Answering the eternal question: Is work experience important before an MBA?

Every year, around 3 lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam. One of the most pertinent questions for the applicants is always this: “Is work experience important before an MBA?” When I was in the final year of college, I was clouded by similar queries - should I go for a job or prepare for CAT? Eventually, I went on to work with a Big Four firm and joined an IIM after three years of experience. So, what is my take on the question?

Work experience before MBA

Both of them come with their own set of pros and cons. My job enabled me to understand the nitty-gritty of the corporate world. I got to experience the nuances of my organization that prepared me well to absorb the MBA learnings better. It helped me leverage my experience during classroom discussions and apply them to complement the theory courses.

A B-school experience is entirely different from the undergrad college experience. Cut-throat competition along with the fast-paced life takes it to another level. My prior experience as an employee at a corporate firm makes it easier for me to handle pressures and staying on toes with the deadlines. 

From pre-joining to class assignments, I can proudly say that I have never missed a single deadline. The balancing act between case studies to classes to networking to the various co-curricular activities became easier for me. Time management is a life-skill, and it is of prime importance in B-schools as one has to plan and keep tabs on several things all at once. It prepped me mentally to deal with the stress that came along with the courses.

The pros of being a fresher

Now it may look like I am saying that MBA for freshers is an absolute no-no. But that’s not entirely true. If work experience helped me get at ease after admission into my MBA college, freshers had a better preparation journey. My job consumed a lot of time and hence preparing for CAT became an arduous task. Corporate lives are never just a 9 to 5 job and post-work hours, what remained of me was an exhausted person who merely wanted sleep. 

Also, in between their transition from college to a B-school, they still have the student-life routine alive in them. Sitting with books comes naturally to them, whereas for people like me it is another task to set back into a student’s routine. They are bound in a more extensive learning cycle. For working people, another dilemma is to zero in upon the decision of whether to continue working and receiving paychecks or go all-in for further studies.

It is safe to say that both have their own merits and demerits. Whatever path we choose after our graduation - be it joining a B-school or going for a job, we should pursue it with complete conviction. I chose my job and did it with full grit and when I chose to go for higher education, I made sure that I put my best foot forward. Life at a B-school is a rollercoaster ride and when you choose to ride it, you should be mentally prepared for whatever comes your way.