Dear Career Advisor, I am currently employed as an Asst. Manager in Solar Operations and Maintenance, but I am eager to transition into the Data Analytics field, with a preference for opportunities within the Solar industry. Recognizing the limited job prospects in my desired field and feeling stagnant in my current role, I am seeking guidance on potential career advancement strategies. With a Bachelor of Engineering degree and 7.5+ years of experience in my current field and company with a pay of 6.5 LPA, I am considering pursuing an online MBA, specifically in Power Management from UPES ON University. However, I am uncertain about its potential impact on my career growth and earning potential. Could you please advise me on whether pursuing an online MBA in Power Management aligns with my career goals and if it would contribute to higher pay and opportunities? Thank you for your guidance.

Ans: Hi Anon ,

I understand that you are in sales of solar products since 7.5 yrs however you are mentioning that your salaries are lower than as you say data science.

Now let's understand the process of remuneration a top super specialty Dr. consultancy fees is ?500-?1000 a plumber with no formal qualifications visit charges are ?500-?1000
A sanitary worker dealing with drains ?2000-?5000
Now undestand labour pay is categorised by the degree of difficulties and intellectual property, along with the availability of the workforce.
Hence a gold smith is paid more than an iron smith... because of the finesse required and the higher value of gold over iron.
Coming back to the solar industry it's categorised into two sectors branded & unbranded... where in the pay scales & employee Privileges are certainly different ..what immediately comes to my mind is TATA BP SOLAR a collaboration between Tata and British Petroleum.. Check it out!?

Trying to shift careers is like jumping boat's mid-stream... Hazardous!?
Your previous experience is then ZERO!

NOW.. Master's in USA if you have the inclination and the university seat granted along with the finances of around ?100 lacs minimum for a 2 yrs Master's along with other expenses..!?

I have given you the thought process, the onus of the decision is solely yours!

Ans: It is usually recommended to do a fulltime 1 year Executive MBA course. But if you are not game for it then doing Online MBA is a good option. Tomorrow if you are looking for growth or moving to a managerial role, then having an MBA degree could help. A lot of companies have policies which favor having higher education qualification.

Ans: Online MBA does not have a great value of its own. But if you have a good relevant experience then it can add value. So look out for job in area where you have worked. Can also do short courses to build skill sets required for the job you want.

Ans: There are 2 ways to move to Management. Can do 1 year Executive MBA course. ISB has a course for students with 15+ years of work ex. Other top colleges like IIMs have executive MBA course for students with 5+ years of work ex. Second option would be to do a correspondence MBA course. It does not have much value but it ensures that you continue with your job. Doing Tech MBA from IIT Jodhpur when you are already drawing 27 lpa may not be worth it assuming that you have to leave your job to do an MBA. Check the placements of the college and the kind of companies that come to campus. Then you can decide.