Parents of MBA students, here are some dos and don'ts!

Indian obsession with MBA is no surprise for anymore. Getting admitted to an MBA course in a top B-school is a dream come true not only for the candidate but also for the parents.

Parents have the tendency to overwork with their children – filling up forms, creating a preparation schedule. Try visiting an examination centre (management exams like CAT, SNAP, XAT, etc) – more than 60% aspirants are accompanied with parents.

Undoubtedly, an MBA is a huge investment. Colleges charge tuition fee from anywhere between Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs. Parents are worried about the returns of such a huge investment. But is it justified to keep getting involved at every juncture?

Keeping the current scenario in mind, Shiksha.com spoke to some academicians, B-School authorities and students. Here are some Dos and Don’ts for Parents after your child gets into an MBA programme:

Don’ts

1. All those media reports of MBA graduates securing Rs 40 lakh per annum or Rs 1 crore per annum – yeah, that happens to everyone!
   Please be realistic. Only handful students get into top B-schools. And among these handful students, only two or three manage to earn such astronomical salaries. They are the exceptions and not the rule.
2. Don’t make them feel guilty for not getting into a college of their choice.
3. Don’t keep reminding them of the fees you are paying (and the expected returns).
4. Don’t call up the admissions office or the dean the moment your child faces a hint of trouble or is over-loaded with assignments. Let them rough-it out.
5. Hostel life is about learning to adapt and experiencing life. Please don’t call up the hostel warden every time your child is served a bad meal or gets a stomach ache.
6. For parents with established family businesses, don’t discourage your child from slogging it out during MBA degree. A little knowledge can help them a long way.

Dos

1. Marketing, finance or operations? Your aspirations and career outlook can be quite different from your child’s perspective. Let your child chose their own specialisation.
2. They are already swaddled with millions of exams, case studies and peer pressure. They don’t need more pressure from you. Just let them be. Give them space.
3. MBA is a professional course. Ask your children to take careers seriously and actively participate in workshops, internships and classes (But don’t overdo it).
4. Remember how involved you were during the Board examinations and various engineering entrances? Now that your son or daughter has made it to a management college, don’t just sit back. Teach them the importance of self-decisions and independence, but from a distance.