Accepting a job offer in campus placement

In the world of cut-throat competition, campus placement is a necessity as it not only ensures you your first job but also improves your CV significantly. It gains you employers’ reference thereby increasing your future prospect. Your first job through campus placement also gives you an opportunity to put to practice the theory knowledge gained during the programme, in real life business situations; and to assess the relevance of your degree. It provides opportunities to learn organizational skills and develop network to be able to make use of, at the time of making a career move or even launching own business. In some cases it also serves as long term employment depending on the profile, growth possibilities, internal ascent etc.

Since campus placement is your first step into the professional world, more often than not, it forms the foundation of your career. Thus it is not only important to perform well in the campus placement interviews, it is equally important to select a company carefully. Research about it, its business, reputation, history, present financial condition, investment, revenue and if possible work environment, and then decide whether the company or the job offered is the one you should start your career with.

Here are a few things you must keep in mind while applying to companies visiting your B-School:

Job description: The first and foremost thing you must enquire about is the job profile on offer. Different companies come to the campus in search of fresh graduates with different roles in mind. Check which job description suits your skills and interest.

Job selection: Apply to only those firms that belong to the field of your MBA specialization. Don’t make the mistake of trying to your change specialization only because you need a job or because a particular firm is bigger than the ones of your field. Your application will be rejected anyway. Even if you land a job, your training and knowledge will be of less use and you’ll have to re-educate yourself on the job which will slow down your performance.

In some institutes, campus placements take place in multiple rounds. The wise thing is to apply to the companies in the first round because usually, the top most companies hire in the first round.

Alumni feedback: Find out from your seniors the actual health of companies. Since they are employed or have had worked in those companies they would be the best source to know and assess the current status of the companies. Talk to them in detail about the company’s financial health, hierarchy, work culture, growth opportunities, salary structure and other company benefits.

Overseas jobs: There is a huge hoopla round overseas job offers during campus placements. Candidates of top B-Schools in India like IIMA, IIMB, IIMC, FMS, MDI are offered international placements for over Rs 1 crore annual pay packages.

It may look lucrative and glamorous on the surface, but dig deep and you will find out that reality is different.

For example, salaries of international jobs offered to IIM graduates during campus placements are at par with the salaries of mid rung MBA schools in that country, which may not prove to be a good choice in the long run. At the same time, overseas offers in mid-level B-Schools of India are at par with the domestic offers made, thus making the former a more attractive prospect.

Moreover, maximum earning potential and salary break-up versus the cost of living in that country also needs to be taken into consideration.

Start-Ups vs Established Companies: Those interested in setting up their own business must give preference to start-ups over established companies for the simple reason that the former will give you more opportunities and better platforms to put your knowledge to practical use, teaching you the practical nitty-gritties of running a business. In big companies, the roles of fresh graduates are limited. Often, it is not possible for a newcomer to showcase their talent on multiple levels, while in a start-up ample opportunities come by to multi-task and learn the tropes of business.

Are you ready for risk: The more lucrative a job, the more likely are the chances of losing it in case of inadequate or non-performance. Experts say, investment banking, venture capital, strategy consulting, FMCG, commercial banks are safer options as compared to hedge funds, and private equity. In the first five industries, you will be trained on the job and are less likely to be terminated early due to poor performance. Although, remuneration is attractive in hedge funds or private equity firms, the risk of being fired early due to bad, unsatisfactory or non-performance is high for the same reason. You certainly do not want an abrupt break at the very start of your career.

Hence, it is extremely important for you to make a wise and informed decision at the time of campus placement and not get blinded by brand name or pay package.

Also read:

Summer internship: Why it is crucial and how to make the best of it

How to create a standout MBA resume

Why joining a start-up immediately after MBA is a good choice

When is an MBA valuable?

Average salary package of non-IIM graduates in India: NIRF-MHRD Rankings

International salary packages offered at top Indian B-schools

The US most preferred MBA destination for Indian students

Pursuing MBA: Factors that should determine college selection

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