— Varun Satia For years, admission into a Tier 1 college has been treated as the golden ticket to a successful career. Cracking CAT, JEE, or any other high-stakes entrance exam is often seen as the defining moment for one’s future. But what if things don’t go as planned? What if you don’t get admission into a Tier 1 institution? The reality is, that while a top-tier college can provide a great launchpad, your career trajectory isn’t defined by where you start—it’s defined by what you do next. If you didn’t get into a Tier 1 college, don’t rush into a lower-tier institute just for the sake of a degree. Many Tier 2 and 3 colleges come with hefty fees and uncertain returns. Instead, a more strategic approach — focusing on skill-building and gaining early work experience — can set you up for a thriving career. Building your career without a Tier 1 tag Let’s assume it is March 2025, and the CAT results are out. You didn’t make it to a top business school, but you’re determined to break into high-growth business or marketing roles. Here’s what your alternative career path could look like: Step 1: Identify the right growth areas Start by researching fast-growing roles in marketing, sales, business analytics, and product management. Areas like digital marketing, paid advertising, and e-commerce growth roles are booming, with increasing demand for skilled professionals. Step 2: Upskill smartly Instead of investing Rs 15 to 25 lakh in a traditional MBA, consider job-linked courses that offer direct industry exposure. Step 3: Start earning and gaining experience After completing your upskilling program, you could secure a Rs 6 lakh CTC job at a digital marketing agency. Unlike an MBA graduate who’s still paying fees, you are already earning. A year later, with hands-on expertise and strong problem-solving skills, you receive a 20 per cent salary hike, increasing your CTC to Rs 7.2 lakh. By next year, you transition to a D2C (direct-to-consumer) brand as a growth marketer, receiving a 40% hike, pushing your CTC to Rs 10.5L. With three years of real-world experience by 2028, your salary will reach Rs 15.5 lakh, making you a highly sought-after professional in the industry. Why this approach works better Many MBA graduates from Tier 2 and 3 colleges start their careers in sales roles, often earning Rs 7 to 12 lakh annually after paying hefty fees. On the other hand, by gaining industry-relevant skills early and building real-world experience, you can reach the same — or even better — financial and professional milestones without the heavy debt burden. This path not only makes you financially independent earlier but also allows you to build a strong network within the industry. Unlike traditional MBA programs that often emphasize theoretical learning, this approach ensures you get hands-on exposure to industry trends, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making from the outset. Employers increasingly prefer candidates with proven skills over those with just academic credentials, and by gaining relevant experience early, you stand out in a competitive job market. Additionally, your career trajectory remains flexible. Instead of being confined to predefined roles post-MBA, you have the freedom to explore multiple domains, switch industries, and grow based on merit rather than just a brand name on your resume. This agility is a significant advantage in today’s rapidly evolving job landscape. Beyond marketing This strategy isn’t limited to marketing. Roles in product management, finance, sales, and business analytics increasingly prioritize skills over degrees. Employers today value what you can do, not just where you studied. Not getting into a Tier 1 college isn’t the end of the road—it’s a chance to rethink your approach. By focusing on real-world skills, industry exposure, and smart career decisions, you can carve out a successful, financially rewarding career on your own terms. Instead of waiting for opportunities, create them. Your future isn’t defined by a college brand — it’s defined by you. (The author is the founder and CEO of Kraftshala)
