Canadian MBA and international opportunities

Question

I recently was accepted into the UWO MBA program. However, I am still contemplating applying to US/European schools as my main goal is a career in either the US or London. Can anyone comment on the marketability of Canadian MBAs in the US and Europe and the ability to obtain a job in either of those continents as a Canadian MBA grad? More precisely, do US/European firms recruit @ UWO or are most of the jobs outside the country found through networks?

DrSatisfaction · Answer

The Ivey MBA Program at UWO is considered the best in Canada - you'll be able to get into all the big Fortune 500 companies with that degree here.

Now if you want to take that degree to the US/Europe, it might not be as effective. Probably easier to get hired by the company you want here in Canada, do a few yrs, and then transfer internally to a different office in the US or Europe.

epv · Answer

Thanks for your insight.

I see you have been admitted and will be attending Oxford in 2010. I have all three of your Euro schools (INSEAD/LBS/OXFORD) as well as Cambridge on my short list for Euro programs. Why did you chose Oxford over INSEAD if you don't mind me asking? Right now my preferences (if I were to be accepted) are 1) LBS, 2) INSEAD, 3) Oxford, and 4) Cambridge. Also, do you have any thoughts on Oxford vs Cambridge?

For some colour, I plan to continue a career in Finance. I am currently in Asset Management but plan to transition into Investment Banking.

Thanks again for your help.

DrSatisfaction · Answer

For me, I felt like Oxford was a bigger brand name than INSEAD. Maybe it's not as highly ranked or as respected in business circles, but I believe it'll be worth more down the road in 10 to 20 yrs. I personally believ INSEAD's reputation has topped out, where as Oxford's MBA program still has a lot of room to grow.

I'm also thinking about a career in Asia, where the Oxford name probably opens more doors than INSEAD, especially amongst the old school bureaucrats that run most of China and Hong Kong. Also, as highly ranked as INSEAD is, I'm looking for a career in finance, and that's not its particular strong suit.

The final thing that swayed to Oxford was my campus visit to both schools. INSEAD felt like a high school campus whereas Oxford felt like a real academic institution with centuries of history. Not to mention you pretty much need to speak French to get around anywhere off campus at INSEAD. 
So there you have it. Good luck with your apps!

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Canadian MBA and international opportunities

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