classes and seminars. The better institutes initiate these programmes right from the beginning of the course while the lesser ones conduct them at the last minute before the placement process begins. 

You would do well to work in a reputed organisation for some years where you will get a thorough exposure of the real corporate world. It could well be an eye-opener for you. At the same time, do not lose sight of your entrepreneurial ambitions. Focus on acquiring knowledge on systems and  processes. And most importantly, understand power equations and culture implications to help you if and when you finally decide to take the plunge. All the best.

(The writer is an image consultant and  corporate trainer. If you have queries for him, send them to features@sakaaltimes.com)

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