In the current phase of MBA admissions, preparing for GD, PI and WAT is the most appropriate thing to do. In the special series of MBAuniverse.com, we are helping aspirants to prepare for various topics which they may encounter during these rounds. Today's article shares with you the arguments in favour and against of one of the last year's group discussion topics.

For admission in the academic year 2012-14, the topic of GD at JBIMS Mumbai was, €Is an MBA degree a must to succeed as a manager?'

This topic offers a lot of scopes to argue in both for and against the subject. In the pros, you can dwell on the benefits of doing an MBA, the values imparted by B schools, the network and the exposure to corporate and the industry.
On the cons part, you can mention that a capable and talented person does not need a degree to become a successful manager. Students can save two years of education and the expenses of doing an MBA if they know the right ways of utilizing their talent.

Before commencing the discussion, you have to give a context and introduction of the topic. This could be an introduction on MBA and what a student can expect during the period of undergoing the course. On the other hand, you can also mention the successful managers without a formal MBA degree.

Now let us have a look at the points for and against the topic.

In favour of the topic

-- MBA is a systematic and holistic discipline which imparts basic business knowledge and acumen to excel in the professional life.

-- MBA fast tracks the career process of a student with the placement process. Aspiring entrepreneurs can also improve the pace of their business plans with the help of entrepreneurship cells.

-- MBA improves your communication skills and provides a vast exposure on industry and corporate interface.

-- MBA can boost the career of working professionals. Even if they can't afford to take a sabbatical or break for two years, they can always go for part-time MBA or MBA through distance learning.

Against the topic

--There are several examples of successful managers and CEOs who have made it large without a formal MBA degree. Late Steve Jobs of Apple, Bill Gates of Microsoft, Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Group, Larry Ellison of Oracle are a few among them. If you are clear about your aim and have a plan for the same, the lack of formal management education can't deter you from succeeding. The leadership and management skills cannot be taught by anyone, it comes from within.

-- MBA is one of the most expensive courses. MBA does not guarantee you your dream job or fund required to start your own venture. You may find a job after your graduation according to your skill set or can opt for masters or research.

-- MBA has become a common trend and students from the backgrounds of engineering, medical, humanities, science and commerce and even specialized backgrounds such as fashion designing or chartered accountancy go for MBA. This affects the learning they acquired in their graduation as they don't get a scope to practise it further.

In the conclusion, you can mention that though an MBA degree is not necessary to be a successful manager, there is no doubt that MBA can contribute in your successful career and develop your personality as a whole.