Due to bad economy, many MBA grads are heading to the middle east for post-MBA careers. I am sure for many, this wasn't in their original plans. ( https://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/dec2008/bs20081223_342745.htm?chan=bschools_bschool+index+page_top+stories ) Even now when I ask myself, "Would I ever consider leaving my life in the states for the Middle East after business school?" The answer is "No." However, I can't guarantee the same answer if the job market is in the similar environment by the time I am ready to graduate. With loads of bschool debt and uncertainties, what would it take for you to seriously consider Middle East for career after bschool? (only if you've never considered it before)

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What would it take for you to go to Emirates after MBA?

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sonibubu

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28 Jan 2009, 21:06

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Does anyone know the scholarship offered to students of middle eastern descent. It guarantees to pay all loans, plus a stipend, if you promise to work in the middle east for 2 yrs after graduation.

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15 Feb 2009, 14:24

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article about foreigners leaving Dubai:

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/middleeast/12dubai.html?em

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Without taking any other factors into account such as SO or not working in the largest financial centre (London or NYC), I would definitively work in Dubai. Yes there have been some horror stories in Dubai, but let me tell you that it's not worse than China or India. I don't think I would live there on the long term (I would miss certain things too much), but for a couple of years no problem at all.

I would strongly suggest to people to at least visit Dubai before giving any sort of opinion. Obviously some things are very wrong in that country, but these are the minority, plus it's a very decent lifestyle.

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As many of u might know, I m seriously considering working in Dubai post MBA. For those of u who might not know, u dont pay taxes in middle east. Also, the salaries are in fact higher there compared to a similar position in US. Working short term in Dubai and saving cash is a great option!

Isn't the cost of living in Dubai absolutely ridiculous though?

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16 Feb 2009, 18:55

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olive

Isn't the cost of living in Dubai absolutely ridiculous though?

Real estate was a major problem (and very expensive), but with crashing prices and rising vacancies, it may be less of an issue now. Food, petrol and other expenses seem pretty consistent with the US to me (or lower).

I don't know if the salaries still outpace Europe and the USA, though. I've had some offers in consulting (non-strategy) for Dubai, and several of them were lower (even after considering the tax benefit) than my current American package.

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03 Mar 2009, 14:41

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How about India/China? For all the constant gabbing we hear in business circles about those two countries, how many folks would move there? Indian/Chinese MBAs included.

I'd move to India if I could make a standard US MBA salary ($120K USD). With the exchange rate, I'm sure I'd save some money which I could use to pay off loans.

It feels good to see that there's some nterest in India. So thought of sharing a few facts.

Salaries:

The average domestic salaries for graduates of the top Indian B-Schools ( IIM A/B/C and ISB ) are in the range of 60-70k USD p a ). That's the average across all the industry segments. A fresh undergrad from any of the top engineering schools gets around 10k-15k USD p.a ) on an average. So that should give you an idea. Also the taxes are quite high in India 30% - 40%. So commanding a salary of 120K USD straight out of any international b-school is nearly impossible. Here's a link to the IIM-A placement statistics for the graduating class of 2008.

https://www.iimahd.ernet.in/pgpx/pgpxplacement.html

Cost of living:
In Mumbai - the financial capital , I would say that a salary of 60-70K USD would be equivalent to a 200K salary in the NYC metro. Though apartment costs in the Mumbai prime neighborhoods are on par with the costs in Manhattan, the other living costs are relatively very low. Food is dirt cheap and so is public transportation and domestic alcohol. Imported alcohol can be quite expensive. I've narrowed down the focus to Mumbai just because it's the financial capital of the country and most b-school grads end up in Mumbai. I could be wrong though.

Quality and way of life:
Hmmm - Mumbai, can be a fascinating city to live in and also a daunting city. I would say and most people agree that Mumbai and NYC have a lot in common. Diversity, population density, public transit, cabs, luxury etc. However, the diversity in Mumbai can be daunting. There's ultra luxury and deep poverty side by side. The maddening crowds in the local trains will just shock people. If you think that Subway ride in NYC is crowded, think again - at least you can stand comfortably in the Subway.
Contrary to popular belief, Mumbai is a very safe city to live. Public transportation is highly dependable and safe. The city enjoys a fantastic night life. It's not uncommon for people to get back from work at 10 or 11 in the night and head out for drinks or a movie.

Climate:
There are just two seasons in Mumbai - an unpleasant summer and a pleasant summer. From March - July it's sweltering heat - 100 degree weather with 90% humidity. July - October , it cools down a little when the monsoons hit - 85 degrees with 90% humidity. October-Feb is again slightly cooler 75-80 degrees with 90% humidity.

Overall, I would say that students interested in Indian industry should check out Mumbai - during an international visit or something of that sort. I've tried to be as unbiased as I can and not make this into a 'live in Mumbai sales pitch' but there's still an element of bias in favor of Mumbai.

-pradeep

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