Dear All, posting this on a suggestion from bb...
Hope some members find the information useful.
Still a GMAT aspirant, I wasn't much excited to participate in the fair (thought it's too early), but attending this was one great and important step I've taken and would highly recommend for others to attend such fairs whenever the chance is there. You get to talk with admission reps, sort out your CV, talk to alumni and network with other aspirants... intensive and fulfilling 3hrs a day for 2 consecutive days!
The fair was conducted here for 2 days (5th Nov - private and group sessions, 6th Nov - open to all).
The schools which were participants in this world MBA tour were mostly from Europe (Duke being one of the top American schools there). The list includes... maybe I'd miss some (also find below some salient features,IMO, for some of them who I could talk to):
IE - Madrid, Spain. Stands out for entrepreneurship which is imbibed in their core (25% alumni entrepreneurs). They have partnered with Caja Madrid to setup a Venture Lab which gives upto Euro50,000 interest free loans to students with winning business plans (part of final exam). Seems like Shark Tank where you pitch your ideas to real investors.
One of the IE alumni had excellent energy vibes (if not anything else, that makes you feel that YES I would do anything to get an admit
). They are pitching it is a life changing experience. Spanish language classes is compulsory, I guess a component life changing exp. Dual degrees with MIT, Fletcher...
Rolling application process, no deadlines.
There is a scholarship blog by the director of their financing director I think (available on their website)...
Their online degree is getting popular.
Just noticed, compared to other years, general school placement figures for 2008 had higher %age of students who started their own company. But surprisingly, most of the schools just mentioned placement as a challenge with very LESS diminishing placement percentages. They managed to find companies and even maintain competitive compensations (no matter if that is a marketing BS, for me good to know
)
HEC - Well, IMFO, didn't live up to my expectations... or maybe it was just the reps.. Their Japan alumni presence is getting better (~200+people at present). They have some unique course/electives. Also are continuously innovating. French classes compulsory for those who don't speak the language. And for the people who want to learn another additional language have to prove that they already know at least 3 languages...
The admission process not only consists of interview with alumni but you have to prepare a PPT. Can be anything, maybe some exciting project or something about yourself which you didn't mention in the essays/application etc.
You can have exchange school (Europe, Asia, US top schools have tied up with HEC).
Also, if you are really up to it, you can also go for dual-degrees say HEC and NYU Stern (and be alumni of both).
They are working hard to increase MBA awareness too... such as inviting company HR to stay in campus for 1-2 days and familiarize with the learning process etc.
NUS - Really impressed with their way. They sent two current students to discuss daily campus life, challenges, opportunities. The focus is on Asia Pacific. The school really seems to be doing good in terms of reputation, growth and is soon coming up with a new building.
For people who are applying, aim for 680+ to be eligible for scholarship (of course many other factors)..
HULTHeard from them that Arthur D Little are the founders are also closely related with the school. London and Dubai campuses are new and they have spent a lot on expansion (a reason for increase in fees). You can move campus between modules.
Points which stand out for this is that average age is 30-31, ideal for people who have spent some time in middle-management an take the next step. It is 1 year intensive, so you save a year. And they are pitching the case studies (say that other schools have 100 case studies in average, whereas there are~250!). Case studies are given and evaluated by industry leaders (CEO level sometimes) and are real world scenarios.
Alumni network in Japan ~100 but strong bonding. I could speak to one of them, who was very nice... was suddenly informed about the event and came by cab...over 300miles.. wonder how much was the tab! But shows the dedication to the cause...
With a excellent GMAT score you can ask for a discount (yes, if I heard that right
)
Well... these were the ones I remember. There are a tons of brochures which I will get around to eventually. With the G-day this month, have to get back in the GMAT groove after spending 2 precious evenings here...
One general advice for my Indian friends (heard this from one of the top British schools), for a recent cycle, out of the 1100 eligible applications they had, ~650 were from Indians
and as you know all the B-Schools want to keep a mixed profile. So irrespective of whether you are a star from the beginning, imagine the competition you have. So very important to package your application properly (more important if your work-exp is in IT sector).
Surprisingly in this global fair in Japan, not many Japanese schools participated. For people who are looking towards management studies (in English) and further career in Japan, can check out the following options:
WasedaKeio (Waseda and Keio are highly esteemed local business schools, but anyone familiar with the culture here would know that no matter how esteemed a school in Japan is, they'd maybe match 60% of the initial salaries compared to the graduates from the ivy leagues in US/Europe/SNG/HK). But if you can really gel-in and hit it right, there is no roof in this second largest economy. Takes time and patience.
Hitotsubashi - Has support from Japanese government and fees is low. High quality of education
IUJ (very far from any metropolitan city, but I heard good feedback about faculty and quality of education)
Doshisha - In the beautiful city of Kyoto. Again a good option from anyone with a interest to build a career here. In one of the gMBA batches, 20 students from 14 nationalities. That must be fun!
Edit: For further info on Japan schools, please see this
(compiled by another person we met during the fair)...
https://www.squidoo.com/MBAJapanApologies for a long post (helps in AWA practice
) and hope has some info which proves to be helpful to someone....
Good Luck to all !