Home > Career > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

Change Careers with Regular MBA? 27-year-old Engineer Seeking Advice

Patrick

Patrick Dsouza  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2024

Patrick Dsouza is the founder of Patrick100.
Along with his wife, Rochelle, he trains students for competitive management entrance exams such as the Common Admission Test, the Xavier Aptitude Test, Common Management Admission Test and the Common Entrance Test.
They also train students for group discussions and interviews.
Patrick has scored in the 100 percentile six times in CAT. He achieved the first rank in XAT twice, in CET thrice and once in the Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test.
Apart from coaching students for MBA exams, Patrick and Rochelle have trained aspirants from the IIMs, the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and the S P Jain Institute of Management Studies and Research for campus placements.
Patrick has been a panellist on the group discussion and panel interview rounds for some of the top management colleges in Mumbai.
He has graduated in mechanical engineering from the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. He has completed his masters in management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.... more
Koushik Question by Koushik on Nov 20, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career

Hello sir, I have an experience of 5+ years in corporate world. I have done my bachelor's in mechanical engineering and have experience in heavy fabrication and right now I am working as a data analyst. I am 27 right now, and thinking about doing a 2 year regular MBA and switch my field. Some person advice me for the executive MBA but I want to do the regular 2 year MBA as I want to change my field. So please advice me about my decision? Thank you

Ans: Can try for both, 2 year MBA and 1 year MBA. Wherever you get a better college can take it up. There are students with 7 to 8 years work ex who do MBA from some of the top colleges. Doing it from some average college after 5+ years work ex is not worth it.
Career

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Patrick

Patrick Dsouza  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Listen
Career
Hello Sir..i m 33 yr engineer mommy to 2.5 yr daughter..want to do an MBA from tier 1 college. After graduating i was lecturer in engineering colg hv 2 years of experience n after that working in govt Bank from past 7 years. Gave CAT twice but time constraint n toddler was not able to crack.last year got finalised for NMIMS hyderabad but dint took admission as away from mumbai n not that great bschool.going to give cat this year as ladt chance but i m very very confused n stressed that should i go for it or not, m having age barrier ,a growing kid,offc n home work pressure, managing all this i could hardly make time of 2/3 hrs to study with low energy..i thought of executive mba but was thinking doin executive taking so much risk wil actually land me where? Also as d growing age n 9-5 job health hampers sometimes with backaches n end of day i think that is my decision really worthy,shud i really go fr it or settle wid what i hv, in short m trying to jump from comfort zone to competitive world where i il b having colleages 10 yrs younger n smarter than me..but i get a kick wn i c womens sparking high.can u plz guide me sir taking my decision?
Ans: I believe instead of looking for 2 year full time MBA course, try for Executive MBA course from some of the top IIMs or XLRI or ISB. You would have to write the GMAT which requires less amount of preparation as compared to CAT. Minimum work experience required for doing Executive MBA is around 5 years. So the others would also be of similar age.

..Read more

Patrick

Patrick Dsouza  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career
Actually, I am 32 year male, unmarried and currently working in an Education Sector as a Content Manager/ Subject Matter Expert from the past 4 years. And, I did my BE in the year 2014 and since then I was preparing for UPSC civil services and even appeared in the interview but unfortunately didn’t tasted the success and join this industry on this basis. Whereas, I am got stagnated here and not getting much in term of salary or career growth and looking forward for doing MBA to switch my career field to analytics/Finance. I did Master in Public Administration in distance mode while I was preparing because this was my optional. Previous month, I took admission in Executive MBA from IIT Patna but unfortunately, its substandard in terms of quality and learning. I have certain doubts, Please let me help to come to the conculsion. Shall I go with the Full time MBA at 32 age by giving CAT/GMAT? Shall I opt for executive MBA from IIMs like Indore, Kashipur etc, here I have concern related to placements, considering 12 Lakh Fee? Shall I do 1 year full time PGP at IIM Indore, ISB or any good institutions for the change? Or shall I opt for CFA/FRM along with my IIT Patna Executive MBA? I am way behind my collogues and even not settled due to my UPSC unsuccessful attempts, I need to switch the filed. Please revert and help me out tin clearing my dilemma, I am really very confused right now.,
Ans: It is advisable to write GMAT and try to do Executive MBA from one of the good IIMs or XLRI. These colleges do have good placements and it could help your career. Usual requirement for these courses is minimum 5 years of work experience

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4517 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
Career
Which best colleges can i get with 181080 rank in jee mains for cse which has high ROI
Ans: Here are some steps you can follow to find out which NIT, IIIT, or GFTI you will receive. ROI is dependent on your ability to build a profile, improve your skills, and conduct research on the job market environment over the next four years.

Please note, Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4517 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 14, 2025

Career
My jee mains percentile is 87 general 2025 can I get any good college female
Ans: Anuska, being a female, you might get. However, have some more back-ups by applying to some other colleges also with your JEE Main Rank, instead of relying only on JEE.

Please note, providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4517 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 14, 2025

Career
Jee mains crl rank 321133 and gen ews 45472 which college and which branch can I get?
Ans: Adi, Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4517 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 14, 2025

Archana

Archana Deshpande  |110 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on May 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 22, 2025
Career
I am 32 and I have been working really hard to build my career. I love what I do, and I've invested a lot of time and energy to grow in my role. But somehow, at work, especially during informal conversations, people often ask me questions like, 'When are you planning to settle down?' or 'Any baby plans on the horizon?' or even worse, 'You should start thinking about family before it's too late.' Sometimes these are casual remarks during lunch breaks, after meetings when the tone turns casual. Surprisingly, it's not always from older colleagues. Even people my age do it. It's personally frustrating because the underlying message seems to be: Your career is fine for now, but surely you will slow down or quit once you get married or have kids, right? It feels like no matter how well I perform or how passionate I am about my work, there's always this unspoken assumption that it's all temporary. I don't want to snap or sound defensive because that often backfires. At the same time, I also don't want to smile politely and let these questions continue. I want to protect my boundaries while still being professional and graceful.
Ans: Hi!!

To be in a position where you are today and say, ' I love what I do', is simply stupendous, congratulations!

In the context of you being 32 and still unmarried will definitely get you the comments that you are receiving... and like you said they are happening informally casually... so just treat them that way, casually... answer them, don't avoid them or don't show annoyance. Just answer them with a ,"not happening anytime soon, ask me after 02 years", or any other casual remark you deem fit.

I can understand the frustration...forget about what other people are trying to imply etc , they are just casual remarks and take them that way.
"I don't want to snap or sound defensive because that often backfires", this is your remark I am requoting, don't give too much importance to it, if you are sure of what you want in life, you don't have to explain anything to others, it is none of their business any way, just shrug your shoulders and move on! You can't change people...
Also I would like to state, that it is ok to take a break when you marry or have a child after marriage... it is so normal, and thankfully you are in an era where these are recognized as important milestones in life and a women after a break is welcomed back with open arms by the same organizations. With your kind of credentials I don't think you'll ever have any problem getting back to work after a break.

Wishing that you make peace with yourself and the world around you...work is just one part of life. Take care of yourself and all the very best!!

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4517 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 14, 2025

Career
Dear sir, Greetings.My son got a rank 1681 in TSEAPCET examination and wants to study B.Tech (BioTechnology) IN JNTU,Hyderabad.He is a BiPC student in Intermediate.Please guide us regarding the prosperity in Biotechnology and how much it is good for professionwise.And what jobs he will get and how much approximate remuneration he will get.He attended NEET exam also and likely to get a seat in MBBS in B category in Telangana.But he shows inclination towards B.Tech (Bio Technology).His point is Medical stream takes more years to complete with post graduation and super speciality.Please give your opinion.Next point is B.Tech(BioTechnology) started in JNTU only 2 years back.Will there be any disadvantage of lab facilities and infrastructure and if so,how will it affect the student"s educatuion and job skills/understanding in the college.Please guide me. Thanks and Best Regards. NVRSrinivas
Ans: Your son's perception of MBBS is right. So, please avoid MBBS. Given your son’s inclination towards B.Tech Biotechnology and preference for a shorter duration course with an early career start, JNTU Hyderabad’s program is a viable choice with promising career prospects. The biotechnology sector’s growth and interdisciplinary nature offer strong professional opportunities. If he is passionate about biotechnology rather than clinical medicine, this path aligns well with his interests and career timeline. Remuneration depends upon his Profile Buidling during the next 4 years, Upgrading his skills, Researching about Job Market through Professional Social Media like LinkedIn etc.

If desired, he can pursue higher studies (M.Tech, MSc, PhD) later in India/Abroad to enhance expertise and salary potential. Meanwhile, the current job market for biotechnology graduates is expanding, with roles in pharma companies, research labs, healthcare startups, and agricultural biotech firms. Job

This balanced approach respects his preference and ensures a strong foundation for a rewarding career in biotechnology. All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x