Engineers And MBAs: Understanding The Increasing Shift Toward Business Education

The question of why more engineers opt for MBA programs has long been debated. Dr. Himadri Das, Director General at IMI New Delhi, sheds light on the issue, explaining that engineers often earn higher salaries post-MBA not just because of their engineering background, but due to their analytical, quantitative, and data-based decision-making skills, which are highly valued by recruiters in today’s technology-driven industry. Engineers' ability to think logically and work with data makes them well-suited for roles that require data analytics, a field that has grown significantly with the advent of computing power and abundant data.However, Dr. Das emphasizes that a good MBA program should not be filled exclusively with engineers. Class diversity—bringing together students from liberal arts, STEM, and various other disciplines—enriches peer learning and leads to a more comprehensive educational experience, enhancing the development of both engineers and non-engineers. Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, adds that while engineers benefit from acquiring business and financial acumen through an MBA, class diversity is essential not only in terms of professional backgrounds but also in terms of social identity groups. Diverse perspectives from individuals with varying industry experiences, social backgrounds, and professional identities greatly enrich classroom interactions and the overall MBA experience. This diversity fosters a broader, more open-minded approach to business problems and strategies, making the MBA journey transformative for all students.