International educational options beyond the MBA

Hi baccardisprite,

I wish to seek your advice.
Please go thru my profile:

10 percentage: 70.4
12th : 70.2
B.tech (In Information Technology): 65
Work Ex: 19 months(leading IT giant globally )

I wish to shift from It sector to Finance.
I have taken CAT this year but I am not sure about it as it has many uncertainties this year.

And I am desperate to get into some course by 2010 end.

I would like your guidance on Masters in Finance of IE, Spain.
As this is a leading B school of Europe and has as career assistance cell as well as it has CFA certified institute.
2ndly, this college is renowned for Entrepreneurship, this can be an added advantage as I wish to be one after 5-6 years.

So please advice about this course and future prospects after this course.

Thanks,
Manu

Hi baccardisprite... this is indeed a great thread... i don't know if you have got similar queries posted earlier, but anyways i am going forwward and hope you will clear my dilemma...

these are my stats

Xth - 90%, XII - 85% and BTech in Mechanical Engineering - 73 % (2009 Pass Out)

Currently I am working in L&T; ECC division and in structural engineering section, but I know that the job i perform here is not something I can do or want to do. I am more of an Operations person and my final year project was also based on it. It was a live project for FACT, Cochin and the entire production scheme that we had submitted is under review there for implementation.

Anyways, I had given my CAT last year, but could only notch up 93% and this time, CAT has been a fiasco.

So right now, I am at an impasse. I dont know how to move forward. I was under the impression that the MSc in management programme in University of Bath or Likewise were suitable as i can take Operations Management or Research as a specialisation. But after going through few of the beginning pages, i have got confused. So i request you to help me in this regard.

Thanking you...

Hi baccardisprite,
I wish to seek your advice.
Please go thru my profile:

10 percentage: 70.4
12th : 70.2
B.tech (In Information Technology): 65
Work Ex: 19 months(leading IT giant globally )

I wish to shift from It sector to Finance. I have taken CAT this year but I am not sure about it as it has many uncertainties this year.

And I am desperate to get into some course by 2010 end.

I would like your guidance on Masters in Finance of IE, Spain. As this is a leading B school of Europe and has as career assistance cell as well as it has CFA certified institute. 2ndly, this college is renowned for Entrepreneurship, this can be an added advantage as I wish to be one after 5-6 years. So please advice about this course and future prospects after this course. Thanks, Manu


Why are you desperate? What prevents you from gaining more experience from your IT Giant employer? Unless there's something fundamentally wrong with your career right now, I would suggest the below:

- Work for 3 years longer, and take the time to prepare and pass at least 2 levels of the CFA in the next 3 years, you can study for that independently of a Masters Degree. In this time, learn a foreign language, as its one of the biggest skills an employer will expect going forward.

- If at all possible within you current company, try getting into a project / practice / functional group with clients from the financial services industry. Gain client facing experience, industry insight and transferable skills that you can take into the financial industry after a Masters education

- IF entrepreneuship is something you truly want to get into, then it ain't happening in just 5-6 years. You're looking at 3 years more now, then 1-2 years for a Masters, then between 5-10 years before you will be professionally and financially ready to start your own company (unless you have a patentable idea, intelelctual property or a LOT of money prior to that).

Stay patient, don't be desperate and take a predictive and long term view of your career.

Cheerz, Happy New Year and all the best.
Hari
Hi baccardisprite... this is indeed a great thread... i don't know if you have got similar queries posted earlier, but anyways i am going forwward and hope you will clear my dilemma...

these are my stats

Xth - 90%, XII - 85% and BTech in Mechanical Engineering - 73 % (2009 Pass Out)

Currently I am working in L&T; ECC division and in structural engineering section, but I know that the job i perform here is not something I can do or want to do. I am more of an Operations person and my final year project was also based on it. It was a live project for FACT, Cochin and the entire production scheme that we had submitted is under review there for implementation.

Anyways, I had given my CAT last year, but could only notch up 93% and this time, CAT has been a fiasco.

So right now, I am at an impasse. I dont know how to move forward. I was under the impression that the MSc in management programme in University of Bath or Likewise were suitable as i can take Operations Management or Research as a specialisation. But after going through few of the beginning pages, i have got confused. So i request you to help me in this regard.

Thanking you...


My first response might sound rude, but please bear with me.

Structural Engineering is one of the core "operational" functions of L&T; ECC i.e it either earns money or directly costs money (internal IT, HR etc, are called administrative functions). So why don't you want to do it?

What do you really want to do?

Happy New Year.
My first response might sound rude, but please bear with me.

Structural Engineering is one of the core "operational" functions of L&T; ECC i.e it either earns money or directly costs money (internal IT, HR etc, are called administrative functions). So why don't you want to do it?

What do you really want to do?

Happy New Year.


Thanks for that quick reply. The problem, I am having in this section is that, the work I am involved in mainly deals with the welding and fabrication section and to tell you the truth, i am not at all comfortable with that. And along with that it simply involves a lot of yelling at labourers.

i am more comfortable with the administrative work. I dont have problems with the logistics and material procurement and also the allocation of raw materials into the fabrication, but the rest is like i cant even get through it.

Hope you understand my dilemma... i am not comfortable with the fabrication procedure, but all the rest, man power allocation and raw material allocation based on the various needs are good with me. Even my boss is now angry with me, though he appreciated my earlier work.

an i was thinking of quitting by may and going for PG and needed various options to consider.

Hope you will help me in this regard...

thanking you...

Hi baccardisprite... your post has been a real eye opener, subconsciously i always looked for such education opportunity, I have started researching in your given leads and have few doubts which i will clarify in due course of time from you.
My profile: I am an ERP consultant (Infor/Baan) in logistics/ Manufacturing Packages, working for a startup Consulting firm based out of hyderabad. In my 2 years work ex, I have completed a full end to end ERP Imlementation as Manufacturing application consultant, currently also servicing a SMB client to set up a Baan ERP support function from scratch. Have completed my B.Tech in ECE from Icfai University Hyderabad securing a CGPA of 6.42 out of 10. In 10th and +2 secured 75% in each.
Things which can go against my profile is that I have only serviced clients which are based out of India in the SMB space. These colleges looks for profile which has a MNC client stamp. It is not a mean task to service a SMB client in client facing role. They are very sharp , when it comes to ROI.
I had a varied experience in ERP Consulting space which involved suggesting and incorporating SCM best practices through ERP implementation, and recently had a exposure in BPR space too.
I also have continued my education through persuing CPIM by APICS, USA. I have cleared 3 modules and will be completing the last 2 modules by March, 2010.

I have a long term plan to establish myslef into the SCM/ERP Consulting and also wish to work for one of the BIG 4 as SCM/Operation Consultant at a strategic level.
Am looking for some valuable advice to make my profile better for applying into such programmes. Few of the prog I am interested in... the MLOG by MIT, Cranfield MSC in SCM, and the logistic institute , Asia Pacific.

I am not able to find much info about the logistic institute asia pacific in there website, can you give more info regarding the same. Do they only take students outside singapore , who are industry sponsored?

Hi baccardisprite...
I am not able to find much info about the logistic institute asia pacific in there website, can you give more info regarding the same. Do they only take students outside singapore , who are industry sponsored?


You have access to the internet and email. Write to the TLI and pose your questions, they won't hesitate to answer you. As far as I know, there are no restrictions on nationality or the choice of whether you want to be (or not to be) sponsored for the program. Do note that if you are sponsored, you have to return the sponsor company's investment, by working for them for a minimum of 3 years. It's a worthwhile deal. Write to them and ask more.

Good luck

Hi baccardisprite....i need ur help...first i want u 2 pls go thru my profile.....
here my profile goes
10-66%
12-75%
graduation(till 2nd year)-62%
i am 3rd year b.com student..i want 2 pursue my further studies from abroad...nd i am in dilemna that with this profile which course i should apply for nd from which college..basically london is my target....so pls suggest me some good course to do...

Hi Baccardisprite,

You are doing really a great job by showing linear paths to pepoles moving in zig-zag manner in search of better carrier option,although i m one of them.I am here to know about Executive/part time/distance learning MBA, before i proceed further, littile introduction of my profile as follows.I am B.Tech(ELECTRICAL ENGG) working here in dubai for Emirates telecommunication corporation(ETISALAT) for last two years, before joining here worked in Nokia siemens network for 4 years as RF engineer in india ,total 6 years of experience in telecom field
1.Can you suggest me some good colleges providing courses in Telecom managment though distance learning/part time as i don;t have option to give up job and join a fulltime course.
2.As a Part time/distance learning which are good collages ??
3.what is your stand on University of Wales?


with thanks

Hi baccardisprite....i need ur help...first i want u 2 pls go thru my profile.....
here my profile goes
10-66%
12-75%
graduation(till 2nd year)-62%
i am 3rd year b.com student..i want 2 pursue my further studies from abroad...nd i am in dilemna that with this profile which course i should apply for nd from which college..basically london is my target....so pls suggest me some good course to do...


Happy New Year.... Sorry to start with some feedback that might sound rude to you, but unless you tell me what you want to do career-wise after graduation, no one can suggest universities / colleges consistent with your career goals. Think carefully and post again.

Cheerz & Good Luck
Hi Baccardisprite,

You are doing really a great job by showing linear paths to pepoles moving in zig-zag manner in search of better carrier option,although i m one of them.I am here to know about Executive/part time/distance learning MBA, before i proceed further, littile introduction of my profile as follows.I am B.Tech(ELECTRICAL ENGG) working here in dubai for Emirates telecommunication corporation(ETISALAT) for last two years, before joining here worked in Nokia siemens network for 4 years as RF engineer in india ,total 6 years of experience in telecom field
1.Can you suggest me some good colleges providing courses in Telecom managment though distance learning/part time as i don;t have option to give up job and join a fulltime course.
2.As a Part time/distance learning which are good collages ??
3.what is your stand on University of Wales?
with thanks


1. I wouldn't know much about specific programs offered in the field of Telecom Management, please contact the below universities that have either partnership based Masters Degree programs in Dubai or have their own subsidiary campuses in Dubai - List of universities and colleges in Dubai - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2. The best distance learning Masters Degrees, including MBAs are normally provided by British Universities due to
- professional delivery from the college's own faculty
- serious academic quality, you have to work hard to pass their assessments, deliver good quality theses and clear their exams
- these are globally recognized degrees, and particularly well regarded within the commonwealth (except perhaps in India)
- delivered with reasonable to very good local support (including through campuses or partnerships in the Dubai Education / Financial Center or British Council of Dubai)

For MBAs - Heriot Watt University, Strathclyde, Henley Business School, Warwick Business School, Open University Business School, London University External Program (www.cefims.ac.uk). Most of these schools should have a presence of some form in Dubai, the UAE or a close by location in the Middle East (Qatar, Oman, Bahrain etc...)

For more specific programs in Telecom / Technology Management, you would have to contact the schools or their Dubai based campuses, or partners.

3. I have no stand, not aware of the programs offered though have heard of the university which is fairly regarded.

Good luck

To all posters in the GMAT and International MBA Threads of the PG Forums - wish you all a Happy New Year and all success, happiness, and prosperity in 2010 and beyond.

With best wishes & Cheerz
Baccardisprite

Hi Baccardisprite

I am a software engineer working in IT industry from last three years
10th 63%
12th 63%
BE 73%

I have appeared for CAT this year, and will take XAT,FMS,NMAT,MH-CET

Can you please suggests some program in India or abroad which can give an edge to my career I am fed up with software and dont wanna work anymore, I am looking for opprtunities in Finance, I heard of University of wales program in singapore which is of short duration and cheap also
will it be worthwhile for me to join such program, Kindly help

Hi Baccardisprite

I am a software engineer working in IT industry from last three years
10th 63%
12th 63%
BE 73%

I have appeared for CAT this year, and will take XAT,FMS,NMAT,MH-CET

Can you please suggests some program in India or abroad which can give an edge to my career I am fed up with software and dont wanna work anymore, I am looking for opprtunities in Finance, I heard of University of wales program in singapore which is of short duration and cheap also
will it be worthwhile for me to join such program, Kindly help


You're treating an education as an escape from your current job! Poor attitude; and a wrong, short-termist (and eventually damaging) approach to your career. Since I don't recommend or encourage such an approach, I won't answer the questions above.

Instead, please think clearly about the below questions:

- Have you learned nothing being in your current job? About the job itself, about your clients etc... Your "fed up" with software statement sounds huffy and disrespectful.

- Ok, so you don't like software, so what do you want to do with your life? I have mentioned several times on the forum that education isn't a means of escape or an end in itself, therefore NOT your biggest achievement. Education is a stepping stone to hopefully greater things in one's career, so what's the "greater thing" for you? What (functionally) would you like to do? What kind of industries / companies would you like to work for? Where (geography) would you like to work? What is your long term goal? You have 3 years of experience therefore an ability to articulate these thoughts to yourself.

Answer the above questions for yourself, and when you're clearer, come back and post here, and I (or another competent poster) will advise you.

Cheerz, & wish you a successful 2010.
Baccardisprite

Hi baccardisprite..
My profile is kinda against the trend.
10th - 84%
12th - 81% (91% in PCM)
BE (Computers) - 68% (Distinction)

After doing my engineering in computer i joined Bajaj Auto Ltd. (Weird as i switched from computer to a manufacturing industry). I am working in the product planning department - which includes customer feedbacks as a major role of my work profile (talking to ppl was better than talking to machines. I want to pursue my higher education in marketing (though a bit confused as of now). Please can u suggest me any option. I want this switch to be a plus point than been looked as like a scape goat.

Regards,
Kev

Btw Happy new year to u 😃

Hi baccardisprite, this is avishek. I just want your opinion about my career. My profile is
Xth-84%
XIIth-62%
BTech(CS)-7.94/10
workexp-2.5 yrs in an indian IT major
I took study leave and prepared for MBA this year. I appeared for CAT and some other exams. In spite of being called back several times from my company I neglected it because I wanted to give my MBA aspirations a good chance this time. Now the situation is the chances of my company taking me back is bleak. I am just wondering about the back up plans I should look for if the MBA plan doesn't prosper this time...can you suggest anything??
btw I was just looking at this thread and I really appretiate the way you are guiding so many people.
p.s.- is it "baccardisprite" or "baccardi sprite"?!!

Desperately looking for advise on this ! ( will appreciate inputs from anyone who has enough experience )

Hi Bacardi ,
I just spent last 4 hours going through all the pages of this thread and i was astonished to see that you had replied to almost all the queries presented. That is a really herculean task and thank you for the same.

MY POST IS GOING TO BE LONG AS I AM LOOKING FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS AND PROVIDING ALL THE INPUTS I CUD THINK FOR. SORRY FOR THE INCONVINIENCE :D

My profile is as follows

10th , 12th - 78% , 75 % .
BE( 2008 ) in electronics and comm. ( with no knowledge about either ) 68 %.
NCFM - (i)beginners and (ii)derivatives - both 80% + scores.
DELF A1 ( diploma in french ) , persuing DELF A2.
Strong and diverse extra currics.
Converted MDI (HR) in 08 but decided against it.
Definately gettin a call from SIBM/ SCMHRD this year and will convert it.
Apperaing for GMAT in Feb (will prefer going abroad Vs studying in India).
GRE score 1400 ( quanta 800) (analyt - 4.5 )

For the last 13 months i have been working in an IT MNC (India's largest by no. of employees (easy guess !). I have been working in retail domain on projects for a confectionary manufacturing client ( the one KRAFT is eyeing for ! ) . I have been exposed to concepts of SCM and retail and have done a company internal certification in retail - recognised only within this company.

Except for initial 3 months (when i worked on SAP -ABAP programming ) i have been working on technical support that too of the lowest possible quality i assume . Plus I am not learning anything here.
I therefore want to pursue further studies and quit this job ( as I am not getting released from this Fu**** up project )

I have no clearly defined professional goals, however after having gone through available options i found two those interest me -

1. Finance
2. SCM -Logistics/operations)

I will be going for further studies by June '10 (if in India) or latest by jan'11 (if abroad ). Of these two I will pursue the one for which i can get into a better college.

I had earliar thought about an MBA but after going through this thread I felt there is much more beyond MBA. I have some doubts -

#1. Given that i have no work experience in logistics/ SCM is it wise (and possible ? ) to get an admission in the masters' courses that you mentioned like from georgia tech or MSc in logistics / TLI , MLOG etc.

#2. Are such courses better than MBA in SCM/operations
(lets say from SIBM/SCMHRD or foreign univ's which admit ppl with =
#3. With my profile i dont think i will get into a top B-school for MBA finance abroad so in this case -
Would MBA finance (attempting CFA on the side ) from India be better or going for Masters in Finance (u mentioned some earliar) .

#4. ( pretty vague question ) I find both Finance and SCM interesting , but as a career option given my profile which is better / more fesable for me.

any course that has combination of SCM and Finance and admits ( that too when my workex in in IT ) funding is not a problem, provided return on investment is fair.
It's a very crucial decision for me and i could use all the help i get. Thanks in advance to all.

Thanks for this post...even though very politically correct. Pls mention all such programs you come across. So many people do a MBA cos they don't know what to do.





baccardisprite Says
Hello PGs, Having been a PG for the last 2+ years, and having observed posts and threads across the International Section of the forums, I find that many are relatively less aware of some of the other interesting educational avenues available to people (depending of course on ones and career objectives and profile). Through a series of posts spanning this thread, I would like to make PG's aware of avenues beyond just MBAs to build and enhance careers. While Top International MBAs are justifiably hyped and normally boast of professionally very successful graduates, they're not necessarily the only feeders into top jobs at some of the top companies. You have many programs that don't offer the MBA (the degree), BUT they do offer strong, focussed and career relevant education; that would help (in some cases) position oneself for the same opportunities that MBAs enjoy; perhaps with the advantage of rigorous specialist education to complement / enhance business subjects. The attendees of such programs are often just as experienced, educated and capable as those in MBAs, and go into the same / similarly great business-oriented jobs that MBAs do, including consulting banking. Some of the salient features of such programs are as follows: 1. They're normally not called MBAs, though some might offer an MBA as one degree in a dual-degree program. They're Master's, M.S or M.Sc or even M.A programs. 2. Entrance requirements (4 year degree), GMAT / GRE / TOEFL / IELTS are as rigorous as those for business schools if not more. Some programs in systems or high-tech may require previous education in the hard sciences, relevant social sciences (like advanced micro-macro economics), or engineering. 3. Some of these programs (particularly those in the US), given their delivery out of a hard / social science or engineering school or department, offer a greater probability of scholarships or graduate assistantships (refer point 6 for main reason). Co-signor free loans however might not be easy, if at all available. 4. The education is a healthy mix of technical and business subjects. Please note that I am not referring to M.S in Engineering / Science Programs that fresh Engineering or Science graduates attend immediately after graduation. The programs I will cite as examples might involve a little of hard engineering, but are focussed on core - operational, design, financial and commercial aspects of and applicable to business at large. 5. The program is not always run by the business school, but by a department or school in the hard or social sciences, engineering etc.. with attendees normally required to attend or able to cross-register for core / elective subjects in the business school affiliated to the same or neighboring university. The flexibility in the curriculuam and it's delivery means you might seek skills beyond just your education (like learning a language) at no additional cost! 6. There's a strong research element involved, leading normally to an almost Ph.D level Thesis. Many programs will however, offer the same opportunity for internships - perhaps connected with the Thesis one has to complete to graduate. This is the truly rigorous part of the program. 7. Subject to the same working rules as those offered to MBAs. The work-permit rules, job-market economics, employment conditions and salaries are the same that MBAs are subject to, meaning it's just as challenging to get a job out of these programs as it is out of an MBA. However the combination of business and technical education + previous experience occassionally makes these candidates a more attractive recruit for a company than one who has just an MBA. 8. Depending on the school, location, age/experience profile and the quasi-specialist nature of the program involved, career services will be offered to attendees, either specially attached to the program, or as part of the graduate school of the university or even in conjunction with the business school's career services. One have 3 potential career service avenues. 9. If you go into the websites of some of these programs and see the profiles of those who attend (particularly the more experienced ones, you will be seriously awe-struck). ----------------------------------- Hopefully, the posts that follow will offer all of you options you can consider to either:- 1. start a business career at a fairly functional-specialist level, which is supremely important to build 2. if you're more experienced, an option towards a broad and deep education that would offer you a leg-up with the companies you want to work for. ----------------------------------- Before reading further, three key watch-outs: 1. The rule of being crystal clear about your professional goals applies just as much for these programs as they do for MBAs 2. You might not find as much information on the net (like rankings, profiles etc.) about these programs as you would for MBAs. So it is extremely important for you to be proactive, start contacting schools for the information you want and perhaps establish contacts with current students and alumni. Don't depend on fellow forum members to feed you information or opinions that you need to find form yourself. 3. These programs are NOT time-pass. The education and subjects are rigorous and some are quite tough to get into. ------------------------------------- Enjoy the thread, please use the information therein and as always, please do your homework.... Cheerz Baccardisprite Next Post - Some very special Master's Programs from MIT, Cambridge, USA
Hi ,
Can you guide me on the MBA FRONT.
My profile is:
1) 10th : 76
2) 12th : 68
3) Bachelor engineering. : 70
4) Work Ex: 2 years in Reliance Industries Ltd ( Petrochemical Refining) as an engineer in Manufacturing.
5) Average Extra Curricular Activities/ No National/State level Certificates.
6) A very average academics.

I have written CAT twice and scored around 90%le.As there are time constraints because of job.
Can u guide me on the following-
1) Now I am confused between doing MBA from Non IIM Top 10 B schools or going for GMAT with this profile
2) Which ranking B schools abroad I can expect to get an admission with this profile?
3) What Extra should be done to improve my chance of getting better B school ?
4) Some other management programme u want to suggest.

You can send me mail on [email protected] and [email protected]
Hi baccardisprite..
My profile is kinda against the trend.
10th - 84%, 12th - 81% (91% in PCM), BE (Computers) - 68% (Distinction)

After doing my engineering in computer i joined Bajaj Auto Ltd. (Weird as i switched from computer to a manufacturing industry). I am working in the product planning department - which includes customer feedbacks as a major role of my work profile (talking to ppl was better than talking to machines. I want to pursue my higher education in marketing (though a bit confused as of now). Please can u suggest me any option. I want this switch to be a plus point than been looked as like a scape goat.
Regards,
Kev. Btw Happy new year to u :)


Happy New Year to you as well.

Profile is unusual, but not wierd at all. In fact, I wish more people would choose to go into industry before they think IT, Software etc...

From what little I see, you're fortunate to be in a product management, planning and development role at a very early age in your career. The opportunity for client (external) and x-functional (internal) interaction in this role are immense. The full value of such interactions would be realized when you work about 4-5 years because you will have gained:-

- a fair level of "Product" (generic) related skill in developing, planning for manufacture, and service delivery.
- expertise in the automobile industry in "the" market where several auto-majors want to establish footprint in the next 5-10 years
- Career progress, experience and seniority
- Given the product related knowledge and client interaction, a good springboard into areas like marketing, strategy, business / product development etc

I would recommend NOT worrying about education right now, and maximizing the value of your early career. Work for another 2-3 years, achieve career progress, transferable and applicable skills, and industry expertise that complemented with an education in Marketing, Strategy etc (specialized education or MBA) will be most valuable to your future employer. You enhance your chances of getting a great role and a career jump IF you present your future employer with a bag of transferable and immediately applicable skills alongside an education. These skills are less likely to be really applicable with the 2 years that you have.

As you also want marketing, but admit to being confused (this is normal), take the additional 2-3 years and firm up your career objective. Product planning, management and client focused product development can give you skills transferable to many other functions besides marketing.

Be patient, and take a long term view. Diligently save money, prepare & appear for the GMAT (or GRE as the case may require) in 2010, try and score 720+, then apply for a top notch school in 2012; education that would help you retain the best of your past, and arm you will skills and knowledge going forward.

All the best.