GATE (M.Tech) or CAT (MBA)

I remember searching the exact terms "M.Tech or MBA" several times with no convincing answer. Now, since I have already been through the ordeal (not exactly because GATE is still there on 14th Feb, still ..) , I am ready to add a bit to the confusion .

To be frank, when I got into engineering college, I had never dreamed of b-school. I liked computers (computers are my first love), I got admission into Computer Science stream in a reputed college and was more than happy. I happily chugged along for 3 years, getting decent if not extraordinary marks (anyways people say you need to study the least in Computer Science stream).


Then towards the end of third year, suddenly everyone around me started making plans for future studies fueled by the recession . While many were content with prospects of getting a job, others considered M.Tech, MBA or MS. Almost half of my class joined a coaching center for MBA exams. Being an egoistic, how could I be left behind? But there was a serious doubt lurking in my mind, what do I go for? M.Tech or MBA. Giving GRE for MS was out of question, first because I am from a well-off family but not so well-off and second no one from my family has even gone to Nepal, save USA or UK.

On one side was the love for computers pulling me for M.Tech, on the other was prospect of quick+bright future with an MBA degree. No to say that M.Tech doesn't have a bright future, but as the state of things go in India, our country is still a "services" economy with much scope for managers but very little innovation through researches.Here, after doing an M.Tech, chances are few and far ( and that is my thinking shaped by what I have seen and mostly heard , I could well be wrong ), please note that I am talking about the general junta. Also, how many good research oriented institutions are there in India? except the IISC and IITs. Many a times I have had a feeling of disgust over the neglect of research-based higher education in India. Believe me, I had spent sleepless nights pondering over what choice I should make.

By now you must have figured out that I chose to prepare for MBA over M.Tech. After all, though I have an interest in technology, I hadn't ever imagined myself as a researcher. I had grown, fascinated by the Ambanis and Tatas (may be an aftermath of reading business magazines which I tried reading to get a sense of business). Many a times I have dreamed of becoming the king of a large business empire, preferably in the IT field. My preparation for MBA made me discover things about myself which I couldn't have had otherwise, which they call the "hidden self" in psychological lingo. I am not sure whether I will be able to get admission into a good b-school this year, but be assured I will, sometime in future. Let's see what does a mix of love for technology and b-school training bring about.


P.S : The views expressed are entirely mine. I am not advocating for or against any choice. As the saying goes " You always have a choice". May the force be with you!!