Of all the courses and degrees that a student can choose from, perhaps the most in demand is the coveted MBA (Master of Business Administration). There is a popular belief that an MBA is the ultimate opening for a very lucrative career. Every year we are awestruck with the starting salaries offered to graduates from IIM's etc. No wonder any young man or woman would think that an MBA is the final passport and visa for a luxurious life.

The reality is a little harsh. Firstly, a very small percentage of management graduates have the privilege of studying in IIM's and getting those very lucrative campus placement offers. There are hundreds of other B-Schools that churn out MBA's who do not even get offers at salaries that unqualified BPO workers with a couple of years experience are drawing. At the same time, management does offer a world of success, money and challenges for those who have the aptitude for it.

If you are considering business management as a career, ask yourself whether you have the following traits in you: a sharp mind for money and business, ability to get along with different types of people, convincing power, willingness to keep long and irregular hours, creative thinking to bring out new ideas, and the resilience to put them into action. Only if you are sure you have these traits would it be worthwhile for you to pursue a career in management.

Once you have made up your mind, start preparing much in advance. Be realistic about your level of competence and appear for one or more of the following: CAT (for IIM's etc,) MAT (for many other good B-schools), ATMA (for institutions connected to the Indian Management Association), XAT (For XLRI and HR related colleges), and of course K-MAT for the colleges in Karnataka. Those who prepare in advance and most systematically, with clear idea of which field of management they would like to get into, are the ones who stand the best chance of getting in.