@BaccardiSprite - I got hold of the vault guides for free ;). Thanks for the advice, they're really good!
@neo@srcc - Thanks for the insight. I'm aiming at primarily HFs, trading/Asset Management roles. My queries might sound naive because whatever little I know about this area is via the internet. It is a long shot, I'm aware!
I've just finished my coursework at college (MSc Econ, BE Electronics from BITS). Have an internship sort of a program for a year after this, plan to clear CFA L2 by then atleast. How does one go about hunting for middle office/equity research jobs (since they don't seem to be coming for campus placements)? Would you mind sharing your background and career path with us?
Long term objectives are to get an MBA/MFin from a top US school and try breaking into the HF industry. But I want to be through with the three levels of CFA, and possibly even CAIA, and get some experience under my belt, since I'm aiming at the buy side before I go for that. What do you think of these plans?
The middle offices do recruit off campus. They shud look at you if you have a decent brand (BITS is good) and CFA L2.
If you are looking at HFs, you will have to go outside India. PE/VC scene here is good, HF is almost non-existent.
I work for a front-office global I-Bank (M&A;) in India. Feel free to PM
@BaccardiSprite - I got hold of the vault guides for free ;). Thanks for the advice, they're really good!
@neo@srcc - Thanks for the insight. I'm aiming at primarily HFs, trading/Asset Management roles. My queries might sound naive because whatever little I know about this area is via the internet. It is a long shot, I'm aware!
I've just finished my coursework at college (MSc Econ, BE Electronics from BITS). Have an internship sort of a program for a year after this, plan to clear CFA L2 by then atleast. How does one go about hunting for middle office/equity research jobs (since they don't seem to be coming for campus placements)? Would you mind sharing your background and career path with us?
Long term objectives are to get an MBA/MFin from a top US school and try breaking into the HF industry. But I want to be through with the three levels of CFA, and possibly even CAIA, and get some experience under my belt, since I'm aiming at the buy side before I go for that. What do you think of these plans?
Hello baccardisprite, need ur advice. I have presently completed BSc Computer Science. Technically i am unable to apply for MS in Fin Engg from any top 20 US universities(coz BSc is a 3 year Degree). So, Do u think is it right time to apply for MSc Fin Engg courses in UK or rest of europe?
Yudi90,
The recommendation from our previous correspondence on this forum - stands! Follow your passion, and yes - going to China at this age can only help you. You're young enough to build any career you want! Go for it.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Hi Baccardisprite
Well, writing this post from a Chinese Government Office in Dalian, China using their own proxy server sitting under the portrait of Chairman Mao ..Pagalguy is banned here, you see :D
Well, I took your advice and came here. And I feel it was the correct decision, looking back at the two weeks I have already spent over here, and I do not know what all, but I have learnt a lot of things here. I attended the workshop of an Indian guy here, who is working in IBM,China and he gave a ppt on why 95% of all the mergers fail because of one particular reason: cultural change and the peoples rsistance to that change.
So a query shot up in my mind. Looking at the scene that so many Indian companies and Chinese companies are looking across their respective borders, is there a job function which specifically aims at moulding the employees mind and attitude towards the change when an international firm is being partnered with?? Or is it specifically the HR or the departmental managers who take care of this??
In short, is there something like a Cultural Expert in Business issues which the MNCs would find as a potential recruit for their expansion purposes?
PS*:
rust in peace Says@BaccardiSprite - I got hold of the vault guides for free ;). Thanks for the advice, they're really good!
Aaah... yes - for a moment I had forgotten you are still studying at BITS and the BITS b-school / library would almost certainly have them! What I would also suggest is reading the Guides on Economics & Finance topics published by the "ECONOMIST" magazine (Economist Store - Books)! Some of these should be available either in your school or at a major book store. Recommended ones:
- The City (Guide to London as a financial center - written pre-crisis)
- Hedge Funds
- Analyzing companies
- Financial Markets
The tone of of these books is slightly drab / dull, but they are actually quite insightful, and since they're split into distinct parts, you can actually read the areas you're most interested in. Read this blog - quite interesting (Private Equity Blogger.com).
All the best
Baccardisprite
tanuj257 SaysHello baccardisprite, need ur advice. I have presently completed BSc Computer Science. Technically i am unable to apply for MS in Fin Engg from any top 20 US universities(coz BSc is a 3 year Degree). So, Do u think is it right time to apply for MSc Fin Engg courses in UK or rest of europe?
No, personally I don't think it is the right time to apply for the UK programs. The UK economy is still recovering very slowly from the 2008-2009 recession, and the locals will have first crack at all jobs out there. If you're so desparate to get into finance - try and get into a financial analytics KPO now, or attempt the CAT/XAT get into a good Indian B-School, then try and get into a financial career after. Going abroad makes no sense unless you have experience and skill to offer prospective employers in those countries. Please read my other posts on thread where I have repeatedly spoken about this.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Hi Baccardisprite
Well, writing this post from a Chinese Government Office in Dalian, China using their own proxy server sitting under the portrait of Chairman Mao ..Pagalguy is banned here, you see :D. Well, I took your advice and came here. And I feel it was the correct decision, looking back at the two weeks I have already spent over here, and I do not know what all, but I have learnt a lot of things here. I attended the workshop of an Indian guy here, who is working in IBM,China and he gave a ppt on why 95% of all the mergers fail because of one particular reason: cultural change and the peoples rsistance to that change.
So a query shot up in my mind. Looking at the scene that so many Indian companies and Chinese companies are looking across their respective borders, is there a job function which specifically aims at moulding the employees mind and attitude towards the change when an international firm is being partnered with?? Or is it specifically the HR or the departmental managers who take care of this?? In short, is there something like a Cultural Expert in Business issues which the MNCs would find as a potential recruit for their expansion purposes?
PS*:
You need to experience the culture in full, gain tangible skills to wade through the challenges of that culture and then you can be called an expert. While its wonderful that you are where you are and following your passion (many congratulations for that) - you need to work in a professional environment for a few years that will use your skills, then work towards the area you describe.
My feeling is that it will still be taken care of at a corporate level by senior HR people, however there will also be so called Business Facilitation Consultants, people who help companies form networks and JV's across borders. These consultants tend to be very experienced across borders, have tangible skills / expertise in one-two indistries highly relevant to a partnership between x-border companies, and senior (previously at least a functional head in a corporate or major consulting firm). This absolutely required to present a credible face to their clients both Chinese and foreign.
So I would encourage you to start relatively bottom-up, which means get a job / internship that uses the skills you're gaining and want enhanced on the job, work in China for at least 2-3 years, then think about what you want to do after that, maybe you come back to India - maybe you want to stay there, but your options are certainly wide.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Hi Baccardi!!
I have completed B Arch from IIT. After that I took up a job in a real estate consultancy which got me interested in real estate and construction management. with arch background my job profile was stuck in repetitive cycle of onsite project management assignments.
After researching a bit, I found that the one year Masters in management from top colleges like LSE, LBS or Duke would provide the necessary push in my career. I contacted a few present students in LSE and other UK colleges who said that it is not a simple task for an alien(international student :P) to land a decent job in Europe. Is it really that bad?
Later I extended my search to US colleges and applied and got admitted into following programs.
Masters in Management studies (Duke- Fuqua)
Masters in Construction Management and real estate (USC- Viterbi)
Masters in Real Estate (UT Arlington- fortworth centre)
I am considering Fuqua. One of the reasons I am more inclined towards a broader management degree rather than a narrow masters in real estate is because I felt it would give me more opportunities. Given that after one year I would like to be either a real estate consultant in firms like JLL, Knight frank or banker dealing with real estate markets and mortages, I would still like to explore other career options like management consulting(i am talking of bain/mck/bcg)
Now that I have briefly explained the history the following are my questions:
1. Am I going on the right path to reach the short term goals I explained?
2. Ill be spending 15lacs on MMS degree which is not exactly an MBA is it worth it?
3.Giving CAT next year and setting aside 2 years for MBA Vs one year now for MMS, 3 years work-ex.. then one year isb ; which is the better option?(may be i shouldnt count my chicks before the hatch.. i assume a 70% probability for me to clear cat next year) given that my long term goal is to be a CEO of a major construction firm.
Hi Bacardisprite,
If you could kindly help with your rational thought on the situation given below!
I am looking forward to join the Masters program in Strategy/ Mangement in top 10-15.
I already have a PGDM from a top 25 tier 2 college in India and I am having little more than 1 year of work ex in broking industry as a product development manager.
Really want to get out of broking indutsry and join management consulting/ strategy consulting. Not being able to do so as I am not form the Ivey League colleges. I am considering higher education can be a good option to help me with my dream.
Please suggest:
1. Whether this can be a good time to go for higher studies (like MSc in Mgmt. etc.)?
2. Whether MSc. in Mgmt/ strategy soon after PGDM will be accepted to the colleges/ companies later on?
Thanks!
My profile:
24/F; GMAT- not yet taken
Acads- good
Extracurriculars- quite a lot
Grad-Economics
PGDM- Mktg.
Work Ex- 13 months into product development (broking/ capital market lending/ derivatives/ hedging)
Looking at:
1. MIT Sloan for MSc. Mgmt
2. HEC Paris for MSc. Mgmt
3. St. Gallens for MA.SIM
4. LSE for Mgmt and Strategy
Hi Baccardi!!
I have completed B Arch from IIT. After that I took up a job in a real estate consultancy which got me interested in real estate and construction management. with arch background my job profile was stuck in repetitive cycle of onsite project management assignments.
After researching a bit, I found that the one year Masters in management from top colleges like LSE, LBS or Duke would provide the necessary push in my career. I contacted a few present students in LSE and other UK colleges who said that it is not a simple task for an alien(international student :P) to land a decent job in Europe. Is it really that bad?
Later I extended my search to US colleges and applied and got admitted into following programs.
Masters in Management studies (Duke- Fuqua)
Masters in Construction Management and real estate (USC- Viterbi)
Masters in Real Estate (UT Arlington- fortworth centre)
I am considering Fuqua. One of the reasons I am more inclined towards a broader management degree rather than a narrow masters in real estate is because I felt it would give me more opportunities. Given that after one year I would like to be either a real estate consultant in firms like JLL, Knight frank or banker dealing with real estate markets and mortages, I would still like to explore other career options like management consulting(i am talking of bain/mck/bcg)
Now that I have briefly explained the history the following are my questions:
1. Am I going on the right path to reach the short term goals I explained?
2. Ill be spending 15lacs on MMS degree which is not exactly an MBA is it worth it?
3.Giving CAT next year and setting aside 2 years for MBA Vs one year now for MMS, 3 years work-ex.. then one year isb ; which is the better option?(may be i shouldnt count my chicks before the hatch.. i assume a 70% probability for me to clear cat next year) given that my long term goal is to be a CEO of a major construction firm.
1. With only a year to offer in terms of tangible experience before any of the programs in Duke, USC or UT - what are you bringing to the table that's different or better than a fresh US (undergrad / grad), who's logistically (local, culturally more aware), financially (same salary) and legally (resident or GC holder) easier to employ? Unlike Science, Engineering or Mathematics, construction and real estate is an industry where there's probably a huge surplus in the US. And that problem is made worse by the number of people laid off or simply unemployed from the US sub-prime, housing, real-estate crisis or recessionary environment. As the US recovers (slowly), these people will have first crack at jobs that become available again. How would you compete? With no applicable / transferable skills or hard experience (minimum 6-7 years) in the industry, you're exposing yourself to the risk of competing against all of these equally qualified & experienced people in the US. Only hard skills gained over a period of time reduces that exposure to risk. Sorry - your education at this stage is unlikely to help you.
2. After reading the answer above, guess you know what I think. I believe your INR 15L is better saved now, and you grit your teeth and go through your current job or after 2-3 years try finding a better job that helps you enhance skills (if possible helps you earn more money that you can save for a future education towards your long term career goal).
3. Build the nest egg of skills (& savings) over the next 5-7 years and don't turn your career into some set of deadlines of when to do an MBA or anything else. Nurture your developing skills carefully, enhance their applicability & transferability across the real estate / construction world and there's no reason why they wouldn't hatch to spring chickens :-). Discipline, patience, give yourself the time to learn - this is your 75% that employers will want (ahead of the 25% that education will offer you). The better the school, and the more relevant the school with your long term goals, the better the fulfillment of the 25%.
If you're totally into an MBA/MMS now, then give the CAT and try getting into a top Indian school. Going abroad "now" is pointless without something tangible to offer your future employer besides your expensive US MMS education.
Overall - stay patient and disciplined.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Hi Bacardisprite, If you could kindly help with your rational thought on the situation given below!
I am looking forward to join the Masters program in Strategy/ Mangement in top 10-15. I already have a PGDM from a top 25 tier 2 college in India and I am having little more than 1 year of work ex in broking industry as a product development manager.
Really want to get out of broking indutsry and join management consulting/ strategy consulting. Not being able to do so as I am not form the Ivey League colleges. I am considering higher education can be a good option to help me with my dream.
Please suggest:
1. Whether this can be a good time to go for higher studies (like MSc in Mgmt. etc.)?
2. Whether MSc. in Mgmt/ strategy soon after PGDM will be accepted to the colleges/ companies later on?
Thanks!
My profile:
24/F; GMAT- not yet taken
Acads- good
Extracurriculars- quite a lot
Grad-Economics
PGDM- Mktg.
Work Ex- 13 months into product development (broking/ capital market lending/ derivatives/ hedging)
Looking at:
1. MIT Sloan for MSc. Mgmt
2. HEC Paris for MSc. Mgmt
3. St. Gallens for MA.SIM
4. LSE for Mgmt and Strategy
Frankly - you'd be hard-pressed to explain why another degree so soon after a previous Masters. the conclusion that will invariably be drawn is that you're trying to use degrees to make the jump to consulting, where the only thing consultants look for is tangible experience they can take to clients, which you're not bringing them having just a year on your current job. I think you can get into consulting, but if you bring 4-5 years of hard-core client interactive experience; and if you're not getting this in your current job, try changing your job and upskilling to the skills that consultants want. Gain a bag of client interactive experience and achievements in a different job, then go for an MBA / appropriate degree, and aim for the top consulting firms.
Sorry, if this is not what you wanted to hear, but hope it helps you with a thought process.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Hi BaccardiSprite,
Its great to see your posts here. Nice work done.
I hope you can be a savior for me too. Here is my story.
Background: Engg grad, 2007 passout, 8 months in family business followed by 39 months in wipro. I chased Indian CAT for 2 years, but no luck in any good college..left SCMHRD a year hoping i ll get some good this year, but no great luck this year too
Took Gmat, got measly 720/GMAT...applied to just one canadian school (schulich) and easily got through.no scholarhip...
Left my job (as i desp wanted exit from it) and came home..thinking i ll leave this fall for schulich..also missed 2 onsite opprtunities (4-5 months each). Even paid $2500 fees..
I now hear quite bad reviews about Canadian job market and also for Schulich...Thinking this is the only option this year, would it be wise to wait another year and depend on luck to get in a US top-30 school? I am looking for the likes of OHIO/KELLY/MICHIGAN BROAD/OWEN/GEORGIA TECH/TIPPIE/BOSTON UNI/CARROLL AND 2-3 MORE...
Why i am thinking this: the pay packets are much higher when compared to schulich and internships and jobs are much much more available in US...the complications/doubts/questions in my case are:
1. Without a job, my profile would go weaker next year (am assuming i ll take another 2-3 months to find a suitable job)..I think the US B school guys wont take this gap healthily...The job i ll get with my present skills would not be good (my latest experience is in e-learning, not so good experience in it)..
2. Schulich MBA grads earn just 70K (even the great ones), and the total fees comes to out to 88K....isnt this a bad investment...the only plus point is the 2 year work permit that everyone gets...(it is taking around 5-6 months to get placed (2009-2011 batch)...interships are V V V tough to get in schulich...also there are like 80 indians in a batch alone, which drives away recruiters in hordes..is this worth it??
3. In US, if i do somehow get in these schools, what are my chances of getting a scholarship...?? 720 but no international work ex...(i should not have missed my onsite chances i know )
4. How difficult it is to get a work permit/sponsorship from employers...thats a risk too, they might throw back after 1 year's OPT...how long can a person stay in US by all means...how long can we stretch our stay...M not aiming for top 20 US schools now (left all hopes considering my unique situation). Also, in top-30 the chances of getting a scholarship should be higher for me considering my poor profile now..
After this sad story/profile of mine, do u think its a wise decision to go to schulich and grab the opportunity that has come my way...or should i wait for another year with no job for another three months and take my chances with US next year...going through the cycle of applications and everything???
Please help me, am so so tensed that I hardly sleep at all..Please advise candidly...waiting eagerly for your reply..
Regds,
Ashu
Hi,
This is rohit here. I have completed my post graduate diploma from Humber College Toronto and want to go for mba from either concordia or suny buffalo.
Can some one tell me about the placement oppurtunities from these universities?
Background: Engg grad, 2007 passout, 8 months in family business followed by 39 months in wipro. I chased Indian CAT for 2 years, but no luck in any good college..left SCMHRD a year hoping i ll get some good this year, but no great luck this year too
Took Gmat, got measly 720/GMAT...applied to just one canadian school (schulich) and easily got through.no scholarhip...
Left my job (as i desp wanted exit from it) and came home..thinking i ll leave this fall for schulich..also missed 2 onsite opprtunities (4-5 months each). Even paid $2500 fees..
I now hear quite bad reviews about Canadian job market and also for Schulich...Thinking this is the only option this year, would it be wise to wait another year and depend on luck to get in a US top-30 school? I am looking for the likes of OHIO/KELLY/MICHIGAN BROAD/OWEN/GEORGIA TECH/TIPPIE/BOSTON UNI/CARROLL AND 2-3 MORE...
Why i am thinking this: the pay packets are much higher when compared to schulich and internships and jobs are much much more available in US...the complications/doubts/questions in my case are:
1. Without a job, my profile would go weaker next year (am assuming i ll take another 2-3 months to find a suitable job)..I think the US B school guys wont take this gap healthily...The job i ll get with my present skills would not be good (my latest experience is in e-learning, not so good experience in it)..
2. Schulich MBA grads earn just 70K (even the great ones), and the total fees comes to out to 88K....isnt this a bad investment...the only plus point is the 2 year work permit that everyone gets...(it is taking around 5-6 months to get placed (2009-2011 batch)...interships are V V V tough to get in schulich...also there are like 80 indians in a batch alone, which drives away recruiters in hordes..is this worth it??
3. In US, if i do somehow get in these schools, what are my chances of getting a scholarship...?? 720 but no international work ex...(i should not have missed my onsite chances i know )
4. How difficult it is to get a work permit/sponsorship from employers...thats a risk too, they might throw back after 1 year's OPT...how long can a person stay in US by all means...how long can we stretch our stay...M not aiming for top 20 US schools now (left all hopes considering my unique situation). Also, in top-30 the chances of getting a scholarship should be higher for me considering my poor profile now..
After this sad story/profile of mine, do u think its a wise decision to go to schulich and grab the opportunity that has come my way...or should i wait for another year with no job for another three months and take my chances with US next year...going through the cycle of applications and everything???
Please help me, am so so tensed that I hardly sleep at all..Please advise candidly...waiting eagerly for your reply..
You sound woefully underconfident!!! Your story isn't unique, your views aren't unique. Schulich is a Top 4 Canadian School (alongside Ivey, Rotman, Queens).... What's the problem? If your 720 GMAT which many of your peers will not get if you just read the %iles, is giving you sleepless nights, simply take it again and apply again to a set of schools.
More than whether / not it's tough to get any internship / job out of Schulich, does the school attract recruiters and employers of the kind you want to work with after the MBA, or are you simply targeting education to escape India?
In short - you're asking the wrong questions!
Take a piece of paper and think about what you "want" to do or "aspire" to be and NOT what you think circumstances will allow you to become! It's not about getting "a job"... it's about your career and your life! Let's look at the context and then worry about the content (including potentially whatever education you seek to enable your career).
Sorry if this doesn't answer you. Believe me, I'm not trying to be difficult. We're trying to get your thoughts more coherent.
Come back and post again when you're ready. Guess you'll have to do that fast as you'll need to decide onb Schulich one way or another very soon.
All the best
Baccardisprite
Hi Bacardisprite,
Wonderful work that you have been doing, am sure helped a lot of people out here. Can u help me out with knowing about quality communications managements courses abroad as well. Am strongly interested to pursue a career further in this field mainly because of it's creative nature, working with ideas basically. I want to avoid numbers heavy courses, not too strong in them.
Hi All,
Could you please tell me how is d university of cincinnati mba course ?
I have 4.5 yrs of work ex (IT) and a GMAT score of 650. Do u think i should apply?
Thanks.
ArtfulStriver SaysHi Bacardisprite, Wonderful work that you have been doing, am sure helped a lot of people out here. Can u help me out with knowing about quality communications managements courses abroad as well. Am strongly interested to pursue a career further in this field mainly because of it's creative nature, working with ideas basically. I want to avoid numbers heavy courses, not too strong in them.
Communications management is an experience driven field, meaning whatever specialist education you take in this field abroad - the ability to enter the job market in the country / continent where you study will depend very highly on the professional experience and competence you bring to the table. So if you're going abroad for this education, make sure you have 5-7 years under your belt in the field before you step out.
That said - some of the better known advertizing, mass communication, journalism institutes are located in or near the major centers of business and entertainment in the US - so look at the schools offering programs in these fields that are affiliated to the best known universities in Los Angeles (UCLA / USC LA), Chicago (Northwestern), New York (NYU, Columbia, CUNY), Miami, Austin, Atlanta, Philadelphia etc.... Am sure you will find something that attracts you. In the UK, the LSE runs a well regarded Mass Communications program (M.Sc), which you can complement with a double degree with the USC's (LA) Annenberg School of Communication.
Remember though, you'll need / want to compete in a job market that will heavily favor locals from these countries / continents unless you bring something compelling (professionally) to your employers.
If you're under 25, and want to get into this field, please apply to MICA in Ahmedabad, which is probably the best known specialist school in the field in India.
All the best
Baccardisprite
shanmba SaysHi All, Could you please tell me how is d university of cincinnati mba course? I have 4.5 yrs of work ex (IT) and a GMAT score of 650. Do u think i should apply? Thanks.
Sorry. No idea of the school. Please advise your career goals and why you consider U.Cincinnati to be a school that helps you with your career goals?
Think and post again please.
All the best
baccardisprite
Dear PGers,
Interesting article in the ET today, and I wanted to use the article to offer some perspective around the education and job "scene" in the UK.
UK student visas expected to be cut by nearly quarter of a million - The Economic Times
As you can see, the UK will restrict the entry of non-EU/EEA people planning to study in the UK. Most will do so with the intention of staying back for at least a few years to recover their investment in the education (if not want to settle in the UK outright). While the sweeping opinion to this article is likely to be "it just got more difficult, study &/or work", I recommend all of you look at this in the context of what's happening the UK.
The UK has been amongst the worst affected of the European countries during the financial crisis of 2007-2009, and has just about managed to come out of a near-crippling recession. In a currently slow recovery, the people who will have first crack at jobs "lost" during this recession (from high-flying bankers, consultants, corporates, right down to restaurant waiters) will have first crack at jobs coming available during this period. It is very natural for any country to feel protective about its citizens and those of its political partners (EU/EEA). These people (those who lost jobs) have the experience, the drive and the cultural awareness to succeed in the jobs that come up.
Many of you are young (even fresh) graduates with less than 2 years of experience, not really enough to convince most employers to hire you from a skills & competence perspective. This situation is exacerbated by the situation in the above paragraph. A locally educated citizen / UK permanent resident / EU-EEA person, somewhat experienced and culturally aware candidate for a job is logistically (no work-permit/visa issues), financially (willing to work for salaries similar / lower than you expect) and culturally (explained) easier to employ than someone who has taken the education route into the UK but has nothing tangible to offer in terms of experience / competencies. There will be exceptions, but they are exceptions because these are rare.
The UK is not what it used to be. But this is NOT to conclude that going there is a no-no! IF you have the experience, skills and competencies that employers will value, in an industry that's well developed or developing in the UK and if you will attend a strong university in the UK that's relevant to your future career goals, you "can" get a look in to the companies / industry you want to work for. The best school will offer you the resources to train you to conduct an "effective" job-search on or off-campus. No name schools and universities will NOT have that capability!
Long story short - Go with experience that employers will value, go to the best school you can!
All the best
Baccardisprite
Thanks Bacardisprite, a few things became clear with your reply and the article you had posted regarding the scenario in UK helped as well. I would tell you a bit more about yourself to plan ahead better. Have done my MBA in marketing from IBS, Hyderabad (ICFAI, Campus based, 2 years regular, full time), landed up with a job in insurance sales, switched to media research after a few months as I have been interested in media always and am still continuing here in client servicing. Wanted to go for a one year program to take a big leap forward in my career in terms of profile, package. U did suggest about a few courses and talked about the other key factors as well. Am ruling out any such courses in the US/UK because of the experience factor as you said and am also not sure how effective they will be in getting me a better job in India. Was looking out for such courses in Asia as well because of the cost factor,the economy being better at this moment and also because degrees from Asian universities are supposedly better recognized back home in India; but didn't find programs in communications management specifically which were as highly recommended as the programs you had mentioned. I am not thinking about a similar course in India because I already have an MBA and am in my late twenties. Should I just continue with my work patiently and gain further experience or is there any way for me to rise up the ladder quickly? Or should I take up a better general management program again and then look to get into the communications management field. I was basically eager to take a last shot at quality education (preferably international). I have had average acads and not much of extra curricular stuff.