Which MBA specialisations are required for a career in development sector?

Q. After  passing out of college, I’ve been working as an Analyst in a leading consulting firm where I also got to work on the company's CSR project. This has sparked my interest in making a career in the development sector or in industrial relations. I have been simultaneously preparing for taking the CAT. What kind of MBA programmes should I be looking at?

— Malvika Tandon

A. Wonder if you’re aware of the recent Supreme Court ruling on a petition filed by a candidate on precisely this very issue. He had an MBA degree with HR & IR as subjects. When he was disallowed from appearing for Part II of MCD’s selection test for the post of a Labour Welfare Officer in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. He approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) which confirmed that he fulfilled the eligibility conditions and was therefore duly qualified to take the test.

However, the SC has upturned the verdict saying that an MBA Degree (albeit with HR & IR as subjects) can't be considered equivalent to a Postgraduate Degree or Diploma in Social Work/Personnel Mgt / Labour Welfare/Industrial Relations when applying for the post

This being the case, you just need to be cognizant of the fact, particularly if you’re looking at positions in the any of the government Departments or PSUs. As far as working with NGOs, Funding Agencies or the Non-government Development Sector or Corporate CSR departments is concerned, it will not be an issue.

— The expert is Director, Career Guidance India

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