La vie est belle. Life's beautiful!: October 2024

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

The European vs Indian MBA conundrum: What to expect and how they compare (10 min read)

The decision to pursue an MBA is a big one. Not just because it requires a significant investment (we’re talking €100,000 for a top program in Europe) but also because it impacts your career, lifestyle, and even your confidence in ways you may not fully imagine. Having done two MBAs—one in my early 20s in India and another almost 10 years later in Europe—I’ve gathered some valuable insights that may help you make a more informed decision.

So, let’s unpack this question: Is an MBA worth it, and which geography would you rather choose? The answer depends on several key factors—your career goals, where you want to work, your level of experience, and whether you’re prepared for the realities of an MBA program.

My opinions are based on my own experience of doing an MBA from a top B-school in India when I was 21, and another MBA from a top B-school in France when I was 29. This blog post is not prescriptive in any manner - I am merely doing my best to outline some of the factors you should think about when making this decision, and reflect on what matters to you the most.

What an MBA Is (And What It’s Not)

First things first—what exactly should you expect from an MBA? There’s a lot of glamour attached to the degree, but let’s be clear: if you’re purely looking for academic learning, an MBA might not be your best bet. MBA programs cover a wide range of subjects—finance, marketing, operations—but they won’t take you deep into any one field unless you opt for a specialization. Even then, it’s more of an introduction than a deep dive. Needless to say, in this age of AI, a lot of aspects taught during MBAs from the academic standpoint are constantly being updated.

What an MBA does provide, however, is three key things:

A Network: This is one of the most valuable assets of any MBA. The connections you make—both professionally and personally—can last a lifetime. I’ve seen this play out myself, especially as I transitioned from India to London, where my alumni network has been incredibly helpful.
Social Skills and Confidence: MBA programs push you to work with a diverse group of people, improving your ability to navigate different personalities and work environments. These skills often prove more valuable than the coursework itself.
Time Management and Prioritization: The sheer volume of projects, deadlines, and extracurricular activities forces you to learn how to prioritize and juggle tasks. This skill is critical in any leadership role.

If you’re hoping to gain deep technical expertise, there are more affordable and specialized programs available online. The MBA is more about breadth than depth.

Early 20s vs. Late 20s/early 30s: When Is the Best Time?

When should you pursue an MBA? I’ve done it both as a fresh grad and later in life with work experience, and the timing makes a big difference.

In your Early 20s:

You’re a sponge—open to learning and experimenting with no preconceived notions.
You can land managerial roles early in your career, which can fast-track your growth.
However, much of what you learn can feel theoretical because you lack real-world experience to apply it to.

In your Late 20s/30s:

You’ll have more focus and know which areas of business resonate with you, allowing for targeted learning.
With work experience, the lessons feel much more practical and relevant.
The trade-off is the opportunity cost—you might already be mid-career, and stepping away from a good job to study comes with its risks.

Ultimately, there’s no "right" age. The timing depends on how much work experience you want to bring into the program and what you hope to get out of it.

The long-term geography Factor: India vs. Europe

Where you do your MBA matters, not just for the experience but for what comes next.

India: In India, an MBA from a top school like IIM carries weight nationwide. The degree itself is a significant credential that can open doors across industries and regions. If you plan to stay in India, this makes an Indian MBA a smart move. Employers often prioritize the MBA tag, and it’s a fast track to leadership roles, similar to how the US job market values MBAs.

Europe: In contrast, Europe plays by different rules. While a European MBA can be valuable, especially in fields like consulting or in structured programs at companies like Amazon, most recruiters focus more on your previous work experience than on the degree itself. If you’re considering a career in Europe, doing an MBA there can help you develop a strong local network—a crucial asset in a market where networking is key to job opportunities.

But here’s the caveat: If you plan to return to India (or another non-European country) right after your MBA, the local network you build in Europe may not provide much value. In that case, the investment in a European MBA might not be worth it unless you’re seeking global exposure for a short time. The geographic clarity of where you want to be after your MBA is critical in making this decision.

Placement Support: Structured vs. Self-Driven

Another important consideration is how placement support works in different regions.

In India, the placement process is highly structured. Colleges have long-standing relationships with companies, and placements are coordinated through the school itself. Companies come to campus, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews, often leading to pre-placement offers (PPOs) after internships. This structured environment gives students a sense of security in their job search, and it allows them to focus more on preparing for interviews than on hustling for connections.

In Europe, the situation is different. There’s typically no formal placement process, and students are largely left to their own devices. While some companies offer structured MBA programs (like consulting firms or Amazon), most industries in Europe care more about your work experience than your MBA. As a result, you’ll need to rely heavily on networking, attending events, and reaching out to recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn. It’s a more self-driven process, which can be tough but also helps sharpen your networking skills.

ROI and Salary Expectations: The Financial Reality

Now, let’s talk money. An MBA is a big investment—especially in Europe, where top programs can cost anywhere from €100,000 to €110,000. In India, the cost is significantly lower, around €30,000 to €35,000 (As of 2024). So, is the financial ROI worth it?

Note: I use the word "financial ROI" as there are many other non-monetary forms of ROI which money cannot replace. I urge you to consider them also when you make such a big decision. Skills/assets such as confidence, navigation of inter-personal dynamics, the friends and network you make, etc. cannot be assigned an immediate value, but are nevertheless crucial.

In India and the US, the answer is more likely to be yes. MBAs are valued highly, and employers are willing to pay a premium for the degree. The salary jump can be substantial, and the degree itself opens up opportunities across industries.

In Europe, it’s more nuanced. The salary bump might not be as immediate or as significant, especially in sectors like marketing or sales where recruiters emphasize prior experience over the MBA tag. However, if you’re entering consulting or a structured MBA program at a company like Amazon, the return on investment can be much higher. The key is knowing which sectors offer better opportunities for MBAs and aligning your career goals accordingly.

Placement Statistics: Don’t Take Them at Face Value

One last thing: placement statistics. It’s easy to get swept up by the impressive figures that business schools tout on their websites, but be cautious. These statistics may not always reflect the reality in specific industries or geographies.

For example, the consulting job market might look great in Europe, but the situation could be quite different for finance, marketing, or sustainability. Before making any decisions, I highly recommend reaching out to recent alumni from the programs you’re considering. They’ll give you a clearer picture of the current job market and the opportunities available in your field.

Final Reflections: Is an MBA Right for You?

So, is an MBA worth it? That really depends on your personal goals and expectations.

If you’re looking for a broad-based education, a strong network, and the ability to manage complex projects and timelines, then yes, an MBA can be a great investment. It’s not just about the academics—it’s about learning how to navigate diverse work environments, lead teams, and juggle multiple priorities.

However, if your goal is to gain deep expertise in a specific area, there are more specialized programs available at a fraction of the cost. And if you’re purely looking at the degree for its monetary return, be mindful of the job market in the region where you plan to work, as the value of an MBA varies significantly across geographies and industries.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on a combination of personal introspection, geographic clarity, and realistic expectations about what an MBA can and can’t do for your career. It’s a big investment—but when pursued for the right reasons, it can open doors that you never thought possible.

My final word: Don't consider only the short-term monetary ROI; Think long-term and non-monetary as well!

The Rainbow Gathering: An adventure of a lifetime! (5 min read)

In the summer of 2014, while I was an exchange student in Innsbruck, I embarked on one of the most adventurous trips of my life. It all began during a solo travel stint to Budapest, where, in a hostel, I met a fellow traveler who told me about something called the Rainbow Gathering. It sounded surreal—an event where gypsies, hippies, and travelers from around the world come together in the mountains, far from civilization, to live communally without the interference of technology, sharing food, stories, and skills around bonfires under the stars. With a zest for adventure and curiosity in my heart, I decided I had to go.

I quickly found two other travelers who were equally intrigued, and we made plans to head to the gathering together. But, as fate would have it, I lost contact with them before we could leave. Alone in Budapest and unsure if they’d make it, I decided to go anyway. So, I hopped on a train heading north, toward the rural countryside of Hungary. The gathering was supposed to be near a place called Bercel, but the location was vague, and the directions people gave were cryptic, with mentions of following "flags" along the way.

By the time I arrived in Bercel, it was late evening, and the small, rural station was nearly empty. As night began to fall, I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I had no idea how I was going to find the Rainbow Gathering in the pitch-dark wilderness. I asked a local man on the train for help, and his kindness was overwhelming. He scoured the entire train, asking around for anyone else heading to the gathering. Finally, he introduced me to a woman with braided hair, thick glasses, and the unmistakable aura of a hippie. She was sketching what looked like the universe in a notebook, completely engrossed. When she finally looked up, I explained that I, too, was heading to the gathering, and she welcomed me to tag along. She was hitchhiking, and I figured if she was working in the canteen at the gathering, I could trust her.

As we stepped off the train in Bercel, her boyfriend appeared out of nowhere, and soon enough, we were hitching a ride with another traveler named Abraham, who was also going to the gathering. The journey through the darkened countryside was eerie but exhilarating. We passed trees marked with red flags, the only indicator that we were on the right path. Eventually, my new friend and her boyfriend got off at a different stop, leaving me alone with Abraham, who kindly reassured me that everything would be fine. After about an hour of driving through the wilderness, we arrived.

The route to the Rainbow Gathering and the entrance:

The campsite was nestled deep in the mountains, illuminated only by the soft glow of distant bonfires. I hadn’t brought a tent, and it was freezing. Thankfully, Abraham had a large tent and offered to let me stay with him. Grateful, I dropped my stuff and soon struck up a conversation with a nearby Bulgarian family who shared their food with me. That night, I took part in the bonfire, with tribal dancing and music echoing across the mountainside. It was magical, and to my surprise, I even ran into the two travelers I had originally planned to come with, although they were too high and drunk to hold a proper conversation.

Staying in tents and getting to know the Bulgarian family:

The next morning was just as surreal. After a very "natural" start to my day in the wilderness, I wandered the camp and met a gypsy woman who shared her thoughts on life, money, and happiness. Her words were simple but profound: she had been traveling for a long time, living without any connection to money, and she was entirely happy. In her eyes, the world had it all wrong about what happiness truly was. Her freedom and contentment struck a chord with me, challenging my own ideas about success and fulfillment.

Later that morning, I helped out in the communal kitchens, where everyone cooked together, volunteering their time. We prepared a massive pot of oatmeal, and before eating, we gathered in a circle to chant and pray. The sense of unity and community was palpable. Everyone formed part of a larger, interconnected whole, bound not by material wealth but by shared experiences.

After breakfast, the camp turned into a learning hub. People set up small classes, teaching whatever they knew—be it yoga, philosophy, or practical skills. I attended a session on exercise and another on philosophy, both leaving me with fresh insights and a sense of calm. As the day wore on, I knew I had to head back to Budapest, but there was the small problem of figuring out how to get there. Incredibly, a man who had come to deliver water to the camp offered me a ride. He was deaf and mute, but his kindness spoke volumes. We drove back to Bercel, and from there, I caught my train back to Budapest.

Spending time with the Gypsies and learning from each other:

Looking back, this experience was one of the most eye-opening and unique travels I’ve ever had. It wasn’t just about the adventure or the beauty of the mountains; it was about the people I met and the lessons I learned from them. The Rainbow Gathering taught me that there are so many different ways of living, and it opened my mind to the idea that happiness is not something tied to material wealth, but rather to experiences, relationships, and the freedom to live authentically.

My ongoing journey with French: Lessons learnt so far and why it has been extremely joyful! (6 min read)

Learning French is a journey full of ups and downs, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. From stumbling through awkward conversations to finally grasping native phrases, there’s so much to learn—not just about the language but about yourself. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for fluency, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes, stay motivated, and (hopefully) feel the joy of learning French.

Before you read this experiential guide, please take a look at an explainer of French levels. For context, I write this article while I am in the transition phase between the B2 and C1 levels.

The Foundation: Think in French from Day One

Let’s get this out of the way: If you’re thinking about French in English first, then translating it back, it’s going to hold you back. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. Right from A1, start thinking in French. It might feel strange at first, but this is one of the most crucial habits you can develop early on. The sooner you stop translating in your head, the quicker your responses will come naturally.

Key Tip: Start with simple phrases and thoughts in French, even from day one. Get comfortable with the discomfort—your future self will thank you for it.

The Learning Dilemma: Group Classes, Private Tutoring, or Self-Study?

When you’re starting out, it’s natural to wonder, "What’s the best way to learn?" Should you take group classes, get a private tutor, or learn on your own? The answer is, it depends on your stage and motivation.

Group Classes: They’re great for building a foundation. You’ll realize that everyone makes mistakes, which makes you feel less alone. The community aspect is motivating, but be aware that you might not get enough one-on-one speaking time.

Private Tutoring: If you need personalized attention and targeted help, private lessons are a great option. However, they can be pricey, and you won’t have the group dynamic that can keep you energized.

Self-Study: After reaching B1, the real work begins. This is when you need to reduce the gap between theory and application. At this point, self-study is just as important as any class. Watch TV shows, listen to podcasts, and have conversations with people. The focus should now be on immersing yourself in real-life French rather than sticking to textbook lessons.

Key Lesson: Up to B1, classes (group or private) are essential to stay on track, but beyond that, self-paced learning combined with real-life content will make the biggest difference.

From A2 to B1: Let Go of Your Ego

At the A2 to B1 stage, one of the biggest hurdles is the fear of making mistakes. I’ve been there. You feel awkward when you mess up a sentence or when you have to ask someone to repeat themselves. But guess what? This is exactly how you improve.

Key Lesson: You have to put your ego aside. Yes, you’ll make mistakes, and yes, it’s uncomfortable. But the more you practice—no matter how small the conversation—the better you’ll get. Be bold, ask questions, and embrace the errors as part of the process.

From B1 to B2: Focus on Dialogues, Not Monologues

One of the biggest mistakes I made as I progressed from B1 to B2 was focusing too much on monologues—listening to podcasts, radio shows, and videos. While these helped with vocabulary, they didn’t prepare me for real conversations where people interrupt each other, speak at different paces, and use colloquialisms.

Key Lesson: Prioritize dialogues over monologues. Conversations are dynamic. Real-life French is fast, messy, and unpredictable. You need to practice listening to dialogues—whether through movies, TV series, or even conversations with native speakers. Watching something like Call My Agent gave me a real sense of how French is spoken in everyday life, and it helped me become much more comfortable with the language.

Additionally, start mixing tenses in your practice. Real conversations switch between past, present, and future tenses constantly, so practice jumbling them together to get comfortable with the flow of the language. Tools like Custom GPTs in ChatGPT Pro are perfect for this, allowing you to practice speaking in real time and correcting you on the spot.

Understanding Native Phrases: The Hidden Layer

Once you start engaging with native speakers, you’ll notice that they often use phrases and structures that aren’t taught in conventional classes. For example, French negation usually follows ne + verb + pas, but natives often drop the ne entirely in casual conversation.

Key Tip: Don’t worry too much about these subtleties until you’re comfortable with regular conversation. Once you can follow a conversation with native speakers, you can then start refining your understanding of these nuances to sound more natural.

Consistency Over Intensity: Practice Regularly

Consistency is everything when learning a language. It’s tempting to schedule long study sessions once or twice a week, but shorter, more frequent practice is far more effective.

Key Tip: Take advantage of lucid moments—like 10 minutes of practice during your commute or while waiting in line. The key is regular exposure, not necessarily long sessions. Over time, it becomes a habit, and that’s when you’ll really start to see progress.

The Joy of Learning French

Now, let’s talk about why all of this effort is worth it. Learning French opens doors—professionally and personally. Being able to hold a conversation with a native speaker or navigating a tricky situation in French is an incredible feeling. Professionally, French is spoken in over 30 countries, and it’s a valuable skill if you’re aiming for global opportunities.

But beyond the practical reasons, there’s joy in learning the language itself. You connect more deeply with the culture, and living in a French-speaking city like Paris becomes infinitely more rewarding when you understand the language.

And here’s the best part: I’m actually relocating to London soon, where I won’t need to use French at all. Yet, I’m more motivated than ever to reach C1. I’m watching French series almost daily, and now that the pressure to learn French for professional reasons is off, I’m enjoying it more than ever. So, if you need a little motivation—there it is. Even though I’m leaving the country, I’m still dedicated to this language because the journey is so fulfilling.

Final Thoughts

Learning French is challenging, but if you stick with it, the rewards are incredible. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, embrace thinking in French from the beginning, and focus on real-life dialogues to sharpen your listening and speaking skills. Whether it’s group classes, private tutoring, or self-study, each stage of learning has its own value, but the key is to keep going. You’ll find joy not just in the language itself but in the way it opens up new experiences and connections.

And remember, even if you’re not bound by professional reasons to learn French, it’s still worth every bit of effort—because the joy is in the journey.

P.S.- Please feel free to reach out if you want suggestions on apps/websites/TV series in French which can help you learn better!