“Should I take admission in a management programme during this pandemic year?”

I keep on receiving messages on WhatsApp from multiple people but last week got this message from my close-knit. This message actually left me wondering that how many other students/ parents would be going through this dilemma.

Covid has not only challenged our very own existence but worse has been two consecutive year dealing with this deadly virus. It has put the entire human progress in jeopardy – the World economy is in stagnation each and every sector has been impacted badly. The service industry, particularly, hospitality, has taken a deep hit. Corporates are under lockdown. Across the globe, people have lost their jobs and those who were still employed were not sure if they’ll get the next paycheck or not. Public movement is completely restricted. Health infrastructure is collapsing. Hardly we can see domestic travel, forget about international travel. We all are in a fearful state of mind. In such a scenario, this question asked by this fresher who is the daughter of a close friend seemed very relevant and felt to be addressed to a larger audience.

The service industry, particularly, hospitality, has taken a deep hit. Corporates are under lockdown. Across the globe, people have lost their jobs and those who were still employed were not sure if they’ll get the next paycheck or not.

The first thing I had in my mind was – Is it the first time we are going through such crises? What would have been the situation of young people during World War II? Those who have seen it must have felt like the end of the world. But what happened after this war in America was a big-time economic recovery. Most of the big-time industrialists of 70’s and 80’s were young collegiate during the war. The 70’s & 80’s are too far, let’s look at the recent mishap when the World Trade Centre was attacked, a disaster, an attack on America! But today, when we think of it, it’s all just gory visuals, that’s it. However the issue concerning the youth today is very serious. The first thing I did after thinking it through was a PEST analysis, traits of being a Management Faculty. There is absolutely no doubt that the external environment doesn’t affect a young student’s life. All the above statements turned out to be somewhat true, if not wholly true. All this combined directs to a disaster but are they really taking mankind towards end of the world?

Will it bring extinction to the human civilization like the dinosaurs millions of years ago? No. Will human beings go back to the Stone Age? No. Will humans won’t be interacting in the future? No. Will the corporates never ever start business again? No. Will everything get back to normal? Well, No, again but the essence of ‘Normal’ itself has changed.  We are going through a flux. The current situation has put all of us under Survival of the Fittest, only those who can adapt to this change and prepare themselves for a tomorrow will succeed. In this scenario, does it make sense to abandon your MBA dream? No. A BIG NO. In fact, now is the time when all the youngsters should re-dedicate themselves to study harder and make strategic career choices for a brighter tomorrow.

We are going through a flux. The current situation has put all of us under Survival of the Fittest, only those who can adapt to this change and prepare themselves for a tomorrow will succeed.

How does an MBA/ PGDM help you in this? Well, firstly, a post-graduate degree in management prepares you for a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world. It teaches you to face the ups and downs of the business world within the given constraints. Secondly, it is a simulation of the real world that the students will face tomorrow. It creates situations and an environment where students can practice their decision-making skills. Third, it develops your personality, holistically so that you are in a position to tide over any crises. And lastly, it pays and pays handsomely. For those who master managerial skills, the sky is the limit.

Well, a post-graduate degree in management prepares you for a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world. It teaches you to face the ups and downs of the business world within the given constraints.

In short, an MBA/ PGDM is the only ‘right’ educational choice for those who intend to rise to the higher strata of business or pursue to be an entrepreneur. Do not get distracted by the grim situation around you. This too shall pass. But, when it does pass, where will you be standing? Unprepared for the next boom or ready to ride the wave? The decision is yours.

About the author

Dr Sandeep Bhardwaj is the I/C Director at Vivekanand Business School, Mumbai. He has the right mix of industry and academic experience, having worked in various managerial positions in the corporate sector for more than 17 years and in academics for more than 12 years

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha