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A major question for many MBA aspirants is whether to pursue an MBA in Finance or HR? MBA in finance and MBA in HR both have their pros and cons. HR and Finance are the most popular MBA specializations preferred by the candidates. Candidates should understand the different factors like required skills, industry trends, career opportunities, long-term goals, etc to decide which out of the two specializations is suitable for them. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the Finance and HR specialization to decide the one to choose for an MBA.
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For the first year of the MBA, the candidates are taught the same curriculum. Upon entering the second year of the MBA candidates are provided with the choice of selecting an MBA specialization. Candidates can choose from a variety of alternatives like Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, Retail, E-Commerce etc. Specializations like Finance, Marketing, and Operations tend to have more salary than others like Human Resources.
Finance and HR are two very different MBA specializations to deal with. Both have a skillset unique to them. Some skills might appear to be common but those are the general skills common to every MBA specialization. The skills that one gets specialized in after these MBA specializations are given in the table below.
MBA Finance Skills | MBA HR Skills |
Financial Analysis | Employee Relations |
Financial Modelling | Recruitment Strategies |
Investment Strategies | Organizational Behaviour |
Risk Management | Performance Management |
When it comes to career opportunities finance is a much more preferred MBA specialization than HR. An MBA in finance can get a candidate a high-paying job in top companies operating in fields like Investment Banking, Asset Management, Equity Research Analyst, and Financial Analysis. The HR specialization on the other hand has limited career choices for candidates. Candidates with an MBA specializing in HR tend to stay within the domain of recruitment. The industry can vary though. Different career roles for both MBA specializations are given in the table below.
MBA Finance Career Roles | MBA HR Career Roles |
Financial Analyst | HR Manager |
Investment Banker | Talent Acquisition Specialist |
Financial Manager | Organisational Development Consultant |
Equity Research Analyst (Buy/Sell Side) | Chief Human Resource Officer |
Institutional Trader | Performance Coach |
Fund Manager | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
Financial Consultant |
The industry trends for MBA in Finance and HR are quite different. Finance roles are generally high paying with roles that are of crucial importance to the company. They often have to make sensitive decisions concerning money. HR roles are also important for the overall health of the organization. The HR roles are also well compensated, especially at senior levels. The best part about HR roles is that they are needed in almost every sector which makes it a very safe choice. Finance roles can have a serious impact during a period of recession.
The long-term goals and career plans are important to consider when deciding whether to do an MBA in finance or HR. Depending on how a candidate sets long-term goals for their career the choice of either MBA specialization can have a great impact. Candidates wanting to see themselves associated in an important leadership role with any of the big financial institutions should ideally go for an MBA specializing in Finance.
But if a candidate is looking for a safer career route irrespective of industry and wants more work-life balance they should choose HR as their MBA specialization. The pay scale might get stagnant. Candidates choosing finance should prepare themselves for a hectic work life with tight deadlines in exchange for great pay and the opportunity to get relocated to a tier-one country.
It depends on factors like the required skills, industry trends, career opportunities, long-term goals, etc to decide which out of the two specializations is suitable for them.
In terms of salary and pay scale, an MBA in Finance tends to pay a lot more than an MBA in HR. At senior levels HR roles are also well compensated but nowhere near finance roles.
For choosing between HR and Finance various factors should be considered like what are the expectations from one's career, the skillset they excel in, long-term career plans, etc. Based on how both specializations tend to prove for each factor candidates can decide for themselves.
The starting salary of an HR after an MBA is generally between Rs. 4 to 10 lakhs per annum. The salary will increase with more and more years of experience. The salary for MBA HR can go up to Rs. 30 lakhs per annum on the higher end.
A CAT percentile of 90 or above can strengthen your application to MICA, it is not the only factor that determines admission.MICA considers scores of CAT and MICAT which are weighted 50–50 percent for the interview call.
Strong performance in the Pshycometric test and descriptive writing increase your chances to get into mica even if you score 80 percentile.the admission is based upon whole performance including every marks.
ALL the best!!!!
Hello,
Here you can get study material for CAT :
https://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks/cat-quantitative-aptitude-questions-answers-pdf
Hope it helps !
Hello aspirant,
A timetable is essential if you are preparing for the CAT in addition to your college coursework. It will give you an idea of how long it will take you to finish your syllabus and then set aside the appropriate amount of time for revision and mock exams. Without a set timetable, you risk taking your time and not completing your preparation as thoroughly as is necessary.
Thank you
Hope it helps you.
Hello Nikita,
To get into any of the top IIMs, such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, or Indore, a good percentile in CAT is required, although academics play a vital role too. Let's break it down below:
CAT Score: 98+ percentile is an excellent score and makes one competitive.
Academic Scores:
Your 10th score at 84% is quite good.
A 12th score of 65% is on the lower side, which might hamper your chances at some of the top IIMs since they give weightage to past academic performance.
IIM Selection Criteria:
Every IIM has its own weightage for the scores of academics, CAT percentile, work experience, if any, and diversity.
For example, IIM Ahmedabad requires consistent academic records, while IIM Bangalore puts the strongest focus on work experience and diversified profiles.
Graduation: You are currently pursuing graduation, and your performance during that will also be considered in the shortlisting process.
While your CAT score is going to be the major pointer, your academic record-doing in class 12-is going to affect your prospects a bit at IIMs that place significant emphasis on your past performance. Still, you will have a healthy shot, at least at institutes like Lucknow, Kozhikode, and Indore, where a good score in CAT may offset lower marks in academics.
If you have diverse profiled extracurricular activities, leadership roles etc, or work experience, then it can build up your application further.
Hello!
Prep for CAT 2024: Application Pattern
Syllabus: Focus on those areas that fall under the syllabus; for instance, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
Books: Stick to standard books from renowned authors, say, Arun Sharma for Quant, Norman Lewis in vocabulary, and some mock tests available from TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher.
Mock Tests: Take mocks and study the mistakes made.
Time management: F ocus on speed and accuracy.
If you need a more structured approach, consider a coaching institute.
Start early and become a regular.
Wishing you the best! thankyou!
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