Rs 3.5 LPA to Rs 20 LPA in just 3 years: Young Software Engineer makes tough choice between MBA and tech career

A young software engineer with three years of experience recently shared a post on social media about a major career dilemma. The technician is at a crossroads, debating whether to continue working in the technology industry or pursue an MBA to further his career prospects.

Starting from a top IT company with a salary of Rs 3.5 LPA, the individual moved to a big 4 firm as a Data Engineer, where his salary rose to Rs 11 LPA. With skills in SQL, PLSQL, Python, dbt, AWS, and Power BI, I am now considering a job change that could lead to a salary of around Rs 20 LPA.

Alternatively, consider an MBA from an Indian Institute of Management (IIM), excluding campuses A, B, C, L and S. However, pursuing an MBA would require taking a loan of Rs 15-20 lakh, with the potential of a starting salary of Rs 20 LPA post graduation. Despite the prospects, the individual is concerned about the challenges that even the top IIMs face in securing placements, which raises doubts about the return on investment.

The professional recognizes the advantages of staying in the technology industry, such as the flexibility of remote work, the potential for career growth in the United States through the STEM designation, and the wide variety of job opportunities it offers the booming technology sector.

However, they are also aware that without an MBA, they will only have a bachelor’s degree, which could limit their chances of moving into senior management positions and the prestige associated with an IIT or IIM qualification. Their main goal is to find a career path that provides a good balance between a full professional life and personal time for travel and family.

They are looking for advice on whether the significant time and financial investment required for an MBA is worth it in this context. While they are open to learning from others who have faced similar crossroads, they stress the importance of receiving advice based on real experience and practical insights, rather than vague suggestions like “follow your passion.”

The individual is faced with a decision that is based on balancing the immediate high earnings in the technology sector with the long-term benefits that an MBA could offer, especially in terms of work-life balance and growth financial. They weigh the pros and cons of both options, aiming to find a path that best aligns with their professional goals and lifestyle aspirations.

In response to online feedback, a commenter asked if the person had their current job, to which the individual replied that they work mainly for financial reasons, and neither technology nor management is their true passion.