Hi,

I am planning to do MBA from Japan, I am of the opinion that ICS is a good option. I was sailing on ships as Captain and presently working in a Japanese shipping firm ( located in Tokyo) for over 5 years. My Japanese language skill is low.

I would like to know will doing MBA help me in getting a job? How good is student exchange program in getting a job and most importantly how many actually go to other big business schools for the exchange program? This is more of back up plan to know the job prospects after MBA.

I am seriously thinking of opening a business in Japan (after my MBA) therefore would like to know how good is the reputation ICS in the business fraternity, if possible in the shipping fraternity as to sell an idea I need to have backing of a business school whose reputation is impeccable in the domestic market.

I think this is an interesting question. A few thoughts to start.

The maritime MBA market really has three segments:
- Successful executive programmes at second tier schools to accelerate the careers of managers in the industry.
http://www.bi.edu/executive-education/masterstudies/executive-mba/executive-mba-maritime-offshore/
http://www.cbs.dk/en/study/mba/executive-mba-in-shipping-logistics
http://www.kedgebs.com/fr/node/1678
- A small number of full-time programmes at similar schools.
http://www.alba.edu.gr/Academic/shipping/Pages/Overview.aspx stands out because it mixed full-time and part-time students in the same classes.
- Unaccredited programmes, either for people in the industry (http://www.mba4shipping.com/page/Content) or MSc-type courses for people aiming for junior roles.

I don't understand why you think ICS is a good option. This is a strong school for strategy, with a good placement record into professional services businesses and high tech. If you want to work on land, won't you be better off learning Japanese, especially if you want to work in Japan?

I don't think international exchange programmes are optimal for finding work.

Dear Duncan,

Firstly thank you very much for taking out time and replying to my query.

The Maritime industry is a close sector and doing MBA is not a prerequisite for the Top Management positions. However, I would like to do MBA for different reasons, which I would like to discuss with you after taking an appointment with you.

Brgds