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Adil Malia Group President (HR) Essar Group
In times of recession, one might wonder if it is professional hara-kiri to leave your job to seek higher education.
With thousands stalking your cubicle space, a higher education may seem to be a good option for the unemployed, but it is a decision that has left many employed professionals unsure in a shaky market.
 Adil Malia is however, of a different opinion. "In 1984, when I was working for the Godrej group, I took a two-year sabbatical to complete my Masters Degree in HR from TISS. I would not be here today if that had not happened," says Malia, one of the biggest names in the HR industry today. He has been associated with Coca Cola and GE Appliances in the past.
A firm believer in a sound education, Malia is quick to squash myths though. "A programme from a good university will only get you so far. If you are unable to translate your education into sound business outcomes and actionable programmes, you are worthless to the organisation. Management is a practical science of value creation. Empty knowledge and theories won't take you far," he says, adding that work experience coupled with education leads to better professionals graduating out of business schools.
Having seen the need for upgradation of skills evolve over the years, Malia believes that just about everyone today can benefit from further education. "There used to be a time when only FMCG, banking and consultant industries were knowledge-driven. Today, with private participation in domains that were predominantly public sector, it is a different ball game. Infrastructure, Realty, Banking, Telecommunications, Oil, Power, Steel all these and many more sectors are looking for manpower with governance and management skills,"
he says.
Top 5 tips
1. Have a clear road map for your future:
If you are doing an MBA programme merely because it is the done thing or currently fashionable, stop and re-evaluate what your goals are before you waste a considerable amount of time and money in pursuit of a degree you actually do not want.
2. Decide on an area of specialisation:
People see management as one big field, but the opposite is now true. It is an age of specialisation. With super specialisations now available in niche areas of management studies, you can gain a significant edge with a goal- specific management specialisation once you are clear on your long-term goals.
3. Keep employer in the loop:
At Essar, we encourage employees who want to take their professional studies further. Let your bosses know of your study plans - there is a chance they might just back you if they recognise you as a long term asset. This way you may not have to give up your job merely because you are in pursuit of further professional education.
4. Get enough work experience:
Personally, I feel that a would-be professional needs to gain two to three years of work experience in a good organisation before deciding to pursue further education. This period will create a strong foundation for appreciation of how organisations work. It also provides an opportunity for the person to make up his mind about the area of management specialisation he wishes to pursue.
5. Sort out your financial position:
With a range of financing options now available, from bank loans to scholarships, there should not be a problem in securing funds for your education. If it is the money that is holding you back, you should reassess your goals. In this day and age, financing your education is not a problem and with a few exceptions, money will no longer cause you to hesitate to go for that professional course that will help you build a brighter future. | 
