software engineering recently shared a post on social media where they revealed that they are at a pivotal point in their career, contemplating whether to continue in the tech industry or pursue an MBA to elevate their prospects. Having started the journey at a top IT company with a salary of Rs 3.5 LPA, he transitioned to a Big 4 firm as a Data Engineer, where his salary has hiked to Rs 11 LPA. With expertise in SQL, PLSQL, Python, dbt, AWS, and Power BI, the individual now faces the decision of switching to a new job that could offer a significant pay raise to around Rs 20 LPA.
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On the other hand, they are also considering pursuing an MBA from one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), excluding the A, B, C, L, and S branches. This opportunity would require taking on a loan of Rs 15-20 lakh, with the promise of a starting salary post-MBA of approximately Rs 20 LPA. However, they acknowledge concerns about recent challenges even top-tier institutions face in securing favourable placements, making the return on investment uncertain.
The professional recognizes the benefits of staying in tech, including remote work opportunities, better chances for career growth in the USA thanks to the STEM designation, and the booming tech industry's ability to offer diverse job prospects. However, not pursuing an MBA means they would only hold a bachelor’s degree, which could limit opportunities for senior management roles and the potential prestige that comes with an IIT or IIM tag.