Why is work experience important?
A diverse MBA class is a perfect learning environment as it has students with different cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds. Having good work experience gives a candidate an edge over the competition especially when he wants to study abroad since a good degree is on its own, not enough any more. Candidates with work experience should be very clear about the job responsibilities, achievements etc. at workplace. This becomes very important during the selection process. Try thinking on your own, why should you be chosen over others who have work experience to show? If you have reasons and are sure they are good enough such as outstanding achievements or exceptional leadership experience, then it is a different situation all together. More or less business schools abroad look at 3 to 5 years of work experience.

In India however all B-schools admit fresher student application as many at times students prefer to continue their studies moving from a graduate to postgraduate degree in succession. But students, who have entered the management programme as freshers feel after a few months of study, that work experience actually helps gain more out of the learnings of the programme. They are of the opinion that if someone can be confident enough of cracking the CAT after at least 2-3 yrs of work experience, then one should gain work experience and then attempt an MBA programme.

Management institutes look for graduates who can demonstrate skills such as teamworking, cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills, as well as academic achievement. They want candidates who have demonstrated an ability to work well in-group setting. Most MBA programmes consist of case discussions and group assignments, which call for working in teams. More often than not, students believe work experience gives not only the kind of maturity, which is essential to pursuing a professional degree, but it additionally enriches classroom discussions by bringing in industry perspectives. Here having an industry interface prior to starting a management degree becomes critical.

The Benefits of Work Experience

• In order to get the most out of work experience, you need to identify which skills you have and which you need. Improvise on those you do not have, if it is networking that is not your forte, build up the networking skills, meet people, build contacts, be in touch. Remember that there is no substitute for skills developed in real workplace environments. It is a great experience for learning how the big organisations work in a dynamic environment. One also develops understanding of people’s skills.
• You will have the ability to apply subject knowledge and skills from a real life situation during case studies in management schools since you can draw inspiration from what you may have come across during your work.
• Work experience helps enhance academic performance through the development of various skills/attributes. Be inspired, for skills like motivation building, independence, responsibility and confidence will get you to the top.
• Work experience will assist in the development of commercial awareness, understanding management structures and in becoming conversant with current work practices. It will help students understand and acclimatise to the world of work, including its social and cultural aspects.
• Most importantly it will facilitate valuable networking opportunities and develop networking skills. It will also help you develop useful relationships with businesses, organisations and professional bodies with potential spin-offs for research and consultancy.