After deciding whether you should get an MBA, the next most probable question that could bother aspiring management students is what kind of MBA specialisation is perfect for them or should they stick to the general MBA? To answer this question and end the dilemma, the easiest way is to take a look at the pros and cons of each and decide which one goes best with your future career goals. Hence, before starting your quest to filter out the top MBA colleges in Ahmedabad, let’s dig deeper into which suits you the best—a general MBA or an MBA with specialization?
An MBA is one of the most sought-after postgraduate courses in India. From different academic backgrounds, many students opt for this course right after completing their graduation, while some decide to get this degree after gaining some professional experience. So, to ensure that no time and resources are wasted, it is always suggested to choose the right course.
General MBA
The general or regular MBA programme includes fundamental programmes in Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Strategy, and so on.As the name suggests, it focuses on a holistic approach and not on any specific subject. Students who want to pursue a general MBA can learn the essential skills in management, like business management, critical thinking, leadership skills, etc. It would not be wrong to mark a general MBA as a course that teaches the students to become an overall better businessman or woman. If you are already a professional, a general MBA can take you to the next big step in your career.
The course pedagogy of the general MBA is designed in such a way that the first-year students are taught the fundamental aspects of management, while in their second year, they are asked to choose their elective subjects. And selecting an elective subject can be a way of specializing, but it in no way can be said to be single-focused.
PROS
- With a general MBA, you can get in-depth knowledge about the general aspects of business and management domains.
- It provides you with a holistic learning approach.
- For career growth or a professional switch, a general MBA is a better option.
- Students can choose electives as per their needs and preferences.
- A general MBA focuses on strengthening skills like leadership, business management, communication, creativity, critical thinking, etc.
CONS
- With a general MBA, you will not necessarily be directed towards a specific professional direction.
- It may not be considered a suitable fit for every niche.
- Specialization may restrict you from gaining an in-depth knowledge of any specific sector.
Specialised MBA
Much like the general MBA, a specialised MBA has a specialisation attached to it. In other words, if you pursue a specialised MBA, you can get the scope to specialise in core areas like marketing, finance, human resources, and international business, etc. Pursuing a specialised MBA from the top MBA colleges in Ahmedabad, like IIMA, Nirma, MICA, SKIPS, and others, can offer you great career options.
There is a similarity between a general MBA and a specialised one in the sense that in both the courses, the students get the scope to learn the fundamental aspects of management. However, in the latter, the curriculum is designed to train students in specific areas of management that they opt for as per their interest. As a result, students opting for a specialised MBA are considered experts in their respective fields. This, in turn, can help them get better career trajectories.
Apart from the traditional core areas of specialization, MBA colleges are nowadays coming up with courses based on industry-requirements. For instance, top MBA colleges in Ahmedabad have unique industry-specific programmes like Rural Management, Hospital Management, etc.
PROS
- A specialised MBA course is considered the best way to gain knowledge about niche areas.
- Students with a specialised MBA degree are often preferred over general MBA students in specialised areas of business.
- It is an excellent field of study for students who are passionate about learning about a specific core area of management.
- It offers you in-depth knowledge about your area of specialization.
- A few specialised MBA programmes allow candidates to pursue them while they are still working.
CONS
- Your acumen in a specific area can limit you from gaining an overall knowledge of the management field.
- Specialization can restrict you to a specific area of work, and it may be challenging to switch fields.
- If you choose the wrong specialization, your career can be hampered.
- A few colleges offering specialised MBA programmes may require the students to have previous work or academic experience, making the admission process more difficult.
General MBA vs. Specialized MBA: FAQs
- Is a general MBA less superior to a specialised MBA?
The answer is no. The importance of each course depends on the students’ professional and career goals. They may mean different things to different students in terms of their significance.
- Which is better-a general MBA or a specialised one?
It again depends on the students’ requirements. A General MBA is better if you want to progress in your professional field and get a good grasp of management tenets. A specialised MBA is better if you want to gain in-depth knowledge about your area of specialization.
- What are the unique areas of specialisation offered by the top MBA colleges in Ahmedabad?
Some of the unique specialisations offered as per the industry requirements are rural management, IT management, hospital management, engineering management, operation management, etc.
- How much can I expect to earn after completing a specialised MBA?
It depends on what specialisation you choose and from where you decide to pursue your MBA degree.
Which one is better?
We have already presented the factors which you should take into consideration while answering the above question. To decide which course is best, you can carefully assess your career objectives and explore some of the best management programs.
There is no shortage of top-notch MBA colleges in Ahmedabad, but to reap the full benefits of getting enrolled in one of those,you can look at the following tabular gist.
A specialised MBA is an excellent choice if
- You have some work experience.
- You want to change your current occupation.
- You do not want to restrict yourself to some specific field.
- It does not matter if you do not have any in-depth knowledge of any core field of management.
- You want to strengthen your skills like communication, leadership, time management, etc.
- You wish to learn about a specific domain of management.
- You want to make progress in a specific niche area.
- You are a fresher and do not necessarily have any working experience.
- You want to gain expertise in your area of interest and grow your career in it.
- You are absolutely sure about your career goals and the management path you want to take up.
