Whether or not to get work

experience before joining an

MBA program?
(Business Research Management Project)
By
Group – 2, Section B

Aashi Maroo | BJ21062

Ankesh Goyal | BJ21072
Ashi Gupta | BJ21075
Kushagra Goel | BJ21089
Saarthak Gupta | BJ21106
Sunny Gupta | BJ21116

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 Table of Contents
Executive Summary...........................................................................................................................3
Introduction/Background...................................................................................................................3
Understanding the Problem & Situation............................................................................................3
Interview with Decision Makers........................................................................................................4
Interview with Industry Experts.........................................................................................................5
Literature review...............................................................................................................................7
Secondary Data/Research..................................................................................................................8
Qualitative Analysis..........................................................................................................................9
Research Design..............................................................................................................................12
Hypothesis Formulation...................................................................................................................14
Survey and Sampling Plan for Data Collection................................................................................20
Research Problem, Design & Hypothesis........................................................................................20
Hypothesis Testing and Results.......................................................................................................24
Implications & Conclusion..............................................................................................................30
Limitations of the Study..................................................................................................................32
References.......................................................................................................................................33
Appendix.........................................................................................................................................33

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Executive Summary
The motive for this study was to understand the difference in the experience of a student
pursuing MBA in India if they come to the program with work experience vis-à-vis without
one. By conducting preliminary research via literature review & stakeholder interviews,
critical factors were identified, and appropriate research questions (RQ) were formulated.
Data was collected from 83 respondents via the use of a google form. Data was collected in
both metric and non-metric scale and statistical analysis was carried out using appropriate
tests to validate the hypothesis which were formulated. Finally, a logistic regression was run
which helped quantify the impact of the significant variables thereby further highlighting the
implications of the study. The one major difference which having work experience brings is
that you are more likely to get a job in your preferred domain.

Introduction/Background
“What do I do in my career next?” This is one question that has haunted youngsters more
than demons and witches. The multiple options like jobs, entrepreneurship, post-graduation
tremendously confuse them. One of the most common routes that comes to people’s minds is
to pursue MBA. MBA is a great option which fast tracks a person’s career by quite a few
years and drastically changes their personalities.

While MBA is a great option, one question that consistently trouble students is the optimal
amount of work experience. Work experience could have an impact on multiple aspects of
MBA like academics, extra-curricular activities, case competitions, placements, etc. In our
research, we have tried to understand the impact of work experience on a student’s MBA
journey.

Understanding the Problem & Situation

To begin our research, we started by understanding the stakeholders involved in the system.
We tried to list down all the multiple stakeholders and gauged their perspectives regarding
the same. The stakeholders that we have identified are aspiring candidates, students, faculty
and recruiters. We interviewed the stakeholders involved in the system, and through those,
we have tried to identify the multiple aspects involved. We wanted to ensure that our

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interviews were unbiased, hence we interviewed most of them through casual conversations
without letting them know the actual problem.

We started with interviews with aspiring candidates. We tried to understand the exact
concerns they felt while deciding when to apply for an MBA and what would be the right
amount of work experience. Freshers voiced their concerns regarding the relevance and
relatability of the MBA course without prior experience. They also felt that they may get
fewer options due to lack of experience. On the contrary, the people with work experience
have lost the practice of studying. They may also feel less flexible compared to freshers.
These concerns motivated us to understand the impact of work experience on MBA life.

To understand the concerns and conduct research, we spoke with the current students
belonging to different academic backgrounds and coming with varying work experience. We
tried to understand the challenges that they face and the benefits they had because of the
same. We also got in touch with faculty to understand how they select students and how the
career progression varies as per the experience. We also tried to understand the viewpoint of
recruiters in terms of work experience. The above interviews along with the secondary data
and analysis of the same would help us in determining the impact of work experience on the
MBA journey of a person.

Interview with Decision Makers

Amish Saxena (Fresher)

Basically, I was in the marketing team of E-Cell during my college tenure, where I tackled a
lot of challenges, including sponsorships, promotions, etc. During the experience, I realized
that I am inclined towards non-technical domains, and I started following them passionately.
I think the innovation and creativity required in the profession is another factor that intrigues
me to pursue it. On the other hand, my lack of interest in the technical fields also acted as a
catalyst to increase my interest in the sales and marketing domain. I started exploring it and
read novels like “Sell by Subroto Bagchi,” which helped me get a glimpse into the sales
domain.

I realized to start my career in this domain and change my current field; I had to MBA, which
resulted in me preparing for entrance examinations to secure a place in the best colleges in

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India. I decided not to go for work experience in the technical field as I think it will be a time
wastage due to my domain preference. Another factor that helped me to pursue this was the
continuation in academics. As I am in the atmosphere of studying, I think it will also help me
catch up with the course's academic aspect. Salary is also one of the major factors that
motivated me to go for an MBA. The marketing domain does not offer good roles and
packages if you do not have a relevant background.

I have laid out a contingency plan if I am not able to get a good college this year. I will
double down on the preparation part and try to join a sales or marketing internship, as this
will provide me some exposure to the domain.

Harsh Mittal (4 years work experience)

In general, most people try to change their domain in which they are working as they get
bored, or maybe the environment does not intrigue them as it used to when they joined the
organization as a fresher, and the reason was no different for me as well.

I grabbed the first opportunity I got from the college and joined the organization with great
enthusiasm. Over the period, the work became monotonous and did not give me the challenge
I expected. The main reason behind my motivation to pursue MBA is domain change. While
I was analyzing the domains, I realized that I am inclined towards product management and
the industry trend also suggested that this domain is gaining traction in the community. I
started preparing for MBA entrance examinations, but before that, I properly researched the
MBA programs offered by universities across India. I reached out to people who were
already doing the course and took feedback from them as joining MBA would be a big step
as I have enjoyed independence and entering a college will bring a change in these dynamics.

Another factor that played a significant role was the compensation provided by my
organization, and I calculated the return on investment in each case which gave more clarity
on pursuing this course. If I don’t get admission to any of the top 5 colleges of India, I will
prepare for the GMAT as doing a regular MBA after five years of work experience does not
sound like a great decision.

Interview with Industry Experts

Prof. Saurav Snehvrat (Professor, Strategic Management, XLRI Jamshedpur):

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We interviewed prof. Saurav Snehvrat to understand the impact of work experience on
various aspects of MBA.

 Admission Process: The set of qualities that interviewers look for in candidates
varies as people with work experience have a lot to talk about. For freshers, the
discussion mostly revolves around academics. The experienced people tend to get in
more easily but a long work experience might be difficult to justify.
 Academic Performance: The academic performance of freshers and people with
work experience in terms of GPA is similar, however the freshers tend to be in
extremes, i.e., they perform exceptionally well or they do not care, whereas people
with work experience lie in between. In terms of understandability, the general
observation is that people with work experience tend to come up with better points,
have a wider view and an in-depth understanding of the issues. Freshers tend to come
up with more creative ideas.
 Placements: Companies in India generally want to mold the new recruits according to
their culture and environment. As per observation, freshers are a lot more flexible
compared to experienced people. But since they lack understanding, a person with
experience of a small duration tends to suit their needs the best. People who have
experience of 4-5 years or more are generally inflexible and hence less preferred by
companies in India.

Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar (Professor, Strategic Management, XLRI Jamshedpur):

We interviewed prof. Kalyan Bhaskar to understand the impact of work experience on

various aspects of MBA.

 In-class Performance: The perspective experienced people bring about in the class
has a lot more depth and understanding as compared to a fresher. The experienced
people are more aware of the surroundings and present a global perspective.
 Grades and Submissions: Experienced people have taken a break from studies;
hence it is difficult for them to get back to studies again. However, since freshers are
continuing, it is easier for them to gel well into the academics
 Placements: Experienced people tend to be hired more by companies requiring desk
jobs. However, for companies that have roles like sales and marketing, freshers are
preferred. This is so as freshers have lower expectations, and they are more flexible.

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  Case Competitions: A lot of students get in touch with faculty for guidance in case
competitions. Competitions mostly present real-life problems faced by organizations.
Experienced people get an edge here, however, they might be less creative. Freshers
are also highly energetic, whereas people with a lot of experience might turn
lethargic.

Aparna Ponappa, Expert HR Recruiter, 1998 – 2000 HR XLRI Alum

 Placement Domain: The preference of freshers vs experienced people for companies

varies from domain to domain. While domains like product management, operations,
consulting and finance look out for experience, some roles like marketing and sales
look for freshers or people with less experience.
 Shortlists: The general observation is that with similar kinds of profiles, a person
with 2-3 years of experience would be most preferred by companies. In India,
generally, this is considered as the optimal amount of work experience by companies
for MBA graduates.

Literature review
MBA courses contrasting from other Post graduate courses prefer discontinuity in academics
for work experiences, this is seconded by the motion that students with work experiences
brings diverse aspects to discussion driven pedagogy and can relate more to the course
framework because of prior organizational experience.

Looking at this very idea, we found both types of studies which had argued on positive or no
correlation with work experience and academic performance and placements. In one of the
research academia’s George D & Katherine Ryan argued that students with less than 2 year
of work experience were performing at par with students with no work experience, study also
argued the zero impact of work experience on the immediate placements after MBA.

Methodology:

In research conducted by George D & Katherine R sample was constructed across multiple
years including gender & race diverse backgrounds – 742 men, 276 women, 243 African
American, 75 Latinos & 36 Asian Americans and majority ~650+ whites. Each sample
responded had undergone a full time MBA and worked more than 35 hours per week. The
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sample had an average of 26.88 years at their graduation year and was interviewed 10.5 years
after MBA. Sample respondents had diverse experience of aerospace, banking, technology,
energy, consulting & medical.

In research “Signaling, Work Experience and MBA Starting Salaries” 192 final year students
of MBA colleges who actively participated in the February 2000 at top MBA school. CGPA
is used as proxy parameter to understand academic correlation. Extracurricular activities were
used as additional variables as cooperation & participation propensity proxy.

Our Methodology that can be incorporated will include exit and entry interviews taken for
MBA candidates alongside placement surveys conducted by students/recruiters. It's a little
difficult to estimate and quantify the impact of work experience on general class participation
and group projects, student interviews can be considered as the most parallel proxy for the
same. Placement data can be used to draw to establish correlation between work experience
and placement opportunities, Shortlist, selection, CTCs can be considered to establish this
correlation.

Correlation between Academics and Work experience:

Below graph derived out of George D & Katherine Ryan published studies shows positive
impact of large work experience (5 year onward) on GPA and simultaneously shows negative
correlation or stability in small work experience period. This mixed trend is inconclusive in
getting a strong observation regarding the correlations of academics and work experience.

Correlation between Academics and Work experience:

Analyzing the placement reports of top business colleges in India, we can determine that
work experience between [1-3 years] have positive impact on the placements which includes
higher median & average CTC, while experience greater than 3 years shows negative
correlation on placement statistics compared to the student without work experience.

This analysis varies across domains – product management, operations show positive
correlations with hiring rates & CTC offered compared to student without experience, while
sale & marking shows negative correlations with hiring rates & CTC offered compared to
student without experience. Consulting shows no correlations with hiring rates & CTC
offered compared to student without experience.

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Secondary Data/Research
Research & data published by Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur analysed impact of
work experience on the following parameters - Admissions, The classroom learning, The
club/committee, Placement.

Admissions: Aspirant with work experience generally between [13-25 Months] has higher
chance of getting admitted.

The classroom Learning: Case based pedagogy followed by leading business schools in India
can be an advantage to the students with work experience as they might related to discussions
better having experienced real life business problem.

Clubs/Committee: Premier business schools in India has as strong committee culture with
inevitable group working culture, students with work experience having worked in group
setting has higher compatibility towards adjusting to this environment.

Placement: Firms offering Sales and Marketing role generally prefer fresh graduates while
firms hiring for product management, HR and operations role has preference towards hiring
student with work experience.

Placement data gathered from various premier B school also indicates that select few roles
have minimum prior experience eligibility data, looking at example of XLRI, a dedicated
placement drive is offered to only students with designated minimum period of work
experience, these are usually general management and leadership roles require change
management & business transformation where firm believes that students with work
experience are better equipped.

Qualitative Analysis
Work Experience
Fresher 1-3 years 3+ years
Profile Vigya Gulati Chaitanya Batla Divya Soni
Age – 22 years Age – 26 years Age – 28 years
Lucknow Delhi Jaipur
No work experience 3 years' work experience 5 years' work
HRM in Mckinsey & Co. experience across

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My overall experience
during the SIP was
decent as I received 15-
16 shortlists during the
process. The pressure
built up when I did not
get selected in the first
How was
5-6 companies, I
your
interviewed in. Later, I
experience
finally got selected in
during the
Flipkart. I faced a
SIPs?
shortage of CV points
and used courses
certificate to fill the one
page. I got the role
which I wanted but did
not get the preferred
company.
How was It was good and since it
your was my first industry
experience experience, I tried
during the giving it all to get the
internship? PPO.
Did you get No, I did not get the
the PPO? PPO.
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multiple companies
BM
BM
The process was
extremely smooth as
I got placed before
I had a perfect
the main SIP process
experience during the
but after the pre-
SIP as I got placed in
process. I received
Bain & Co. during the
very few CV
pre-process and did not
shortlists, but I am
participate in the main
glad that the first
internship process. I
opportunity got
received almost every
converted and I got
shortlist, except for a
placed in Amazon
few, before I got placed.
Web Services
I did not face any
(AWS). I did not
difficulty while gathering
face any difficulty
CV points as I had many
while gathering the
points in work
CV points. But I
experience.
refrained from using
school CV points as
they were quite old.
Since I worked in a I worked with
consulting firm before, I multiple
did not face any organizations before
difficulty while working joining XLRI and
with Bain. Work that helped me get
experience helped a lot in used to the Amazon
solving the problems culture very easily
which I used to face and the work also
during the internship. came to me easily.
Yes, I got the PPO in No, I did not get the
Bain & Co. PPO.
 Due to lack of work Since I was eligible
experience, I was for the lateral
As I had the PPO, I did
How was eligible for CRP recruitment process
not participate in the
your process where I (LRP), I received a
final placement process. I
experience received approximately considerable number
was happy as I got the
during the 10 shortlists. I did not of shortlists. I got the
industry and role which I
placements? get preferred industry preferred role as well
wanted from the college.
but got the preferred as the industry
role. desired by me.
Yes, I am satisfied
Are you No, I received lower since the package
satisfied compensation Yes, I received good was above the
with the compared to my compensation, and it was median CTC, but I
final colleagues, but I think I in the top 25 percentile think I could have
compensatio will get to learn a lot package of the college. bagged a better offer
n? from the experience. in terms of
compensation.
Yes, in my opinion,
extracurriculars are
an essential factor
Do you think Yes, I think they play a Yes, in my opinion, it that leads to an
extracurricu major role in overall plays an equally individual's overall
lars play a development. I am part important role in MBA development. I think
major role of 2 formal committees, experience. I am in one it brings out the
in MBA 1 informal committee formal committee in leadership qualities
experience? and 1 interest group. XLRI. in an individual. I
currently hold the
post of General
Secretary of XLRI.
Do you play Yes, I play cricket, Yes, I play badminton No, I do not play any
any sport? carrom and table tennis. and have played it at sport as I am
State-level before joining currently involved in
XLRI. another startup and
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 do not get enough
time to focus on
sports.
In which
category
would you
put your
CQPI? Above- average (6.1
Average (5.6 CQPI) Average (5.8 CQPI)
(Below CQPI)
Average,
Average,
Above
Average)
Since I had work
experience across
various companies,
subjects like
At first, I used to face a Class participation in the
organizational
lot of issues in subjects which were
behavior were easy
understanding class and related to the work
to understand and I
indulge in class experience came easy to
Do you think participated actively
participation. The SIP me but there were some
CP comes in those classes.
experience helped me subjects like accounting
easy to you? However, subjects
understand 2 of my where I lacked the
like QT were
electives in a better way adequate skills that led to
difficult for me as I
and helped me engage low class participation in
was working in a
in class participation. that subject.
managerial role
before which swayed
me away from the
technical.

Research Design
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MDP
One of the defining features of doing an MBA in India is that you don't need to have prior
work experience in order to be eligible for admission in the same. By conducting preliminary
research via literature review, discussions with decision makers and industry experts and
qualitative research, the pertinent question which needs to be answered is what the impact of
work experience on the MBA journey and its outcomes is.

Thus, the MDP is to figure out:

“Whether or not to get work experience before joining an MBA program?”

Research Problem
Pertaining to the MDP, research problems need to be created in order to break down the
problem into multiple aspects and focus on them so as to get a holistic picture of the issue.

The MDP is broken down into the following Research problems:

1. To determine how previous work experience affects post graduate academics of a

candidate

Rationale: Academics form the basis of any degree. In MBA, the academics are
rigorous and highly application based. Hence, work experience would have an
impact on academics which would thus impact the MBA journey of a person.

2. To understand whether freshers are more involved in committees and extracurriculars

Rationale: MBA life is filled with case competitions, case studies, committees and
interest groups. Therefore, it is important for an aspiring candidate to know the
impact of work experience on these in order to make their decision.

3. To assess how prior work-experience affects the summer internship of a candidate

Rationale: Summer internship is an important part of the MBA curriculum. Right

from getting the options to intern at a particular company to the actual experience in
the company and finally receiving the PPO, summer internship can be impacted by

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 the work experience of a person. Therefore, an analysis to determine the same is
done.

4. To assess how prior work-experience affects the final placement of a candidate

Rationale: Placements are one of the most important criteria as they decide the
future career of a person and they could vary greatly for people with or without work
experience. Hence, the impact of work experience on final placements is assessed.

Hypothesis Formulation
RP1: To determine how previous work experience affects post graduate academics of a
candidate

RQ 1: Does academic performance vary with work-experience?

Ho: There is no difference between the CQPI between work-experience and freshers

H1: There is a difference between the CQPI between work-experience and freshers

Logic: This hypothesis is based on interviews and secondary data and realized that students
with and without work-experience might have different reasons for pursuing MBA which might
impact CQPI and freshers might be more in touch with studies.

RQ 2: Does work-experience affect class participation and discussions

Ho: The ease of class participation is equal for freshers and people with work experience

H1: The ease of class participation is not equal for freshers and people with work experience

Logic: This hypothesis is based on secondary data and interviews conducted with the
realization that students with work-experience might relate to the classroom discussions more
easily and have more relatable workplace experiences

RQ 3: Is there a direct correlation between the work-experience of students and confidence

level while working in groups

Ho: Students with work-experience are as confident as freshers while working in groups

H1: Students with work-experience are not equally confident as compared to freshers while
working in groups
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 Logic: This hypothesis is based on the secondary data that students with work-experience have
had more responsibilities and interactions in their workplace thus they feel more confident
while working in groups

RQ 4: Does seriousness towards scoring marks vary with work-experience

Ho: Students with work-experience are equally inclined towards scoring marks in MBA as
compared to freshers

H1: Students with work-experience are not equally inclined towards scoring marks in MBA as
compared to freshers

Logic: According to general consensus and interviews, students with work-experience find it
difficult to suddenly adapt to academics and lose their creativity after years of working in
corporate space due to which they might find it harder to score marks

RP2: To understand whether freshers are more involved in committees and

extracurriculars

RQ1: Does daily commitment (number of hours) to extracurriculars differ for students with
work experience?

Ho: Students with work experience spend equal time on extracurriculars as freshers

H1: Students with work experience do not spend equal time on extracurriculars as freshers

Logic: Freshers are more enthusiastic towards extracurricular activity whereas people with
work experience are used to a certain kind of lifestyle and they focus more on other things.

RQ2: Do students with work experience take part in as many committees as freshers?

Ho: Students with work experience are a part of equal number of committees as freshers

H1: Students with work experience are not equally part of number of committees as compared
to freshers

Logic: Students with work experience have a better understanding of committees and collabs
than freshers, hence are more thoughtful while getting into committees.

RQ3: Do people with work experience take part in more activities such as literary, cultural,

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 sports and competitions?

Ho: Freshers are equally involved in a diverse set of activities as compared to students with
work experience

H1: Freshers are not equally involved in a diverse set of activities as compared to students with
work experience

Logic: As per observations, freshers are generally more enthusiastic about the various activities
like literary, cultural, sports and competitions, hence they have better chances of being in a
diverse range of activities.

RQ4: Do people with work experience hold more position of responsibilities than freshers?

Ho: Students with work experience are equally likely to hold senior PoRs in the committees

H1: Students with work experience are not equally likely to hold senior PoRs in the committees
Logic: People with work experience are better at managing groups and responsibilities as they
have done the same in their jobs which gives them an edge over freshers when it comes to
leading committees.

RQ5: Are freshers more like to play multiple sports than people with work experience?

Ho: Freshers and work experience people are equally involved in playing multiple sports on
campus
H1: Freshers are not equally involved in playing multiple sports on campus as compared to
experienced people
Logic: People with a long work experience become more lethargic and are less likely to take
part in physical activities. Their lifestyle also becomes sedentary after starting their jobs. This
impacts their willingness to take part in physical activities.

RP3: To assess how prior work-experience affects the summer internship of a candidate

RQ1: Does the number of shortlists for interview experience get affected by work experience?

Ho: The number of shortlists for interview is equal for freshers and experienced people

H1: The number of shortlists for interview is not equal for experienced people as compared to
freshers

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 Logic: This hypothesis is based on the observation that companies may have a preference for
the amount of work experience their interns can have, hence the work experience may have an
impact on shortlists.

RQ2: Does the ease of creating CV vary with work-experience?

Ho: The ease of making a CV is equal for freshers and people with work experience

H1: The ease of making a CV is not equal for people with work experience as compared to
freshers

Logic: This hypothesis is based on the idea that students with work-experience have more
understanding about the process and find it easier to create a CV due to their prior experience 

RQ3: Does the ease of giving interviews vary with work-experience?

Ho: The ease of giving interviews is equal for freshers and people with work experience

H1: The ease of giving interviews is not equal for people with work experience as compared to
freshers

Logic: This hypothesis is based on the idea that students with work-experience have had
multiple interactions with company officials due to which they are more confident and hence
find it easier to give interviews

RQ4: Does the likelihood of getting internship in preferred domain vary with work-experience?

Ho: Students with work experience are equally likely as freshers to get internship in their
preferred domain
H1: Students with work experience are not equally likely to get an internship in their preferred
domain as compared to freshers

Logic: This hypothesis is based on the idea that since students with work-experience have
already worked in a particular domain, they are more likely to get the shortlist and then convert
the interview for that domain.

RQ5: Does ease of adjusting to a new office environment vary with work experience?

Ho: The ease of adjusting to a new work environment is equal for freshers and people with work
experience

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 H1: The ease of adjusting to a new work environment is not equal for people with work
experience as compared to freshers

Logic: This hypothesis is based on the idea that since students with work-experience have
already worked in offices, they have a fair idea of the environment and culture and thus find it
easier to adjust to it.

RQ6: Does ease of understanding assigned tasks during internship vary with work experience?

Ho: The ease of understanding assigned tasks during internship is equal for freshers and people
with work experience

H1: The ease of understanding assigned tasks during internship is not equal for people with
work experience as compared to freshers

Logic: This hypothesis is based on the idea that since students with work-experience have a
good understanding of how the work in the industry is done, therefore they might understand the
assigned task more easily

RQ7: Do the chances of getting a PPO vary with work experience?

Ho: Students with work experience have equal chances of getting a PPO as compared to freshers
H1: Students with work experience do not have equal chances of getting a PPO as compared to
freshers

Logic: This hypothesis is based on the idea that the experienced students might perform better
in their internships as compared to freshers owing to their past learnings, they might have better
chances of receiving a PPO from the company.

RP4: To assess how prior work-experience affects the final placement of a candidate

RQ1: Is the type of placement process to get a job related to the work experience of a candidate

Ho: People with experience are equally likely to get placed through PPOs/Pre-placements
H1: People with experience are not equally likely to get placed through PPO/Pre-placements
Logic: This hypothesis is based on the observation that often students with work experience are
recruited to get placed through PPOs or get a placement in pre-process because of better
experience and professionalism

RQ2: Does work-experience have a direct correlation to getting a job in the desired domain
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 Ho: Students with work experience are equally likely to get a job in their preferred domain
H1: Students with work-experience are not equally likely to get a job in preferred domain
Logic: The above hypothesis is based on the interaction with students with work experience
who clarified that they had much more clarity about the job and the domain they wanted
compared to freshers

RQ3: Is there a similarity in the domain of the final placement compared to internship?

Ho: People with work experience are equally likely to get a job in the same domain as their
internship
H1: People with work experience are not equally likely to get a job in the same domain as their
internship

Logic: The above hypothesis is based on secondary data which suggests that students with work
experience are particular about the domain they want to pursue and are not trying to explore
much.

RQ4: Is there a difference in attitude related to participating in competitions with work-

experience?

Ho: Freshers have equal achievements and participations in competitions as compared to

experienced students
H1: Freshers do not have equal achievements and participations in competitions as compared to
experienced students

Logic: After analyzing secondary data, we understood that usually freshers need more
achievements to justify their interest to get into domains of their choice

RQ5: Does the number of shortlists vary with work experience?

Ho: Freshers are likely to receive equal percentage of shortlist compared to people with work
experience
H1: Freshers are not likely to receive a equal percentage of shortlist compared to people with
work experience

Logic: The above hypothesis is based on the interviews conducted as part of secondary data that

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 companies prefer students with work experience of approximately 2 years

Survey and Sampling Plan for Data Collection

1. The population for this study is comprised of people who have completed / are about to
complete their MBA.

2. The population is comprised of people having ages 21 – 30 years.

3. Non-repetitive sampling will be conducted.

4. The targeted sample size will be 75 with an allowable increase/decrease of 25.

6. Sample technique = Quota sampling

A google form will be circulated online with a detailed questionnaire (Exhibit – 1) to conduct
the survey.

Research Problem, Design & Hypothesis

Alternative Measurement
S. No Research Problem Type of Test
Hypothesis Scale
RP1: To determine how previous work experience affects post graduate academics of
a candidate
Does academic There is a difference
Two
performance vary between the CQPI
1. Ratio independent
with work- between work-
sample t-test
experience? experience and freshers
The ease of class
Does work- Two
participation is not
experience affect independent
2. equal for freshers and Interval
class participation sample t-test
people with work
and discussions?
experience
3. Is there a direct Students with work- Interval Two
correlation between experience are not independent
the work-experience equally confident as sample t-test
of students and compared to freshers
confidence level while working in
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 while working in
groups
groups?
Students with work-
Does seriousness experience are not Two
towards scoring equally inclined independent
4. Interval
marks vary with towards scoring marks sample t-test
work-experience? in MBA as compared to
freshers
RP2: To understand whether freshers are more involved in committees and
extracurriculars
Does daily
Students with work
commitment (number
experience do not Two
of hours) to
5. spend equal time on Ratio independent
extracurriculars differ
extracurriculars as sample t-test
for students with
freshers
work experience?
Do students with Students with work
Two
work experience take experience are not
independent
6. part in as many equally part of number Ratio
sample t-test
committees as of committees as
freshers? compared to freshers
Does people with
work experience take Freshers are not equally
part in different involved in a diverse Two
7. activities such as set of activities as Ratio independent
literary, cultural, compared to students sample t-test
sports and with work experience
competitions?

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 Do people with work Students with work
experience hold more experience are not Two
8. positions of equally likely to hold Ratio independent
responsibilities than senior PoRs in the sample t-test
freshers? committees
Are freshers more Freshers are not equally
like to play multiple involved in playing Two
9. sports as compared to multiple sports on Ratio independent
people with work campus as compared to sample t-test
experience? experienced people
RP3: To assess how prior work-experience affects the summer internship of a
candidate
Does the number of The number of
shortlists for shortlists for interview Two
10. interview experience is not equal for Ratio independent
get affected by work experienced people as sample t-test
experience? compared to freshers
The ease of making a
Does the ease of
CV is not equal for Two
creating CV vary Interval
11. people with work independent
with work-
experience as compared sample t-test
experience?
to freshers
The ease of giving
Does the ease of
interviews is not equal Two
giving interviews Interval
12. for people with work independent
vary with work-
experience as compared sample t-test
experience?
to freshers
Students with work
Does the likelihood
experience are not
of getting internship Chi-Square
equally likely to get an
13. in preferred domain Nominal test
internship in their
vary with work-
preferred domain as
experience?
compared to freshers
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 The ease of adjusting to
Does ease of
a new work
adjusting to a new Two
environment is not
14. office environment Interval independent
equal for people with
vary with work sample t-test
work experience as
experience?
compared to freshers
The ease of
Does ease of
understanding assigned Two
understanding
tasks during internship independent
15. assigned tasks during Interval
is not equal for people sample t-test
internship vary with
with work experience
work experience?
as compared to freshers
Students with work
Do the chances of
experience do not have
getting a PPO vary Chi-Square
16. equal chances of Nominal
with work test
getting a PPO as
experience?
compared to freshers
RP4: To assess how prior work-experience affects the final placement of a candidate

Is the type of
People with experience
placement process to
are not equally likely to Chi-Square
17. get a job related to Nominal
get placed through test
the work experience
PPO/Pre-placements
of a candidate?
Does work-
Students with work-
experience have a
experience are not
18. direct correlation to Nominal Chi-Square
equally likely to get a
getting a job in the
job in preferred domain
desired domain?
19. Is there a similarity in People with work Nominal Chi-Square
the domain of the experience are not
final placement equally likely to get a
compared to job in the same domain

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 internship? as their internship
Freshers do not have
Is there a difference
equal achievements and Two
in attitude related to
participations in Ratio Independent
20. participating in
competitions as sample t-test
competitions with
compared to
work-experience?
experienced students
Freshers are not likely
Does the number of to receive a equal Two
Ratio
21. shortlists vary with percentage of shortlist independent
work experience? compared to people sample t-test
with work experience

Hypothesis Testing and Results

Area = 0.05

Assumptions:
1) We have considered level of significance to be 95% i.e. α = 0.05
2) Students with work experience less than 12 months are considered as freshers
whereas students having work experience greater than or equal to 12 months are
considered as people having the experience wherever required during hypothesis
testing.

RP1: To determine how previous work experience affects post graduate academics of a
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 candidate
Ho: There is no difference between the CQPI between
work-experience and freshers
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: There is a difference between the CQPI between
work-experience and freshers
RQ1 H1
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.509
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
There is no difference between the CQPI of students with
Conclusion
work-experience and freshers
Ho: The ease of class participation is equal for freshers
and people with work experience
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: The ease of class participation is not equal for
freshers and people with work experience
RQ2 H2
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.560
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
The ease of class participation is equal for freshers and
Conclusion
people with work experience
Ho: Students with work-experience are as confident as
freshers while working in groups
Null/Alternate H1: Students with work-experience are not equally
Hypothesis
confident as compared to freshers while working in
RQ3 H3 groups
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.631
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
Students with work-experience are as confident as
Conclusion
freshers while working in groups
Ho: Students with work-experience are equally inclined
towards scoring marks in MBA as compared to freshers
Null/Alternate H1: Students with work-experience are not equally
Hypothesis
inclined towards scoring marks in MBA as compared to
RQ4 H4
freshers
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.609
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
Conclusion Students with work-experience are equally inclined
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 towards scoring marks in MBA as compared to freshers
RP2: To understand whether freshers are more involved in committees and extracurriculars
Ho: Students with work experience spend equal time on
extracurriculars as freshers
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: Students with work experience do not spend equal
time on extracurriculars as freshers
RQ5 H5
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.822
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
Students with work experience spend equal time on
Conclusion
extracurriculars as freshers
Ho: Students with work experience are a part of equal
number of committees as freshers
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: Students with work experience are not equally part of
number of committees as compared to freshers
RQ6 H6
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.262
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
Students with work experience are a part of equal
Conclusion
number of committees as freshers
Ho: Freshers are equally involved in a diverse set of
Null/Alternate activities as compared to students with work experience
Hypothesis
H1: Freshers are not equally involved in a diverse set of
activities as compared to students with work experience
RQ7 H7 Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.728
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
Freshers are equally involved in a diverse set of activities
Conclusion
as compared to students with work experience
Ho: Students with work experience are equally likely to
hold senior PoRs in the committees
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: Students with work experience are not equally likely
to hold senior PoRs in the committees
RQ8 H8
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.094
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho

Conclusion Students with work experience are equally likely to hold

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 senior PoRs in the committees
Ho: Freshers and work experience people are equally
involved in playing multiple sports on campus
Null/Alternate
H1: Freshers are not equally involved in playing
Hypothesis
multiple sports on campus as compared to experienced
people
RQ9 H9
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.014
Result
As p < 0.05, we reject Ho

Freshers are not equally involved in playing multiple

Conclusion
sports on campus as compared to experienced people

RP3: To assess how prior work-experience affects the summer internship of a candidate
Ho: The number of shortlists for interview is equal for
Null/Alternate freshers and experienced people
Hypothesis H1: The number of shortlists for interview is not equal for
experienced people as compared to freshers
RQ10 H10 Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.125
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
The number of shortlists for interview is equal for
Conclusion
freshers and experienced people
Ho: The ease of making a CV is equal for freshers and
people with work experience
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: The ease of making a CV is not equal for people with
work experience as compared to freshers
RQ11 H11
Test Two independent sample t-test
p < .001
Result
As p < 0.05, we reject Ho
The ease of making a CV is not equal for people with
Conclusion
work experience as compared to freshers
Ho: The ease of giving interviews is equal for freshers
and people with work experience
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: The ease of giving interviews is not equal for people
with work experience as compared to freshers
RQ12 H12
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.366
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
The ease of giving interviews is equal for freshers and
Conclusion
people with work experience

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 Ho: Students with work experience are equally likely as
freshers to get internship in their preferred domain
Null/Alternate H1: Students with work experience are not equally likely
Hypothesis
to get an internship in their preferred domain as

RQ13 H13 compared to freshers

Test Chi-Square test
Chi-square statistic = 4.038, p = 0.044
Result
As p < 0.05, we reject Ho (significant association is present)
Students with work experience are not equally likely to
Conclusion get an internship in their preferred domain as compared
to freshers
Ho: The ease of adjusting to a new work environment is
equal for freshers and people with work experience
Null/Alternate H1: The ease of adjusting to a new work environment is
Hypothesis
not equal for people with work experience as compared
to freshers
RQ14 H14
Test Two independent sample t-test
p <0.001
Result
As p < 0.05, we reject Ho
The ease of adjusting to a new work environment is not
Conclusion equal for people with work experience as compared to
freshers
Ho: The ease of understanding assigned tasks during
internship is equal for freshers and people with work
experience
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: The ease of understanding assigned tasks during
internship is not equal for people with work experience
RQ15 H15 as compared to freshers
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.082
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
The ease of understanding assigned tasks during
Conclusion internship is equal for freshers and people with work
experience
RQ16 H16 Null/Alternate Ho: Students with work experience have equal chances of
Hypothesis
getting a PPO as compared to freshers
H1: Students with work experience do not have equal
chances of getting a PPO as compared to freshers
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 Test Chi-Square test
Chi-square statistic = .115, p = 0.734
Result As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho (significant association is not
present)
Students with work experience have equal chances of
Conclusion
getting a PPO as compared to freshers
RP4: To assess how prior work-experience affects the final placement of a candidate
Ho: People with experience are equally likely to get
Null/Alternate placed through PPOs/Pre-placements
Hypothesis H1: People with experience are not equally likely to get
placed through PPO/Pre-placements
Test Chi-Square test
RQ17 H17
Chi-square statistic = .019, p = 0.89
Result As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho (significant association is not
present)
People with experience are equally likely to get placed
Conclusion
through PPOs/Pre-placements
Ho: Students with work experience are equally likely to
Null/Alternate get a job in their preferred domain
Hypothesis H1: Students with work-experience are not equally likely
to get a job in preferred domain
RQ18 H18 Test Chi-Square test
Chi-square statistic = 5.363, p = 0.021
Result
As p < 0.05, we reject Ho (significant association is present)
Students with work-experience are more likely to get a
Conclusion
job in preferred domain
Ho: People with work experience are equally likely to get
a job in the same domain as their internship
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: People with work experience are not equally likely
to get a job in the same domain as their internship
RQ19 H19 Test Chi-Square test
Chi-square statistic = 0.189, p = 0.664
Result As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho (significant association is not
present)
People with work experience are equally likely to get a
Conclusion
job in the same domain as their internship
RQ20 H20 Null/Alternate Ho: Freshers have equal achievements and participations
Hypothesis
in competitions as compared to experienced students
H1: Freshers do not have equal achievements and
participations in competitions as compared to

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 experienced students
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.728
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho

Freshers have equal achievements and participations in

Conclusion
competitions as compared to experienced students
Ho: Freshers are likely to receive equal percentage of
shortlist compared to people with work experience
Null/Alternate
Hypothesis H1: Freshers are not likely to receive a equal percentage
of shortlist compared to people with work experience
RQ21 H21
Test Two independent sample t-test
p = 0.125
Result
As p > 0.05, we do not reject Ho
Freshers are likely to receive equal percentage of shortlist
Conclusion
compared to people with work experience

Implications & Conclusion

The following null hypothesis have been rejected based on the analysis conducted
upon the data: -

1. H9 - Freshers and work experience people are equally involved in playing multiple
sports on campus.
2. H11 - The ease of making a CV is equal for freshers and people with work
experience.
3. H13 - Students with work experience are equally likely as freshers to get internship in
their preferred domain.
4. H14 - The ease of adjusting to a new work environment is equal for freshers and
people with work experience.
5. H18 - Students with work experience are equally likely to get a job in their preferred
domain.

Given that most of the null hypothesis were failed to be rejected, the data suggests that the
difference in the experience of people whilst pursuing MBA if they come as freshers or with
prior work experience is only limited to certain elements of the entire journey. By and large
the experience is the same when evaluated at a group level. That being said, one of the key
30 | P a g e
areas which people who choose to pursue MBA are affected by i.e., the placements, is
something which is different between freshers and people with work experience. Both the
summer internship and its related activities and the final placement in relation to the domain
of preference are the things in which the people with work experience tend to fair better at or
at least find it easier to perform at.

Based on the hypothesis which were rejected and including a control variable of a student’s
CQPI, we have estimated a logistic regression to quantify the impact of these factors on the
ability of an MBA student to secure a job in their preferred domain post the completion of
their course.

Logistic regression
Variable Coefficient value Significance Level
Work Experience (No) -.923 .348
CQPI (Control variable) -.437 .457
Ease of making a CV -.038 .905
Office Environment .731 .056
Constant 3.525 .362
Likelihood Ratio Chi-Square Test 10.248 .036

In the given model the base category is that a person has a work experience and thus if a
person doesn’t have a work experience, then the dummy variable takes a value of 1.
Consequently, we have found a negative value for the coefficient of work experience which
showcases that the log likelihood of getting a job in your preferred domain goes down if a
person doesn’t have any work experience. Now, although the variables are coming out to be
insignificant individually, the combined explanatory power of the model is significant at 5%
level of significance as shown by the value of the likelihood ratio test.

Given the findings of this study, one major implication that stands out is that people who
wish to pursue a career in a particular field post their MBA should ideally join an MBA
course after having some work experience. Other than that, the experience of going through
the MBA journey is the same for both freshers and the people with work experience.

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Limitations of the Study
 Normality: We have conducted our hypothesis testing assuming that our data points
(ratio and interval scale) are normally distributed which may lead to distortions in the
output. However, the normality can be checked using K-S test.
 Low number of data points: We have concluded our research on very low number of
data points (83 points) which may or may not represent the population adequately.
 General points: We have taken 2 assumptions while conducting the tests which may or
may not distort the result and interpretations could be different if these assumptions are
changed.

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References
DEBASHIISH BHATTACIIERJEE, K. K. (n.d.). Signaling, Work Experience and MBA Starting Salaries.

George F. Dreher, K. C. (n.d.). EVALUATING MBA-PROGRAM ADMISSIONS CRITERIA: The Relationship

Between Pre-MBA Work Experience and Post-MBA Career Outcomes.

George F. Dreher, K. C. (n.d.). PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG
FIRST-YEAR MBA STUDENTS.

Ri, E. C. (n.d.). PRIOR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRESS IN MBA PROGRAMS.

Sharma, N. (2020). MBA after Graduation or Work Experience? Retrieved from IIM Udaipur
Chronicles: https://www.iimu.ac.in/blog/mba-after-graduation-or-work-experience/

Appendix

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