Got an okay CAT score as a repeater but ended up in a really low tier MBA program because of weak profile and study gaps. Now I’m stressed about my future prospects and need guidance on damage control.
I know the basics like maintaining good grades, building connections, and securing decent internships. But honestly, the placement scenario at my current college looks terrible so I’m exploring other options including overseas opportunities.
My interests lie in marketing, consulting, general management, and even political advisory roles. If push comes to shove, I might consider finance too. Coming from humanities background, I’m also open to public policy programs.
What specific steps should I take to bounce back from this situation? Are there particular courses or certifications that could help strengthen my profile? Any advice on alternative pathways to achieve my career goals despite this setback?
honestly, the college name won’t matter much once you’ve got real experience. focus on building actual skills instead of just collecting certs - try freelance consulting or volunteer for political campaigns since you mentioned that interest. the overseas route could work well for public policy stuff. don’t completely write off your current college though - smaller programs sometimes mean better relationships with professors.
lol welcome to the “should’ve studied harder” club. Look, forget damage control - just accept you’ll need to grind harder than the IIM kids. Skip those fancy certifications everyone’s pushing and get actual work experience instead. Cold email startups for unpaid gigs - they’re desperate for free labor anyway. Political advisory work? Good luck unless you’ve got connections. Your best bet’s probably mid-tier firms who can’t afford premium MBA talent. At least you’ll get real responsibility faster than being a glorified Excel monkey at McKinsey.
Your MBA brand matters way less than you think. Tons of successful people came from tier-2 or tier-3 programs and built solid careers through smart moves. Apply directly to consulting firms that hire outside campus placements - plenty of mid-tier firms care more about problem-solving skills than where you went to school. For marketing, build a portfolio with real campaigns or case studies. Public policy internships at think tanks or NGOs will open doors no matter what your college ranking is. Network hard through your undergrad alumni and use social media professionally. Show tangible value through actual projects and internships instead of just relying on placement cells.
Hey! Been there after college - it’s rough. Hit up LinkedIn and connect with people at companies you want to work for. Most folks are surprisingly willing to help and share what they know. Check out management trainee programs too - they care more about your skills than where you went to school. If you’re into marketing, grab a Google Ads or Analytics cert to stand out. Don’t let the rejections get you down - keep pushing!
Look into specialized niches where your MBA’s tier ranking doesn’t matter as much. Government consulting, policy research groups, and international development agencies care more about domain expertise than MBA prestige. Your humanities background is actually an advantage here - something traditional B-school grads don’t have. Check out research firms like Observer Research Foundation, Centre for Policy Research, or corporate affairs teams at big companies. They want people who get both business basics and policy landscapes. Also explore where tech meets governance - digital policy, regulatory affairs, sustainability consulting. Your diverse academic background becomes valuable in these areas. Use your smaller cohort size to build stronger relationships with faculty. They’ve got industry connections beyond the usual placement partners. Get specialized certifications in public affairs, regulatory compliance, or stakeholder management instead of generic business credentials. These targeted qualifications, plus strategic internships at policy think tanks or government relations firms, create a compelling story that goes beyond MBA rankings and opens doors to meaningful opportunities.
Your tier doesn’t define your potential! Start your own consulting projects or join smaller agencies - you’ll get real responsibility way faster. Your humanities background is actually super valuable for strategic roles!