One Year Full Time MBA with 12+ years of experience

Question

Hi,

I have close to 12+ years of experience in economic research and banking, with an MSc Economics from LSE. I have worked in India throughout my career and now want a change in geography, but would want to continue working in banking and financial services. I'm currently working as a country risk expert for a bank in India.

I feel this is the right time to do an international MBA, now that I'm financially and professionally more sound and able.
I came across the following programmes which do admit students with over 12-13 years of experience in full time MBA -

1. USC Marshall IBEAR MBA
2. Global MBA by UMichigan at Ann Harbour - Ross School
3. MSX by Stanford
4. MIT Sloan Fellows

I was wondering if someone could please provide insights on post MBA opportunities within the US and outside of US, other than India, if an international student were to graduate from any of these programmes? I understand jobs at the age of 38 or 39 are not easy to come. UMichigan Ann Harbour states very clearly in its Global MBA brochure that career placements are not provided.

Shall be very grateful for any insights and help.

Thanks!

GyanOne · Answer

Hi  Hvat

The opportunities from #3 and 4 are good, but better with #4 given the domain that you are in. You may also want to look at the LBS Masters in Strategy and Leadership as that may have stronger opportunities in fin services.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi Hvat , Thanks for your post! First, I would like to say that you have immense potential for an MBA in terms of work experience; however, first, I would like to understand whether you want an international job or pursue an MBA. Because someone, as experienced as you, must consider an EMBA program as it seems more accurate to your current situation. An EMBA program is designed specifically for candidates like you who have a rich experience of around 8-10+ years. For more information, you can refer to our blog Top Executive MBA Programs. This would most certainly help clear any doubts and at the same time help understand all about top EMBA programs! Coming to your question, I would say an MSX by Stanford would provide you best chances with around 34% of post-MBA graduates employed in the financial sector. For MIT, it's approximately 21%.so from my side, I would say target these two colleges primarily if you want to build a career in the financial sector. All in all, I would say we have a very brief knowledge about your profile and would require your GMAT/GRE scores, ECAs, educational background, and more in-depth understanding of your work experience based on which we would be able to suggest you better on your prospects. Hence, If you'd like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances to the schools. Feel free to book a free session with us at your convenience. Check out our upcoming events and sign up for the session that interests you. Cheers! Neha Hadke Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond Testimonials Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com

MBADecoder · Answer

These are all great programs, and I would agree you should apply to them. You missed out on LBS Sloan Fellow, which would be perfect for you as their average age experience is 16years, and they would truly value your LSE degree. I have had family study there and have lived around campus for a year so I know that there are lots of people 40+ years.

Having international exposure at any of these MBA programs is going to be valuable, and from your description, its not clear whether you have worked in international teams, even if you did not live abroad for work. Secondly, b-schools would want to see excellent career progression, leadership capabilities, and the impact you have achieved through your work -that's imaginable given that these programs attract senior/mid-level managers who have more mature careers and you are expected to be one among equals in that class setting. I'd be happy to have a look at your resume and give you suggestions via a phone discussion, should you be interested. you can connect with me with your resume and a broad sketch of yourself on my email address given below.

Regarding job search- yes, the onus will be upon you to make this happen. While b-schools support students of the fellowship programs with job searches, you will still have to be more active here. Recruitment primarily happens for the 2-year MBA courses- but you are free to network with the companies and find a position for yourself (which may not be advertised). As these programs are only one year long, having a focus on job search and networking right from the start of your MBA will be much needed.

Hope that helps!

Hvat · Answer

Thank you everyone for the insights!

I do have close to 9 years of experience, working in international teams. In my current role as well, I work with country heads in the Middle East and APAC.

I also came across the AGSM MBA at Sydney, which looks promising and does admit students in mid 30s in its FT MBA.

Does anyone have any insights on post MBA opportunities for international students in Sydney after the AGSM MBA?

I will reach out for more detailed profile evaluation very soon.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi, Hvat , First, I would like to highlight that AGSM is a great choice for an MBA, and AGSM’s MBA program is often ranked 1st in Australia. As we already have an idea about your profile, we would like to highlight that both the MBA and EMBA at AGSM are almost the same duration. Furthermore, for MBA, the minimum work experience is about two years, while for EMBA about five years, and most of the EMBA students have around 11 years of work experience. Hence, I find the second option more suitable for you. Regarding employment status, AGSM offers a network of 300,000+ strong UNSW alumni community and also partners with over 100 of the world’s elite business schools for intensive exchange programs and traditional full semester exchanges. The top employment sector regarding post-graduation is Technology, Financial Services & Consulting. That’s all about AGSM; if you want a more detailed analysis of your profile regarding AGSM, feel free to book a free session with us at your convenience. Check out our upcoming events and sign up for the session that interests you. Cheers! Neha Hadke Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond Testimonials Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi Hvat,

You should apply in the geography where you wish to stay- at least for 2-3 years after the MBA. The professional network you build would be the strongest in the country where you do the MBA. So, if Australia as a country excites you for spending a few years, then think of an MBA there. This is not to say that you cannot move out of Australia if you do your MBA there - but you can take this as a broader scenario. Sometimes you can recruit with a company that is willing to hire you for another region (say APAC), so you may still be able to make a regional shift.

IMO, you should spend the next month talking to students / alumni of the various programs we have discussed here. Get their first-hand experience about job opportunities, the realities of job searches etc. That would help the clear the picture in your mind.

To add to your list of MBA programs, I would also suggest looking into HEC Paris and IMD if you have about <=9 years of experience. Its not clear as you have written9 years experience and 12 experience at two different places.

One Year Full Time MBA with 12+ years of experience

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