Need advices for executive mba choice

Question

Hi all, Before I go further, let me introduce myself. I’m a 37 French guy (so sorry for my really poor english). Currently, I am a chief information security officer within a Russian bank (the guy located between the business people and IT guys and who deals with data privacy issues, IT security threats and other phishing/hacking concerns). Previously, I was a successful IT Security manager within Bank of France (with management role - 15 security experts). I’ve been working in IT since 1999 and I began as a technician

My academic background is composed of : - a classic master 2 in information security from a French university (no big school) - several recognized security related certifications as CISSP, PMP or CISCO My career objectives are : - being a CISO/ head of information security within a big firm - leaving France and landing a job in a GCC country (as in UAE or Qatar) SO I think an executive MBA can help me to reach these objectives and I’m ready to go through admission processes. Concerning where I’ll try to reach my goals, I shortlisted 3 business school and I want to share with you my options: - Kedge (France/china) : * Pros : Price: not expensive (35 000 euros) and as I’ll self-finance my EMBA Rank: not bad (23th in FT EMBA ranking) Location: Paris * Cons : Reputation : seems to be not known as a great BS (neither in UAE nor in the world …except in china  ) Admission : easy Alumni association : limited - Warwick (UK): * Pros : Reputation : seems to be well known in Dubai and Qatar as it’s an English BS Rank : not bad (21th in FT EMBA ranking) Alumni association : probably good * Cons : Price: a little expensive (53 000euros) considering additional travel expenses and residential fees to attend courses Admission : surely hard to be admitted Location: London - ESCP Europe (France) : * Pros : Rank : really good (13th in FT EMBA ranking) Admission : not easy, not hard Location: Paris * Cons : Price: a little expensive (51 000euros) Reputation : really good … in France Alumni association : really good in France So now, can you, please, give me your thoughts concerning adequacy between my career objectives and these MBA offerings?

hmdzi · Answer

no one? nothing? no friend

Narenn · Answer

You posted in wrong forum. I am moving the discussion in EMBA forum where it's likely to get response.

hmdzi · Answer

Obviously

Thank you

Cycle14 · Answer

Given the information you provided above, and the assumption that the reputation of the institution will be significant in future career moves, it seems as though Warwick could be at the top of the list. I'm mindful that EMBA students are in a very different situation than FT MBA students - so some of the metrics that are used to weigh regular MBA programs are not quite as relevant for EMBA (e.g. salary post degree can be very varied depending upon sector prior salary etc).

I'd also apply to more than one and consider attending more than one admit reception/event if you can - there's no substitute for really getting to know an institution on a better level. What do current students/alums really think? Do you feel like you "fit"? Numbers and rankings just can't tell you that stuff.

Good luck!

hmdzi · Answer

Thank's for your reply.

tantor · Answer

I'm in a similar boat. Please refer to my post by clinking on my profile and navigating to my posts. I can't post the link here.

However, I think you can research further for finding a best fit MBA. Get in touch with your shortlisted EMBA programs, attend their info. sessions, and meet their alumni. This will help you in finding the right fit.

If you want to work in Middle-East consider Bschools that already have campuses over there. Few Bschools that come to my mind are INSEAD, Oxford Said Bschool, London BSchool, Manchester Bschool, and Strathclyde Bschool. Search for the terms "EMBA in middle east" in any online search engine and you'll get a good list of articles that you can refer to.

There are pretty good EMBAs offered in France as well at ESSEC-Manhiem EMBA, HEC Paris EMBA (they have a Qatar campus as well), EDHEC, EM Lyon, etc.

Also, have you considered online part-time mba programs? They are easy on the pocket and quite reputable as well.

hmdzi · Answer

Hello Tantor,

Thanks for your thoughts. Concerning the online MBA, do you think it's really valuable ?

tantor · Answer

Online MBA from a reputed school shouldn't be a problem if you want a reasonably priced MBA. There are programs from reputed business schools such as IE and MBA@UNC but again the cost of it is a tad higher than other online MBAs but they are far reputed than others. Again I'd advise you to consult with the admissions team of such MBA. Although they will try to hard sell but if it fits in your budget and future goals then it's your call to take.
Thanks!

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

Sounds like you are a great fit for an executive program, so good decision there! Question, would your employer help pay for any of the expenses? I think you are limiting your search a little bit, perhaps filtering on cost. I think if you opened up your budget a bit, with your profile, you could make it at some more highly ranked schools. Good luck to you!

Need advices for executive mba choice

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