I am a Chartered Accountant with 10 years of experience in Financial control domain. Currently in the mid to senior level role in the current organisation. My aspiration is to be the CFO of a mid to large company and finally lead the business at the CEO. To make the next move I wish to do a PGPPRO with ISB. It’s an EMBA with physical session which will help me have the brand, Alumni status and open the doors for strategy and M&A kind of consulting. But they don’t have any job assistance or placement programs. The cost of the same is 36 lakhs. Need guidance whether this is worth considering that I always wanted to do an MBA after by CA but couldn’t do it due financial limitations.

Ans: Hello,

I can understand your career aspirations and the dilemma you're facing regarding further education to advance your career. Pursuing an EMBA, such as the PGPPRO program at ISB, can indeed provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that are relevant to your goal of becoming a CFO and eventually leading a company as a CEO.

The program's physical sessions can offer you a networking opportunity, brand recognition, and an alumni status that can potentially open doors for strategic roles and M&A consulting engagements. However, it's important to consider certain factors before making a decision.

Firstly, since the program doesn't provide job assistance or placement programs, you'll need to rely on your existing network and professional experience to leverage the benefits of the program. It's crucial to evaluate whether you have the necessary connections and opportunities to capitalize on the program's advantages.

Secondly, the cost of the program, at 36 lakhs, is a significant investment. You should carefully assess your financial situation and consider whether the potential benefits and opportunities outweigh the financial burden. It may be helpful to research alternative options, such as other reputable EMBA programs with similar objectives, which may have a more favorable cost structure or provide job assistance.

Lastly, reflect on your long-term career goals and whether obtaining an EMBA aligns with your overall plan. Consider if the knowledge and skills gained from the program will substantially enhance your prospects for attaining the CFO and CEO roles you aspire to, or if there are alternative paths to achieve these goals.

It would be wise to consult with professionals who have pursued similar paths, such as experienced CFOs or executives, to gain their insights and perspectives. They can provide valuable guidance based on their own experiences and help you make an informed decision.

Overall, while the PGPPRO program at ISB can potentially provide you with valuable benefits and opportunities, it's essential to carefully weigh the cost, the lack of job assistance, and the alignment with your long-term career goals before making a final decision.

Regards,
Abhishek Shah