How does one choose the area of specialization?
MBAUniverse.com Bureau

Choice of specialization should primarily depend on a candidate`s personal inclination and aptitude. While in most MBA programs the choice of a specialization is made only after the first year of study, a more clear idea from the start helps. If you are interested in dealing with people and managing the people then you can choose Human Resource as your area of specialization. A candidate with more quantitative likings can choose Finance.

Experts recommend that passion and interest should be the key, not other external reasons. Dr Parashar says, "In your first year at the management school, you will not have much choice. You will learn core subjects. Choice will emerge at the end of the 1st year and by that time this question of yours will become pretty simple to answer. In any case, the kind of job profile you will seek will guide you then."

Mr. K T Chako, Director, IIFT, while recommending international oriented programs says, "Indian businesses are now going global in a big way. Indian companies are now fully participating in the globalization process. Today`s business executives need to be equipped with understanding of international business and trade."

Dr C S Venkat Ratnam, Director, IMI suggests, "Choice of specialization is a function of your aptitude and what you want to do in future. Do not be guided by short term market forces. Have a long range perspective about your career and decide. If you are good with numbers, go for finance. If you are good with people, go for marketing. If you are good with technology, go for information technology. If you are good with all three, consider what is most dear to you. Marketing opportunities are more and in service sector, the experience will offer potential for cross sector mobility as well."