Hi
Could you advise on whether picking up Msc Mgmnt in lancaster /cass / manchester / strathclyde ovet MBA from IIT madras , advisable. especially considering the job scenario in UK now .
Hello baccardisprite!
Reg: Career advice; Strategy/Mgmnt Consulting; International MBA; Other than MBA;
Congrats and Cheers !
! for winning the title 'GMAT/International MBA Guru' also thanks for, as someone said, helping alter trajectories of many here. These are not just PG posts but career advices mentoring us.
I have been a silent spectator for the past 1.5-2 yrs reading all your posts/quick replies, made me introspect and decide on my career.
Please, need your thoughts / suggestions / career advice.
Background: M/25
Highest degree: B.E (Comp Sci)
Occupation: ERP Consultant; Exp: 4 years (was a Technical Con and later migrated into Functional (S&D;) area, have the experience of working with global teams (at onsite with client's team+contractors+other vendors, worked across various geos for implementation /roll-outs/support functions). Now setting up a Support Function from scratch for our client site.
GMAT: attempted a year ago just to get a feel,scored 520. About to start prep for my 2nd and final take (targeted Aug '09).
Looking for: MBA or anyother specialised degree (Sp'd degree) in Mgmnt/Strategy Consulting; not very particular about MBA but (as you say) any specialised degree which could lead me to my career interest; Year: 2010.
Post MBA/sp'd degree:
(Aspiring to be): A Management/Strategy Consultant working on M&As; (which is my personal interest).
(where to work): across the world in different functions (as happens with Consultants) but eventually like to spend most of the time in Asia/ME/Eur (HK, S'Pore, KL - closer to India). Later would like to settle down in India.
Where do I see myself after 20-25 years: Either become a Partner or beyond (if these career graphs hold good after 20 yrs) of a Consultancy firm or venture out as an independent Strategy Consultant working out of India.
My personal interest lies in M&As; and the entire gamble excites me. (Ex: I would see myself working on deals like Mittal-Arcelor, Tata-JLR, Tata-Corus, exploring synergies and opportunities in other companies ).
All I know is very little, do not know how I will achieve but for sure will end up one day.
I dont know if my thinking is in a pragmatic way or it all sounds vague.
Qs:
-Broadly, how should I make this switch from ERP Consulting into Management Consulting and at the sametime gain a proper 3 letter degree trailing my name?
-Are there any specialised degrees/certifications for Management/Strategy Consulting (viz Inst of Business Consulting)? If yes how would that option be compared to an MBA in Strategic Management?
Thanks for your time!
:grin:
**Apologies for a long post.
Reg: Career advice; Strategy/Mgmnt Consulting; International MBA; Other than MBA;
Congrats and Cheers !
! for winning the title 'GMAT/International MBA Guru' also thanks for, as someone said, helping alter trajectories of many here. These are not just PG posts but career advices mentoring us.I have been a silent spectator for the past 1.5-2 yrs reading all your posts/quick replies, made me introspect and decide on my career.
Please, need your thoughts / suggestions / career advice.
Background: M/25
Highest degree: B.E (Comp Sci)
Occupation: ERP Consultant; Exp: 4 years (was a Technical Con and later migrated into Functional (S&D;) area, have the experience of working with global teams (at onsite with client's team+contractors+other vendors, worked across various geos for implementation /roll-outs/support functions). Now setting up a Support Function from scratch for our client site.
GMAT: attempted a year ago just to get a feel,scored 520. About to start prep for my 2nd and final take (targeted Aug '09).
Looking for: MBA or anyother specialised degree (Sp'd degree) in Mgmnt/Strategy Consulting; not very particular about MBA but (as you say) any specialised degree which could lead me to my career interest; Year: 2010.
Post MBA/sp'd degree:
(Aspiring to be): A Management/Strategy Consultant working on M&As; (which is my personal interest).
(where to work): across the world in different functions (as happens with Consultants) but eventually like to spend most of the time in Asia/ME/Eur (HK, S'Pore, KL - closer to India). Later would like to settle down in India.
Where do I see myself after 20-25 years: Either become a Partner or beyond (if these career graphs hold good after 20 yrs) of a Consultancy firm or venture out as an independent Strategy Consultant working out of India.
My personal interest lies in M&As; and the entire gamble excites me. (Ex: I would see myself working on deals like Mittal-Arcelor, Tata-JLR, Tata-Corus, exploring synergies and opportunities in other companies ).
All I know is very little, do not know how I will achieve but for sure will end up one day.
I dont know if my thinking is in a pragmatic way or it all sounds vague.
Qs:
-Broadly, how should I make this switch from ERP Consulting into Management Consulting and at the sametime gain a proper 3 letter degree trailing my name?
-Are there any specialised degrees/certifications for Management/Strategy Consulting (viz Inst of Business Consulting)? If yes how would that option be compared to an MBA in Strategic Management?
Thanks for your time!
:grin:
**Apologies for a long post.
Hey hi.. the course is good I am joining it this year 2009 intake .. wat about you .. ne plans??
Hi mayankbudhiraja
Are you referring to the Inst of Business Consulting course? If yes: I haven't decided, yet to take my GMAT. How did you get through into the course? Did you take the GMAT?
mayankbudhiraja SaysHey hi.. the course is good I am joining it this year 2009 intake .. wat about you .. ne plans??
Hi mayankbudhiraja
Are you referring to the Inst of Business Consulting course? If yes: I haven't decided, yet to take my GMAT. How did you get through into the course? Did you take the GMAT?
anaconda SaysHi, Could you advise on whether picking up Msc Mgmnt in lancaster /cass / manchester / strathclyde ovet MBA from IIT madras , advisable. especially considering the job scenario in UK now .
Very difficult to advise unless you state your long term career goals.
Agree with NOTHING1954 on this. Economies like the UK are expected to correct themselves over the next 2-3 years, after which the industry dynamics and where the jobs are will change quite dramatically. Until that happens though, the job scenario is dicey at best, lousy at worst.
You're better off hedging your bets, going to IIT M, working for 4-5 years after and try again for a program abroad, by which time it is possible you find yourself successful enough to not need another MBA.
Hello baccardisprite!
Reg: Career advice; Strategy/Mgmnt Consulting; International MBA; Other than MBA;
Congrats and Cheers !
I have been a silent spectator for the past 1.5-2 yrs reading all your posts/quick replies, made me introspect and decide on my career.
Please, need your thoughts / suggestions / career advice.
Background: M/25
Highest degree: B.E (Comp Sci)
Occupation: ERP Consultant; Exp: 4 years (was a Technical Con and later migrated into Functional (S&D;) area, have the experience of working with global teams (at onsite with client's team+contractors+other vendors, worked across various geos for implementation /roll-outs/support functions). Now setting up a Support Function from scratch for our client site.
GMAT: attempted a year ago just to get a feel,scored 520. About to start prep for my 2nd and final take (targeted Aug '09).
Looking for: MBA or anyother specialised degree (Sp'd degree) in Mgmnt/Strategy Consulting; not very particular about MBA but (as you say) any specialised degree which could lead me to my career interest; Year: 2010.
Post MBA/sp'd degree:
(Aspiring to be): A Management/Strategy Consultant working on M&As; (which is my personal interest).
(where to work): across the world in different functions (as happens with Consultants) but eventually like to spend most of the time in Asia/ME/Eur (HK, S'Pore, KL - closer to India). Later would like to settle down in India.
Where do I see myself after 20-25 years: Either become a Partner or beyond (if these career graphs hold good after 20 yrs) of a Consultancy firm or venture out as an independent Strategy Consultant working out of India.
My personal interest lies in M&As; and the entire gamble excites me. (Ex: I would see myself working on deals like Mittal-Arcelor, Tata-JLR, Tata-Corus, exploring synergies and opportunities in other companies ).
All I know is very little, do not know how I will achieve but for sure will end up one day.
I dont know if my thinking is in a pragmatic way or it all sounds vague.
Qs:
-Broadly, how should I make this switch from ERP Consulting into Management Consulting and at the sametime gain a proper 3 letter degree trailing my name?
-Are there any specialised degrees/certifications for Management/Strategy Consulting (viz Inst of Business Consulting)? If yes how would that option be compared to an MBA in Strategic Management?
Thanks for your time!
:grin:
**Apologies for a long post.
Firstly, it's good that you have some clarity about your career goals. You seem to have a successful career and should try maximizing what you take out of it.
In order to tread a path of least resistance to achieve your long term objectives, I would suggest attending a program that maximizes the possibility of your taking most (if not all) your knowledge from your current role, combining that with a superior education in a technology + management focussed program, taking specialized electives in finance / strategy and entering a top notch global strat consulting firm, which routinely recruit experienced Masters degree holders (other than MBAs). On the way - I'd also recommend gaining at least intermediate skills in one heavily used foreign language.
1. Take both the GMAT and the GRE, and look for programs that combine technology, management science, systems, and the MBA subjects like finance, and strategy. A current career in ERP would suggest strong experience and knowledge of strategic & tactical operations and supply chain systems of you client industries. Hopefully you have retained or found a way to retain all of that knowledge somewhere.
Look for programs that offer both technology management, systems engineering (large scale / enterprise level), and business courses. Look for the absolute top schools in both the US and the EU.
I can suggest:
- MIT's ESD (MIT Engineering Systems Division), where you'd be interested in the M.S in Systems Engineering with a specialization in the MSSC (Manufacturing Systems and Supply Chains).
- Stanford's "Management Science & Engineering" graduate program
- In Europe - please check the English Language Masters offered by TU Delft, and the 2 Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich & Lausanne.
The above are examples of what I believe you can go for.
You need to walk before you can run. You need to get into strategy consulting, earn your spurs doing strategy related projects either as a strategy consultant or as an industry / functional specialist for 4-5 years before you start rubbing shoulders with the heavy hitters in the M&A; space.
In order to be successful, take the time to:
- Build & retain your base of knowledge
- upskill yourself with language training (particularly if you work in Europe)
- attend a program that strengthens both your technical and commercial skills further
- Assuming your success in getting into consulting, use the first 4-5 years to build a track record, and then get into M&A.;
2. No there're no specialized courses or programs that I can think of. However you will find yourself doing in-company projects, or consulting assignments as part of your Masters Program. Given most of these would be analytical and advisory in nature, you will gain valuable skills in consultative approaches with your clients or employers that will help you further on.
Glad however to see that you have soe clarity of thought. Research diligently, build your skills with the future in mind, have the discipline to take all your plans through and you will be successful.
Good luck.
Firstly, it's good that you have some clarity about your career goals. You seem to have a successful career and should try maximizing what you take out of it.
In order to tread a path of least resistance to achieve your long term objectives, I would suggest attending a program that maximizes the possibility of your taking most (if not all) your knowledge from your current role, combining that with a superior education in a technology + management focussed program, taking specialized electives in finance / strategy and entering a top notch global strat consulting firm, which routinely recruit experienced Masters degree holders (other than MBAs). On the way - I'd also recommend gaining at least intermediate skills in one heavily used foreign language.
1. Take both the GMAT and the GRE, and look for programs that combine technology, management science, systems, and the MBA subjects like finance, and strategy. A current career in ERP would suggest strong experience and knowledge of strategic & tactical operations and supply chain systems of you client industries. Hopefully you have retained or found a way to retain all of that knowledge somewhere.
Look for programs that offer both technology management, systems engineering (large scale / enterprise level), and business courses. Look for the absolute top schools in both the US and the EU.
I can suggest:
- MIT's ESD (MIT Engineering Systems Division), where you'd be interested in the M.S in Systems Engineering with a specialization in the MSSC (Manufacturing Systems and Supply Chains).
- Stanford's "Management Science & Engineering" graduate program
- In Europe - please check the English Language Masters offered by TU Delft, and the 2 Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich & Lausanne.
The above are examples of what I believe you can go for.
You need to walk before you can run. You need to get into strategy consulting, earn your spurs doing strategy related projects either as a strategy consultant or as an industry / functional specialist for 4-5 years before you start rubbing shoulders with the heavy hitters in the M&A; space.
In order to be successful, take the time to:
- Build & retain your base of knowledge
- upskill yourself with language training (particularly if you work in Europe)
- attend a program that strengthens both your technical and commercial skills further
- Assuming your success in getting into consulting, use the first 4-5 years to build a track record, and then get into M&A.;
2. No there're no specialized courses or programs that I can think of. However you will find yourself doing in-company projects, or consulting assignments as part of your Masters Program. Given most of these would be analytical and advisory in nature, you will gain valuable skills in consultative approaches with your clients or employers that will help you further on.
Glad however to see that you have soe clarity of thought. Research diligently, build your skills with the future in mind, have the discipline to take all your plans through and you will be successful.
Good luck.
Hello baccardisprite!
A big thank you for your quick and detailed reply.
While it takes me few more hours to thoroughly interpret what you said, think over it and plan my approach till I land in a program, I have noted down some valuable points from your reply.
1. You gave me an entirely new perspective to a higher degree - to combine function specific+Mgmnt+elective. I understand the importance of each.
2. To maintain a knowledge base - I have been doing it but have to put in more discipline.
3. My career graph post-higher degree: to concentrate first few years on building track record, gaining more exposure and then getting into the M&A; space.
4. Foreign lang: I missed out the point in my earlier post, I see you mentioning in your (almost all) posts to learn highly used foreign lang.
These points are definitely going to shape my thought process and will 'alter my trajectory' to the peak.
Highly appreciate your contribution for all PGuys like me.
Thanks baccardisprite!!
I am pleasantly surprised with the long term vision life/career goals, you have; very few have this kind of clarity at 25.
W.r.t to having a career in M& A and doing deals like Arcelor Mittal etc, it is largely done by Investment Bankers, not by Management Consultants. Yes, Management Consultants do some what similar things: they do have the Corporate Finance practice.
But the really big deals are done by I-Bankers.
So, if that is where you want to head ultimately, wjich is not the same thing as a Management Consulting career, then get out of IT as soon as possible and do a course in Finance fom top schools like LBS/HEC/Oxford/cambridge and then try and get into Investment Banking job, if you can.
This ultimately can take you to actualise the long term vision you have in mind.
Be clear what your long term career goals are:
Management/ Strategy Consulting or I-Banking/ M&A;?
BusyBoyKK:
Reg: Career advice; Strategy/Mgmnt Consulting; International MBA; Other than MBA;
Hello Nothing1954!
Thanks for the reply. Why I mentioned Consulting for M&As;, my understanding is that IBankers look at the numbers (not always and not only) of these companies and propose an alliance, the long term strategy (organic or inorganic growth+operations synergy etc.,) is given by Mgmnt Cons who typically would be working in the Strategy practice of Mgmnt Con firms (viz., McK, BCG, B&C; etc.,). Certainly IBanking is not something I am looking at.
My understanding could be layman-ish. Please correct me if my minimum fund of knowledge is not accurate.
Anyways, appreciate your time & reply.
Hello Baccardisprite,
I am looking for an admit in 2011 to B Schools in India and abroad. At present the b schools that I have decided on are (though its a tentative list): INSEAD, LBS, Chcago GSB, Stern NYU, ISB. This list may get modified depending on further research and help from you guys.
My profile and reasons for doing an MBA:
Work Ex: Total work-ex till now: 4 years
Currently: Manager, Risk Analytics for HSBC's Loans & Mortgage portfolio. Team Lead. Leading a team of 6 analysts.
Previous: Risk Management for Citibank's Credit Cards portfolio, Mergers & Acquisitions (Deloitte Consulting)
Education: MS in Quantitative Economics (ISI - Indian Statistical Institute), B. Sc. in Economics (Presidency College). Both of these are top tier schools in India in Economics
Extra-Curriculars: Have been involved since the last 3 to 4 years in the expansion of a children's organisation by involving more volunteers, taking part in important discussions on scope of activities and raising funds through various channels.
My objective:
I would be interested in going for a higher degree specifically for the following reasons:
a) International Exposure: To gain exposure in a developed market for a span of 8 to 9 years in my area of interest. Long term goal is to settle in India.
b) Network: Build a global network which I would be able to leverage throughout my career.
c) Career Interest in MC: I am interested in a career in Management Consulting in the finance (or banking) domain. Hopefully in another 3-4 years by the time I graduate I would be having more clarity on exactly what I would like to concentrate on. But at the moment this seems to be the preferred option.
Would help if you could please provide feedback on whether with a good GMAT score (720+....planning on GMAT by Q4 09) and strong essays I stand a realistic chance in these schools.
Also specifically, apart from the conventional MBA, are there any other courses which would fulfill my objective?
And thanks a ton for helping prospective applicants like us.
incredible thread!!!
I have 12+ years work exp in manufacturing ops/purchase/scm & am already an mba. aim to go for mba/ms from one of the top schools in usa/eu to leverage my previous exp. with more quant/technology intensive programs, ultimately want to go for strategy
From what I can gather from my friends abroad the wisdom of going for a hard core quant/finance/tech kinda programs that you have been mentioning is undisputable, at least initially but with me a major constraint is how to raise funds for my mba & second is that my profile is now more suitable for executive mba(as told by couple of us b-schools where i got dinged for ft mba) because of my age & exp.
haven't applied to any ms programs not sure what the decision would be .
so basically I intend to go for those programs which would offer 100% schol or guranteed loans to internationals without co-signors.also thinking about ph d.
gmat score : 680(scheduled to re-take aiming for 730+)
gre : 1460(not sure whether need to re-take)
pls advise.
thanks for all your efforts in helping all aspirants!!!
incredible thread!!!
I have 12+ years work exp in manufacturing ops/purchase/scm & am already an mba. aim to go for mba/ms from one of the top schools in usa/eu to leverage my previous exp. with more quant/technology intensive programs, ultimately want to go for strategy
From what I can gather from my friends abroad the wisdom of going for a hard core quant/finance/tech kinda programs that you have been mentioning is undisputable, at least initially but with me a major constraint is how to raise funds for my mba & second is that my profile is now more suitable for executive mba(as told by couple of us b-schools where i got dinged for ft mba) because of my age & exp.
haven't applied to any ms programs not sure what the decision would be .
so basically I intend to go for those programs which would offer 100% schol or guranteed loans to internationals without co-signors.also thinking about ph d.
gmat score : 680(scheduled to re-take aiming for 730+)
gre : 1460(not sure whether need to re-take)
pls advise.
thanks for all your efforts in helping all aspirants!!!
Strategy in what industry (your industry, a different industry or strategy consulting)? It's important to be specific particularly at your age. Tell me more (particularly about your current industry and kind of company you work for) and I can recommend.
Why would you NOT want an Exec MBA? Depending on your current situation, it could be an advantage at your age.
Send me a PM if you don't want to write more on the public forum.
Cheerz
Baccardisprite
Hello Baccardisprite,
My profile and reasons for doing an MBA:
Work Ex: Total work-ex till now: 4 years
Currently: Manager, Risk Analytics for HSBC's Loans & Mortgage portfolio. Team Lead. Leading a team of 6 analysts.
Previous: Risk Management for Citibank's Credit Cards portfolio, Mergers & Acquisitions (Deloitte Consulting)
Education: MS in Quantitative Economics (ISI - Indian Statistical Institute), B. Sc. in Economics (Presidency College). Both of these are top tier schools in India in Economics
Extra-Curriculars: Have been involved since the last 3 to 4 years in the expansion of a children's organisation by involving more volunteers, taking part in important discussions on scope of activities and raising funds through various channels.
My objective:
I would be interested in going for a higher degree specifically for the following reasons:
a) International Exposure: To gain exposure in a developed market for a span of 8 to 9 years in my area of interest. Long term goal is to settle in India.
b) Network: Build a global network which I would be able to leverage throughout my career.
c) Career Interest in MC: I am interested in a career in Management Consulting in the finance (or banking) domain. Hopefully in another 3-4 years by the time I graduate I would be having more clarity on exactly what I would like to concentrate on. But at the moment this seems to be the preferred option.
Would help if you could please provide feedback on whether with a good GMAT score (720+....planning on GMAT by Q4 09) and strong essays I stand a realistic chance in these schools.
Also specifically, apart from the conventional MBA, are there any other courses which would fulfill my objective?
And thanks a ton for helping prospective applicants like us.
I have heard of the ISI. Pretty good institute.
Honestly, you seem to be clear enough about your goals and will have 6 years of experience with big names to back you up alongside your MBA. Work hard on the GMAT (try and get 700+), concentrate on career progress with HSBC in the next 18 months and if possible, learn a foreign language upto at least intermediate level (French, German, Spanish or Chinese).
Aim confidently for the best schools you can particularly those offering strong elective concentrations in finance and strategy and don't fall for any of the safety school hogwash. You have an interesting profile for these times, and with 6 years (hopefully with some skill in a foreign language) and a top MBA, a lot to offer any future employer.
Good luck
Hello Baccardisprite. Really appreciate the way you have been answering the queries. Kudos to you! I am a 2008 pass out engineer in Electronics and Communication working with a semiconductor company since last 10 months. I really want to switch my domain to Finance or something which couples Finance and Mathematics(because of my interest in Mathematics). Considering that i apply for Fall 2010, i would have two years of work-ex by then. Could you suggest colleges which give opportunity to people with less work-ex. I have been going through different programs and have found MFE from Oxford and Msc in Finance and Economics from LSE quite interesting. Any inputs on these courses or any other course which you think would suit my profile.
Compete SaysHello Baccardisprite. Really appreciate the way you have been answering the queries. Kudos to you! I am a 2008 pass out engineer in Electronics and Communication working with a semiconductor company since last 10 months. I really want to switch my domain to Finance or something which couples Finance and Mathematics(because of my interest in Mathematics). Considering that i apply for Fall 2010, i would have two years of work-ex by then. Could you suggest colleges which give opportunity to people with less work-ex. I have been going through different programs and have found MFE from Oxford and Msc in Finance and Economics from LSE quite interesting. Any inputs on these courses or any other course which you think would suit my profile.
Financial Engineering / Quantitative Finance / Econometrics / Decision Sciences are some of the programs you could go for. LSE is better known for these programs than Oxford (the MFE is new). You could lookat US Schools - try the MFE in the Haas School at U-Cal Berkeley, Master of Finance at Princeton (2 year course), the Quantitative Finance Masters at Carnegie Mellon.
If you want more comprehensive programs grounded in both operations, analytics and decision sciences (that you can apply to a specialized finance field or in core industry or even in consulting), try Georgia Tech's M.S in Industrial & Systems Engg, with a specialization in Economic Decision Analysis, Stanford's Management Science & Engineering program.
You have many choices..
Good luck
Hi Baccardisprite! awesome initiative! very well done!
I have an admit from Exter Univeristy for the MSc. Financial Anaysis and Fund Management course and an admit from Lancaster University MSc. Finance course. Can you help me choose one? After graduating I want to work abroad for a few years at least. Thanks
Shreyas
I m Jeeth
I completed BBA from Madras Christian College
CGPA 7.7/10
I want to know which would be the best course that has better job prospectus ( since i was thinking of joining international business) from UK
And what do you think of university of Bath ?
Thanks u in advance
Hi Baccardisprite! awesome initiative! very well done!
I have an admit from Exter Univeristy for the MSc. Financial Anaysis and Fund Management course and an admit from Lancaster University MSc. Finance course. Can you help me choose one? After graduating I want to work abroad for a few years at least. Thanks.
Shreyas
Both known though I hear Lancaster more than Exeter. Do note that it's not the university but the job market for finance that's a lot harder to crack right now... if you're willing and up to the challenge you will face finding a job, go for it.
Good luck
I m Jeeth, I completed BBA from Madras Christian College CGPA 7.7/10
I want to know which would be the best course that has better job prospectus ( since i was thinking of joining international business) from UK
And what do you think of university of Bath? Thanks u in advance
What job are you talking about? What do you want to do? Function, Industry and Geography?
hi baccardisprite,
need some advice from you!
i am an electrical engineer who's been in the IT industry(across various verticals) for almost 4+ years now! IT no longer interests me...i am looking to a career shift in finance...have plans of MBA in mind from a premier bschool! now, if i am unable to make it to a premier institute i will not go in for an MBA...in that case will a CFA help me to shift over to the finance domain? what are the prospects after i finish my L1? will that give me enuf leverage to shift over to finance & then work towards finishing my CFA? looking forward to hearing from you!!
thanks