Hi Abhishek! I am a lost entrepreneur having 13 years experience. I found decent exit from my previous startup where I've put in 10 years in different roles at elementary level like Marketing, Customer Success, Product, Tech but haven't developed a niche. In last 3 years, I've worked with an early stage startup which failed. Now when I came out of there, I feel so insecure about future not having any expertise even after having 13 years of experience so to say. Please guide how to find my liking and develop expertise quickly or how can I navigate my career so that I am viewed at least as a competent mid career professional.

Ans: Hello Levin,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am happy to hear that your son has completed his Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and is currently in the field of Data Science. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that changing from mechanical engineering to data science and then pursuing an MBA in Finance demonstrates a diversified skill set and drive. I would recommend that your son takes into account the following steps:

Firstly, he should investigate MBA programs in the USA with strong finance specializations and a track record of admitting students from a variety of academic backgrounds. Stanford Graduate School of Business, the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, Harvard Business School, and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania are a few well-known finance schools that your son can consider applying to. Next, remember that the admission prerequisites for each MBA program will be unique. These typically entail academic marksheets, GRE or GMAT test scores, essays or personal statements, endorsement letters, and at times an interview. While other programs may accept recent graduates, some may demand professional experience. Thirdly, although your son doesn’t have a formal background in finance, drawing on his experience in data science and mechanical engineering he can display problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, and a strong foundation in quantitative methods, all of which are highly sought-after in the finance industry. Bear in mind that either GRE or GMAT scores are required by the majority of MBA programs. In order to attain a competitive score, I would suggest that your son begins studying for the exam well in advance. A number of resources viz., practice tests, study guides, and prep courses are accessible. As the next step, your son should create an appealing application. Remember, to prove your son's interest in finance and possible success in an MBA program, the endorsement letters and application essays are important. Your son should talk about his professional objectives, how an MBA best resonates with his plans, and what unique viewpoint he brings to the table. I would like to let you know that unique courses or dual-degree possibilities that integrate finance with other subjects viz., analytics or technology are offered by certain MBA programs. For individuals with experience in both data science and engineering, these programs may be well-suited. As the next step, your son should look into possibilities for scholarship and monetary assistance opportunities that MBA programs offer. In addition, he should also investigate external scholarships specifically designed for students pursuing finance-related degrees. Remember that during the MBA application process, building connections can be beneficial, and therefore, I would suggest that your son gets in touch with students who are currently enrolling in, or past graduates of the programs he’s interested in, in order to learn about their experiences and possibly even find a mentor.

Bear in mind that the MBA application process might be competitive, and thus, your son should step forward with utmost effort and determination and highlight his particular abilities and experiences. I wish him all the best as he embarks on his journey to pursue an MBA in Finance in the USA.

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