Calling all Said (Oxford) Applicants: (2016 Intake) Class of 2017!!

Hi Aidan, what's the conversion rate for people who are interviewed?

Oxford_Aidan: The conversion rate changes with each round depending on the quality of the applicants. We have just had Round 1 where approximately half of the applicants were invited to interview, and I would expect a good proportion of those to be given an offer. Previously this has ranged from 30% to 60%. Round 1 is often attracts very good quality.



How big is Consulting as an employment opportunity coming out of an Oxford MBA?

Oxford_Aidan: Consulting is one of the most popular career paths for Oxford MBA graduates. Major consulting firms such as McKinsey recruit our candidates on campus. This often takes place near to the start of the programme, as it is a one year intensive programme.



Hi Aidan, how many students, roughly, change the country of work after Oxford?

Oxford_Aidan: Many candidates use the Oxford MBA to switch locations, you can find the exact statistics on our careers report. The good thing about the University of Oxford is that the name is recognized world-wide and is very well respected, which can support career moves into new locations.



Does Oxford take into account the number of attempts for the GMAT?

Oxford_Aidan: Good question. We only take into account the highest GMAT that applicants submit, however if an applicant has taken the GMAT a lot of times with varied results, this can sometimes be a negative point if the application is borderline.



How many dual degree (MD/MBA) applicants do you have?

Oxford_Aidan: Oxford offers an incredible opportunity through our 1+1 programme (https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/degrees/1plus1)
This involves taking a one year specialist Masters degree from the University of Oxford, developing an in-depth knowledge in a specific area, and then combining this with the breadth of a world-class MBA. There is a fantastic scholarship offering for 1+1 applicants.



Given the current strict visa & work permit regulations in the UK, in your frank opinion, will the Oxford MBA be an economically feasible option for non-EU students? I won't even have asked this 5 years back. Specifically, in my case, if I have to come back to India after graduating, even with a good job it will take me a long time to just pay back my loan. Could you also provide some data regarding the status of the Indian/Asian graduates of the past few years?

Oxford_Aidan: This is a very good question and a key point for many of my students, especially my candidates who are coming from Russia with the current currency issue. Since the PSW was removed, it did become more difficult for international students to secure a job in the UK after graduating but it is feasible. The Oxford MBA gives candidates support in securing work with organizations that sponsor their employees for working visas. This is of course competitive, but everything is there for you to support you through the process.
In 2013/14 (careers report) of the 31 Indian candidates that were in the MBA - 15 secured work in the UK. 3 in the rest of the EEA. [url]updatedEmployment%20ReportMBAClass2013-14.pdf[/url]



How is Oxford adapting or changing its curriculum to suit the change in the job market in the recent years? What changes are on the horizon? How have employers reacted to these changes in Oxford's curriculum or program?

Oxford_Aidan: The Oxford MBA was completely redesigned two years ago by MBA Director, Dr Dana Brown. This was designed to address the job market in consulting, finance, corporate sector, as well as for our entrepreneurs (we are ranked top in Europe by the FT for this). Oxford has since conducted an incredible CEO report, which has influenced the design of the programme. This can be found here: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/faculty-researc ... o-report-0



Could I know the cut-off gmat score?

Oxford_Aidan: we have no minimum score, however our average is 690. We had candidates with 720 + last year who were unable to enter into the Oxford MBA, as for us it is not just about GMAT. It is the whole profile. Oxford looks for leadership potential. We have 800 years experience of producing leaders.



Does the SAID evaluates the profile before formal application?

Oxford_Aidan: Yes, you can have your profile assessed here: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/degr ... eview-form



Does admissions committee check the online presence of the candidate such as linkedin, instagram, twitter, blogs etc. and give weight to a good social presence?

Oxford_Aidan: In the admissions process no, however the team of Recruitment Managers can submit their recommendations for certain candidates, so a good LinkedIn profile can help us to know more about who you are.



You wrote about demonstrated leadership potential. How do you assess this? Couldn't get it.

Oxford_Aidan: This can be demonstrated through your career experience, in our application form we request you to list your achievements and this often includes examples of strong leadership. We then delve deeper into this in the interview.



How does Oxford view our inability to get recommendation from current supervisor? At the moment I don't want to disclose in my company that I am applying for MBA.

Oxford_Aidan: We understand getting a reference from a current employer can be difficult, we therefore accept references from previous employers who have worked closely with you. It is good to point out; references are 100% judged on the quality of the reference, and 0% on the seniority of your reference provider. It is always better to find someone who can write a whole page about your achievements, rather than someone who has a very impressive job title but can't spend the time writing your reference.



I would like to know the scene of non profit recruitment at Said, especially the education sector or ed/tech in general.

Oxford_Aidan: Thanks for your question. Oxford has a key theme of having a positive impact on society and producing leaders who can face world-scale challenges. We therefore attract a lot of candidates seeking to go into non-profit. In the programme topics such as Water Scarcity, Demographic Change, and Information Security are included.



How fluid is switching careers for Said MBA students? How encouraged is it and how often is it witnessed?

Oxford_Aidan: Switching careers into new industries is a major reason why people chose to do an Oxford MBA. It is very common and stats can be found in our career's report. updatedEmployment%20ReportMBAClass2013-14.pdf
I would also recommend reading about the Skoll Centre which is based inside the School
https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/faculty-researc ... reneurship



Oxford_Aidan: In case anyone is interested.. Investment Banks that are visiting Oxford this year for the Finance Lab includes:Goldman Sachs (M & A / Leverage Finance / D & Deutsche (MergersR) n & Centerview (MergersAcquisitions) n & Houlihan Lockey (DistressAcquisitions) n & Rothschild (MergersRestructuring) n & Commerzbank (IPO, MAcquisitions) n & A)
Merrill Lynch (Debt Capital Markets, Mn & JP Morgan (Mergers Citi (Project Finance / Leverage Finance) n Morgan Stanley (Distress, Capital Markets) n Jefferies (Equity Research/Asset Management) n Societe Generale (Leverage Finance) n Barclays (Leverage Finance, Infrastructure Finance) nA) n & Acquisitions)



How Oxford is sending interview invitations? Email or status update?

Oxford_Aidan: Interview invitations are sent out via email. However, I usually call the candidates I know personally.


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