Can You Get Placed After an MBA with Less Than 60 in Graduation?

Having less than 60 in graduation can be a challenge when seeking placement after completing an MBA. However, it does not necessarily mean that a person will not get placed. This article explores various factors and strategies that influence placement opportunities, providing insights into how candidates with lower graduation marks can still secure jobs after their MBA.

Key Factors Influencing Placement Opportunities

MBA Institute Reputation: Graduating from a well-regarded MBA program can significantly enhance job prospects sometimes offsetting a lower undergraduate percentage. Skills and Experience: Relevance work experience, internships, and skills such as leadership, communication, and technical abilities can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Networking: Building a strong professional network during the MBA program can lead to job opportunities. Engagements in networking events, workshops, and alumni connections are beneficial. Performance in MBA: Excelling in the MBA program can demonstrate improvement and capability, which can be appealing to employers. Personal Branding: A strong resume, cover letter, and interview skills can present the candidate in a positive light, mitigating concerns about undergraduate performance.

Industry and Role

Some industries and roles may place less emphasis on academic performance and more on practical skills and experience. Nonetheless, the first round of shortlisting for placements in a B school is often based on past academics, making it difficult for candidates with lower graduation marks to get through the initial screening.

Examples of Successful Placements

Despite these challenges, several candidates with lower graduation marks have successfully secured placements after their MBA. Here are a few examples:

A Friend's Journey: A friend with below 60 in graduation had a really poor academic record. He was placed in a remote location in a tier 2 city, initially in a collections role. However, he performed exceptionally well and was promoted early. Over his career, he worked in top banks like Barclays and Standard Chartered. Post-MBA, he started his own firm, securing more than 100 million dollars in funding. He is now the CEO of his own firm with more than 50 branches across India. Another Friend's Ascension: Another friend with poor academics in graduation was placed late in his batch. He did not take that job and applied for a company from outside. He got an offer working with MBA graduates from tier 3 B schools. He performed well and, in a span of one year, was promoted to head his own team. Twelve years after his MBA, he was working in Singapore in Standard Chartered Bank, heading the Asia Pacific division of one of their verticals. Google Dreamer: A student with average academics received a job offer from one of the first companies he was shortlisted for during placements. Two years later, he landed a job in Google, one of his dream profiles, after clearing seven rounds of interviews. Equities Success: Another student struggled during placements due to lower academic performance. He faced his first interview call when more than half the batch was already placed. Despite the setback, he managed to secure a role in equities, the area he wanted to be in. He performed well, got promoted early, and earned a good bonus. Six years later, he left the company, built his own investment portfolio, and started a franchise of Subway with plans to build a master franchise of Subway.

Conclusion

Lower graduation marks can indeed pose challenges when seeking placement after an MBA, but they are not insurmountable barriers. Focusing on building skills, gaining relevant experience, and leveraging networking opportunities can significantly improve placement chances.

About the Author

Patrick Dsouza, a recognized authority on management entrance exams, aims to help students achieve their academic and career goals. With 6 CAT 100ilers on his belt, he offers valuable insights into the MBA application and placement process.