Highly ranked Euro MBA vs Canadian MBA

Question

Background Indian , 3.5 year WE. Looking for a career switch 
 getting cold feet signing the IE IMBA enrolment contract , how does IE IMBA compare to that of UBC Sauder’s ?

I know they are two very different geographies and very different structure and I also understand that UBC is a longer program and comes with de facto work permit which aides in recouping the investment. 
UBC is ~5K USD more expensive at sticker than IE IMBA.

What are the job perspective like after an IMBA from Ie for an Indian candidate looking to switch careers. 
From all the alums I’ve spoken to - 90% came back to India but are doing rather well. Considering that IE IMBA and UBC both are a significant investment (almost 9M INR) what is my best option here ?

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JohnnyBlaze · Answer

Go to IE

You're comparing a top European business school to a non-top Canadian business school.

The choice seems pretty obvious to me.

Art200 · Answer

Go To UBC.

IE Business School is no top European Business School. Also, it is way overpriced for its value. In fact, it got excluded from the FT ranking for dubious reasons.

UBC is also located in a great location (Vancouver), you will have the mountains and a lot of different activities. You will find a job much quicker in Canada than in Spain (much better pay as well).

The choice is really easy to make and don't listen to none sense comments (like the one above).

Good luck!

bb · Answer

Frankly it does not matter where you want to be poor - Europe, Canada, or India

If you are paying full sticker price, make sure you can afford it and if people are heading back home after graduation, means the program is not helping them find jobs and the brand is not strong enough sustain itself. The challenge is that Neither EU or Canada employers are really true believes in MBA. First they look at your work experience and then they see an MBA. The MBA concept is more American and does not fit super well into the European recruiting and apprenticeship model after a masters. There is a good argument about IE. They have dropped from rankings for a little while after some score inconsistency allegations a few years ago so it is not clear where they vs. IESE or ESADE but they are somewhere in the Top 10 in Europe. The challenge with Spain and IESE and ESADE as well is you have to know the language to settle in, even in Barcelona. Otherwise, you are recruiting in London and Amsterdam only or now potentially Germany but that's spotty. The feedback I have heard is the EU salary is not great either. At the same time, BC and Vancouver are not a big economic driving force in Canada. There are a few companies there but it is not a bit employer of tech or consulting. ... which you did not say which career track you are picking but I feel Canada is easier in terms of residency at least. At the same time, your experience matters a lot more in Canada.

singh36x · Answer

I can't seem to find a career outcome report for UBC , the latest report is from 2018; and that report too states the average base pay at ~70K CAD -not bad not great. if anything I'm more confused now XD

singh36x · Answer

I did read about the ranking "SCANDAL" on r/mba and P&Q , IE did try and brush it under the carpet by stating a sample error (of sorts), I wish to get into Alcobev trade - switching from operations is the prime reason for considering an Euro MBA was to get into programs like GMBA at AbinBev. as a fallback I could continue in the same industry but with a functional shift at brands like RBI(Restaurant brands International) , both the said Employers hire from IE ! IESEs Adcomm said I was a tad bit "too young" who's statement was just paraphrasing of what you stated about language and job market. I did not get the IE talent scholarship , but ill be applying for 3 scholarships that IE has to offer , my savings will just about cover the tuition for IE and UBC super confused now

Art200 · Answer

Hey, the 70K CAD will of course depend on the industry and position. Some will pay more (finance, consulting & operations) while some will pay less (marketing). 
Good luck!

bb · Answer

I would hope so. 70K CAD is 55K US and you don't need an MBA to make $55K. Taking into consideration Canadian taxes, I think it will be tricky... reminds of this post actually: https://gmatclub.com/forum/highest-roi- ... 60130.html

JohnnyBlaze · Answer

Disagree w/ the other poster.

IE just built a brand new towering building to house it's programs. It's pouring a ton of money to boost its programs. Sure, the rankings scandal is an issue but it's still a top 10ish program in Europe. Everyone in Europe knows IE.

UBC Sauder is a very regional program, little brand rep outside it's local area.

Art200 · Answer

To put it straight, how can you say this "Everyone in Europe knows IE." 
I can assure you that in Northern Europe, no one will known what it is while UBC people will know about it.

People have much more chance knowing UBC than IE (let's be honest come on).

JohnnyBlaze · Answer

We can agree to disagree.

To the OP, look at the rankings, placement and brand of each school. Linkedin searches and OCR reports will help you make the case.

UBC's OCR reports show its grads make very little compared to std MBA grads. Mainly because UBC isn't a top Canadian school.

Art200 · Answer

Then, we agree to disagree

Highly ranked Euro MBA vs Canadian MBA

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