Common MBA student dilemmas
- Which specialisation: finance, marketing, HR, operations, analytics?
- Chasing the highest placement offer versus the right role.
- Whether prior work experience should shape the choice.
Counselling approach
- Understand the student — strengths, interests, values and past experience.
- Map possibilities — roles, industries and what they involve daily.
- Build a plan — electives, projects, internships and networking.
Placement preparation
- Mock interviews and case practice.
- A CV that shows results, not duties.
- Researching companies before applying.
Beyond the first job
Encourage students to view their first role as a learning base and to review direction every few years.
Deciding whether it fits you
A field can look exciting from the outside and still be a poor fit. Before committing, talk to two or three people already doing the work, try a short course or project, and notice whether the day-to-day tasks energise or drain you. A structured conversation with a mentor can help you compare options against your interests, abilities and values rather than trends alone.