5 Reasons why every entrepreneur must consider doing an Executive MBA

Being the founder of an 18-month old startup, I have never felt the need of a co-founder, as yet. Pursuing an Executive MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur has thrown a plethora of opportunities and is enhancing my learning in every aspect a startup needs.

Owning a company is never easy. It requires a certain set of skills and you face a new challenge every day. The course has comprehensively helped me in overcoming tough situations, broaden my horizon and grooming myself into a confident individual.

Opportunity to network: The MBA programme is like an extended networking session. I get to meet professionals working in the top MNC’s and a lot of passionate entrepreneurs with diverse skill sets, looking to widen their network. It simply enhances the experience when you have a dynamic bunch of matured, intellectual people from different cultural backgrounds and fresh perspectives.

Experienced Faculty: Most of the learning happens outside the classroom sessions and what better way than to learn from the faculty members with diverse expertise across industries. While being researchers, advisors and directors on the Board of top Government and private organisations, they are equally approachable at all times. Exploiting bottlenecks in a startup just gets so much more easy!

Direct implementation of concepts in my business: I learnt IBM’s SPSS Statistics software over the weekend and implemented it immediately to segment, target and position our new range of herbal mosquito repellent products. Theoretical concepts applied to real life business situations take learning to a whole new level. Group assignments, simulation games and case analyses perfectly balance the academic rigour of the course.

Regular events, talk shows and competitions: XLRI gave me the opportunity to represent India at a global competition of student entrepreneurs organised in Bangladesh by EO-GSEA. Competitions like these and talk shows by corporate stalwarts, elevate one’s confidence to speak at open forums or pitch before panelists.

Life in Campus: Surrounded by tranquility, a typical weekend at this sprawling campus is characterised by morning workouts, delicious meals, intriguing classes, tea breaks, party nights and evening walks. Whether the candidates are coming straight from workplace or a nearby town, his/her experience is defined beyond the course work.

Never knew that running a business and pursuing my MBA at the same time could be so productive, exciting and hassle-free. While an Executive MBA may not guarantee a successful startup, but it definitely improves the chances of success. A great choice to de-risk your future!

I have taken the MBA plunge. I am glad, I did.