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• Rohit Joshi
  IIMB, PGFP, 1991. Ex - MD HSBC, Founder, Havit Consulting Pte Ltd

As a start, I feel that having 3-4 years work experience is ideal to commence an MBA - since you can relate to the theory taught with your own experiences at work, and also learn from others who have worked in other organisations. That makes it real. The other ‘real’ benefit of an MBA is the network that you build with your cohort - which can help you as you reach mid /. Senior levels - provided that you stay connected! The challenges are the cost of an MBA, in the US especially and the “opportunity loss” of income and a pause in career progress - so your concern is very real. It really depends on your situation. Can you do a part time MBA while still continuing to work? Does your firm sponsor you for higher education (so the costs are mitigated) and you come back to them once you complete the course? Options for a full time MBA do result in a career break and higher costs, and would perhaps be ideal for those seeking a change in industry.

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• Saurabh Chopra
  IIML, PGP, 2004. Director Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives, Central Square Foundation

You are still in the early stages of your career. I understand that losing two years of income is not trivial, however, if you feel that a career in business will give you more satisfaction than your current career - it would recommend going for a MBA. Your interest should be the driving factor for your decision.

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• Mukesh Khandelwal
  IIMC, PGP, 1993.

The MBA answer to this: you create cash flow streams for the two options at hand, carry out a DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) analysis, and choose the stream that gives you a higher NPV (Net Present Value). Lots of jargon, but you should be able to look these terms up online and carry out this analysis – and yes, it will answer the question you’ve asked. The questions you could perhaps be asking: Do you enjoy what you’re currently doing? Are you good at it? Are you currently paid well? Will you make lots of money going forward? Do you have a great work-life balance? If the answers to (m)any of these is ‘no’, then perhaps it is time to think of a career change. And an MBA is a great enabler of this career change, especially if done from the right institute.