For working professionals working in India and abroad, online career counselling can be a boon for several reasons.
- You don’t have to be constrained by the geographic area where you are based.
- You don’t have to force yourself to work with inexperienced and incapable counselors whose only upside is their proximity to where you live or work.
- You don’t have to bend over backwards to accommodate their rigid schedules and cookie-cutter and mechanical mentoring approach.
But some big questions remain, related to the nature and efficacy of online career guidance. So we invited someone who has gone through the process to share his experience of how online career counselling works…when done right!
Is online career counselling effective?
How it works: A review
by Paras Jain
Growing up in a business family in New Delhi, I developed an early appreciation for entrepreneurship by watching my father navigate the complexities of running a business.
As a child, I was academically driven but also creatively inclined – from drawing appreciation from my art teacher to learning guitar as a teenager.
Yet, my journey took an unexpected turn – as I chose to pursue Electronics and Communications Engineering at IIIT-Delhi, one of India’s premier research-focused institutions.
My time at IIIT-Delhi proved transformative. Beyond the rigorous academic curriculum, I discovered my ability to thrive in collaborative environments.
One of the highlights was working with two classmates on an innovative project that eventually earned us a patent under our professor’s mentorship.
This experience taught me the value of combining technical expertise with teamwork – a lesson that would prove invaluable in my future career.
The institute’s emphasis on research and independent thinking helped shape my approach to problem-solving, while the competitive yet collaborative environment fostered both personal and professional growth.
I was also fortunate to cultivate some really good friendships during my college years, which is also an essential part of one’s journey during adulthood.
My professional journey began at Qualcomm in Hyderabad, where I stepped into the role of a software engineer.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges – coming from an electronics background, I had to quickly adapt to complex software development environments.
The pandemic added another layer of complexity, as remote onboarding meant missing out on crucial in-person lab training.
However, these challenges pushed me to develop strong self-learning capabilities. I worked on critical embedded systems and computer networking projects, gradually building expertise and efficiency in these domains.
Seeking broader exposure, I transitioned to NetApp in Bangalore, where I worked on API development in cloud security. The shift from embedded systems to cloud technologies was significant, requiring me to master new programming languages and technical stacks.
This role offered me end-to-end product development experience, from ideation to deployment, and deepened my understanding of how technology solutions address real business challenges.
Despite my technical success, I found myself at a crossroads after nearly four years in the industry.
I’ve always seen myself as more of a generalist and progressing in the technical career would require me to specialise further. My initial attempts at career transition were humbling experiences.
I had earlier explored the possibility of a Master’s in Science, even applying to several universities in 2021, but didn’t secure admissions.
Realising that this wasn’t the right step for me, I decided to not pursue this further.
I desired for something where I can exercise both my problem-solving and analytical abilities along with exercising my creative mindset.
While joining the family business was also an option, I recognized that today’s business environment demands a sophisticated understanding of global markets, technology integration, and modern management practices – skills that went beyond my technical expertise.
I then attempted the CAT exam but fell short of the scores needed for top IIMs. An ISB application in the third round using my GRE score led to an interview but no admission.
These setbacks, while disappointing, proved to be valuable learning experiences.
Overwhelmed by the result, I decided to take a break and further analyse my career options.
A friend’s recommendation led me to MBA Crystal Ball’s career counselling service. Working with Manish was an eye-opening experience that went far beyond standard career counselling.
Our initial session set the tone – rather than jumping straight into career options, Manish took the time to understand my complete journey, from childhood experiences to professional achievements and personal aspirations.
What stood out was Manish’s methodical approach:
- First, he created a safe space for honest self-reflection, helping me articulate my experiences and aspirations without judgement
- Then, we systematically explored various career paths, analysing each option’s alignment with my skills, interests, and long-term goals.
- Throughout the process, he encouraged me to reach out to professionals in my target roles, helping me gain practical insights into different career paths.
The process helped me realise that my technical background, positioned me uniquely for roles in product management or technical consulting and an MBA would serve as the perfect bridge, providing the business acumen needed for modern leadership roles while building on my technical foundation.
We developed a concrete action plan, including GMAT preparation strategies and profile strengthening activities.
Armed with this clarity, I approached my MBA applications with renewed focus and determination.
I expanded my profile by volunteering with Teach for India, building on my previous experience during college years, teaching at a government school in New Delhi.
This involvement not only added depth to my profile but also helped me develop crucial leadership and communication skills.
The application process itself was intense – managing a demanding schedule that balanced GMAT preparation, full-time work, and application essays required careful planning and discipline.
I applied to seven schools in the first round, securing four interview calls. In crafting my essays, I drew heavily from my conversations with Manish, highlighting my technical expertise and aspirations into a coherent narrative that reflected both my journey and potential.
The structured approach paid off beyond my expectations – securing an admit from IIM Ahmedabad’s PGPX program, one of my top choices.
For professionals contemplating a similar transition, especially those from technical backgrounds considering business education, some of the lessons I learnt during this process:
- To seek proper guidance early in the process – someone with whom you can share your story candidly and someone who has good experience both about the industry and has experience working in it.
- Invest time in understanding various career paths and their requirements before committing to an MBA. Even though I took a lot of time to circle back to doing an MBA, the journey to understand why I need it and how it can help me made me more committed to the process of applications and exams.
- Start early and plan systematically – whether it’s test preparation, profile building, or application strategy.
The journey from software engineer to IIM-A PGPX candidate has been more than just a career transition – it’s been a process of self-discovery and professional clarity.
The guidance from MBA Crystal Ball, particularly Manish’s mentorship, helped me transform my experience and aspirations into a compelling narrative for business school admission.
As I prepare to begin my MBA journey at IIM-A, I’m confident that this experience has set me up not just for academic success, but for making meaningful contributions in the evolving business landscape.
Whether I eventually join my family business or pursue a corporate career, I know that this journey has equipped me with the clarity and tools needed to make informed decisions about my future.
Read more about our online career counselling for working professionals.
We’ve designed it to be an independent process, and it does not always result in a recommendation to get an MBA. For Paras, the idea to get a management degree aligned with his long-term goals. For you, it may not.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a working professional in India or abroad. If you’re looking for some objective perspectives and help to get over your career dilemma, reach out: info@mbacrystalball.com
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– How career counselling helped me get into ISB despite poor academics
