How to opt for the right MBA Specialization?

MBA as a course is aimed at improvement of one’s management and decision making skills which help in making better leaders. Today there are enough and more specializations apart from the core ones of Finance, Marketing and HR. MBA specializations are available in topics like Arts, Hospitality, Tourism, Operations, Leadership, Strategy and International Business and so on. The number of subjects can be really confusing for the students as the trends are ever changing. Then how should you know what specialization suits you best.

Identify your personality type: Before you join an MBA course, you should have evaluated your core interest and strength. Some students have the personality and passion for marketing. Some students are very good with economics and finances and so on. More than what the trends indicate, it is practical to identify where your personality and strengths point to. Once you are stuck in the wrong specialization, the chances of you enjoying or doing well at your course and later a job become hard. Evaluating yourself should therefore be the step 1!

Trends may not last: Often students forget that some trends and market favorites last only for a few years, but your degree and its worth will be valued for life. Hence, do not pick a specialization which is extremely niche unless you are certain you want to work specifically in that field. Inquire on such specializations in terms of longevity and future prospects. For students who want to keep their options open further on, should select tried and tested specializations that have survived through years of industry ups and downs.

Select the School over the specialization:  If you are getting a course which is similar to the specialization that you were interested in but not exactly the same but in a highly ranked B School. It is always advisable to take up the course, as it will have similar subjects you were interested in with the brand name of a well ranked B school. That usually takes you a long way as compared to choosing a popular specialization in an average school.

Check the Curriculum: Check the exact subjects and chapters that are encompassed in a given specialization. Do so with each specialization that you have in mind. This kind of analysis will give you in depth idea about what is in store for you. That makes the choice wiser.

Which specialization is better in which school: Some colleges are rated well for their marketing faculty or courses and other for finance etc. Find out which B school specializes in what courses. That way you will be able to obtain quality education for the specialization that interests you.