Letter to the "Career Online" show @ Geo-TV

Dear Sir / Madam,

I happened to come across your show on TV today, and watched it out of curiosity. However, I am a bit concerned about the authenticity of some of the content.

During a section, you had one of the show hosts answer email questions from your viewers regarding career decisions.

One particular question today was : “I have a BS in engineering… Should I go for an MBA or MS? …..”

I was VERY concerned when your show host answered “I suggest go for an MBA. It has many benefits…. (etc) “

Sir, please remember that since you are producing a show for a national audience, you have a responsibility to be objective and neutral. The people who ask those questions do not want your personal opinion on the subject matter, they wish to know what is the right thing to do.

You are not doing any industry, or the country, nor even the students, justice by recommending an engineer to pursue a management career.

The right answer, in my view, should have been the following:

“Son, remember to NEVER base your career choices on where ‘job scope’ is. If you wish to pursue an advanced degree, remember that you must be VERY sure of what you are passionate about. If technology is your passion, and you wish that your technical insight is the value you bring to a company, then focus your entire life on the pursuit of engineering. However, if – looking forward 10 years — you see yourself being able to contribute to a company because of your gifted abilities at organization, planning, strategy, or sales or marketing, then you could consider an MBA.

So remember, the most important thing is finding your passions and being sure of how you would like to help a company. Remember, that the future of the world and your country will lie in your hands one day. Choose the area in which you would like to demonstrate leadership and the pursuit of excellence.

Both engineers and MBAs will be invaluable to companies in our industries over the next decade, irrespective of current market trends. However, all industries and all companies require a person to bring to the job the greatest insight and dedication to his or her chosen line of work.”

Regards,

Osama A. Hashmi