Greetings Everyone,

I am based out of Singapore, looking to move to Barcelona for a potential MBA Degree. As of now, I don’t have a GMAT score and happen to be exploring MBA options over a few schools such as UPF-BSM, EAE or UAB / TBS (business masters).

While UPF’s Barcelona school of management seems to have accreditations, EAE seems to fare slightly better in terms of employment networks, based on the information provided by the university though EAE does not seem have important accreditations, which seems a bit odd. TBS does seem like a great option, but they offer private degrees which are not accredited by the government, so I am not sure whether they are eligible for work visa prospects with regard to non-EU students in Spain as my goal is to explore employment prospects.

I have explored possibilities with regard to EADA but still trying to fetch more information about their entrance test. Currently pursuing A2 Spanish, looking to target next year's intake.

I would greatly appreciate esteemed insights and valuable counsels from the wonderful folks of this community over my query. Once again, thanks an absolute ton for your time & expertise.

Regards,
Juzo

[Edited by Juzo on Nov 05, 2024]

First, what specific role and industry do you want to work in after your MBA? This will help determine which schools can actually help you achieve your goals.
For working in Spain as a non-EU citizen, you'll need:
-- A state-recognized degree (not just a private diploma)
-- Strong Spanish language skills (B2 minimum for most business roles)
-- A school with solid employer connections and career support
Of the schools you listed:
-- UPF-BSM does offer state-recognized degrees and has decent local connections
-- EAE's employment stats require verification - without key accreditations, proceed cautiously
-- TBS's private degrees may create visa issues
-- EADA is triple-accredited and has better employer recognition
I'd suggest:
-- Get your GMAT score first - this opens more options
-- Focus intensively on Spanish - A2 is not sufficient for most jobs
-- Consider ESADE or IESE if possible - they have much stronger employer networks
-- Target schools offering state-recognized degrees to avoid visa complications
If budget is a constraint, consider:
-- Taking a year to improve your Spanish and GMAT
-- Looking at other EU countries with English-language jobs
-- Pursuing a specialized masters instead of an MBA
-- Building experience in Singapore first
What specific role/industry interests you in Spain?

Greetings Stuart, Thank you very much for reaching out to me in such a prompt manner, your guidance is genuinely appreciated. I deeply value your insightful counsel and will absolutely take it into consideration. I am exploring roles in the capacity of business development and management as I have bit of an experience of over 5 years. Moreover, I absolutely second your advice over trying to get a decent GMAT score.

With regard to other EU countries what's your take on recent modifications in the Irish & UK laws with minimum required wages being (41k or 38k respectively) for non - EU / UK citizens. Would it be fair to assume that it may be a bit difficult for folks from non-tech backgrounds. Also, would you rate EAE's mba with AI specialization tho I absolutely agree with you over the fact that since key accreditations are missing it's best to proceed with caution. Once again, thanks an absolute ton for sharing such an insightful counsel & expertise, genuinely appreciated it!

[Edited by Juzo on Nov 05, 2024]

Let me address your points directly:
For business development/management with 5 years experience:
-- Spanish companies expect strong Spanish skills for client-facing roles
-- Starting salaries often range €35-45k for MBA graduates from mid-tier schools
-- Most business development jobs require native-level language abilities
Regarding UK/Ireland salary thresholds:
-- Recent £38,700 UK minimum does make non-tech roles harder
-- Irish €41,000 threshold affects work permit eligibility
-- Business development roles outside London/Dublin may struggle to meet these thresholds
-- These changes make Spain more attractive for some roles but remember that Spanish salaries are lower
About EAE's MBA with AI:
-- AI specialization won't overcome lack of accreditation
-- Limited recognition outside Spain
-- Career services and alumni network matter more than specializations
-- For tech/AI focus, better options exist at ESADE, IE or IESE
-- If you wanted to work abroad, an MSc in business development, AI or technology commercialization from a respected local university might be a better option than an MBA from a national school like EAE.
Given your background, consider:
-- Netherlands - more English-language jobs, lower language barriers
-- Germany - strong economy, 18-month job search visa
-- France - strong schools, need French but visa rules are clearer
Your next steps should be:
-- Take GMAT
-- Reach B2 Spanish if staying focused on Spain
-- Research placement stats carefully
-- Look at state-recognized degrees only
-- Consider Rotterdam, Mannheim or HEC Paris as alternatives
What's your target salary range and preferred industry sector? Still in business development? If so, language skills and personal networking might matter more than an MBA from a mid-tier school.

Greetings Stuart, Genuine gratitude for such a sublime analysis, the attention to detail is absolutely immense, truly world-class guidance & perspective. I absolutely agree with you over the fact, that it's better to look at other countries & schools, it definitely makes sense. Also, you made a fascinating observation over how aspects such as career services & alumni network make more of a difference than specializations, this is truly of fundamental importance when it comes to choosing a business school. Makes a lot of sense to focus on language skills if targeting a non-English speaking country especially for client facing roles. Definitely as things stand, I would absolutely take your advice over getting a GMAT score and try to target English speaking options along with the suggested alternatives... Moreover, you made quite an interesting observation with regard to looking at specialized MSc's from state universities over nation schools like EAE. This is something which seems to be of fundamental importance.

Stuart, by any chance, would you suggest the U.S. as an option (Visa laws do seem like quite a hassle), especially mid-tier schools like Mendoza, Carlson, Goizueta, Babson etc or would it be better to consider improving GMAT and target better schools. I guess the later would be more of an ideal choice as you have rightfully observed with your previous responses!

Once again Stuart, I am genuinely grateful to you for such a world-class counsel, your knowledge and expertise is absolutely sublime, and it definitely means a lot to me to receive such an esteemed perspective and guidance, thanks an absolute ton for your time and efforts, it definitely means a lot to me! Thank you!

[Edited by Juzo on Nov 06, 2024]

For non-US citizens, the risk/reward calculation for mid-tier US schools needs careful analysis:
Key visa realities:
-- H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship and lottery system
-- Only 12 months OPT for MBA graduates
-- Substantial investment ($100k+) with uncertain visa outcomes
-- Mid-tier schools have fewer employers willing to sponsor
The schools you listed:
-- Mendoza: Strong regional reputation but limited international placement
-- Carlson: Good in Minneapolis but fewer coastal opportunities
-- Goizueta: Better placement but highly competitive for internationals
-- Babson: Strong entrepreneurship focus but sponsorship can be challenging
Success rates for internationals at these schools:
-- Often 30-50% stay in US after graduation
-- Many must leave after OPT expires
-- Return on investment becomes questionable if forced to leave
-- Higher-ranked schools (top 15-20) offer better sponsorship odds
Better US options might be:
-- Schools in tech hubs (Foster, Tepper)
-- Programs with STEM designation (longer OPT period)
-- Schools with strong international employer networks
-- Top 15 programs if your profile is competitive
For your background:
-- European schools likely offer better value
-- Lower total cost
-- Clearer visa paths
-- More regional business development opportunities
What's your maximum budget for the MBA? This would help narrow down realistic options.

Greetings of the day Stuart, I absolutely understand the space from where you are coming from when it comes to risk/reward calculation for non-US citizens when it comes to return on investments. I do agree with your reasoning with regard to visa pathways, H1-b scenario, and the crazy lottery system, which makes things really difficult especially for international students. Moreover, your assessment with regard to the above-mentioned schools is quite insightful and accurate, I will absolutely take it into consideration. When to comes to budget, the really top U.S. business schools seem a tad-bit difficult, large sum of loans seem like a bit of a risk especially with regard to the percentage of students who get to stay in the U.S., post their graduation. I absolutely agree with your assessment that it seems like a better idea to look at European schools. Once again, Stuart thanks an absolute ton for sharing your exemplary analysis & perspective. I deeply appreciate your world class counsel and would absolutely take it into consideration. It definitely means a lot to me and I am genuinely grateful for your esteemed guidance, time & expertise. Thank you very much!

Warmest of Regards and Gratitude,
Juzo

[Edited by Juzo on Nov 06, 2024]

Be strategic about yiur European options. Starting with your goals in mind, where are some good options under €45,000:
-- Durham (UK): Strong in finance, triple-crown accredited, 2-year PSW visa
-- Lancaster: Good value, corporate connections, respected in UK/Europe
-- Mannheim: Strong German placement, growing international reputation
-- Rotterdam: Dutch job market is English-friendly, good value
-- Vlerick: Belgian market access, growing tech scene
-- Trinity Dublin: Irish work rights, though mind the new salary threshold
-- Porto: Lower costs, growing tech/startup scene
-- Warwick: Solid UK reputation, though competitive

You could get better outcomes with a mid-range investment (€45-65,000):
-- ESADE: Strong Spanish placement, better recognition than EAE
-- HEC Paris: Top reputation, needs French for most jobs
-- Imperial: London access, STEM pathway possible
-- EDHEC: Rising reputation, Nice/Paris locations
-- Frankfurt School: German economic center, growing reputation

Cost-saving strategies:
-- Apply early for scholarships
-- Research bank loans, both in Singapore and from the schools
-- Some schools offer early-bird discounts
-- Part-time work may be possible in some countries

Critical success factors:
-- State recognition of the degree
-- Strong career services
-- Active alumni network
-- Clear visa pathway
-- Local language training included

"-- Starting salaries often range €35-45k for MBA graduates from mid-tier schools"

Do you have the starting salaries for MBA graduates at ESADE/IESE/IE and EADA?

kind regards,

Greetings of the day Stuart, you made really exemplary observations with regard to your assessments, the schools you recommended absolutely make sense, I was quite intrigued by the importance of having strong local connections over nation schools. To be honest, I agree, it definitely makes sense and can be quite a determining factor when it comes mobility. The success factors and strategies you highlighted definitely sound ideal. Stuart, by any chance would you bet on the Italian economy with schools such as POLMI, Tieste, Luiss etc. (of course with the essential language skills). Once I make my final decisions, I would most definitely seek your counsel over a paid consultation session. Once again, Thank you very much for your sublime expertise, wisdom and valuable time, it is deeply appreciated.

Warmest of Regards & Gratitude,
Juzo

Do you have the starting salaries for MBA graduates at ESADE/IESE/IE and EADA

[Edited by StuartHE on Nov 07, 2024]

The Italian market requires careful analysis:
Italian economy realities:
-- Slower growth than other major EU economies
-- Lower starting salaries (€35-45k typical for MBAs, but higher at top schools like Bocconi and PoliMi)
-- Regional differences (Milan/North much stronger than South)
-- Language absolutely essential for most roles
School specifics:
-- Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI): Strong engineering/tech reputation, good local connections
-- MIB Trieste: Smaller market, better for specialized industries like insurance
-- LUISS: Strong Roman connections, government/policy focus
-- Bocconi: Stands above others for business, but more expensive
Market challenges:
-- Family businesses dominate, harder for outsiders
-- Limited international company headquarters
-- Complex bureaucracy for work permits
-- Traditional business culture
But some advantages:
-- Lower living costs than UK/Germany
-- Growing startup scene in Milan
-- Strong manufacturing base
-- Less competition for roles than Spain, which is more arguably more open to migrants and has more international talent in its business schools
Best potential paths:
-- Focus on Milan-based opportunities
-- Target Italian multinationals
-- Look at manufacturing/luxury sectors
-- Build connections during study
For your business development background:
-- Milan offers most opportunities
-- POLIMI good for tech/industrial focus
-- Bocconi best overall but expensive
-- Other schools more limited

Greetings of the day Stuart, your assessment with regard to the functionality aspects of Italian markets is absolutely spot on! Fundamental aspects such as complex bureaucracy, traditional business culture and limited international presence definitely need to be taken into consideration. Moreover, I agree with you that it's better to look at certain regions for better prospects. The way you analysed the above mentioned universities with regard to their strengths, has been of immense help, especially with your highly insightful manner of analysing various permutations & combinations. It definitely paints a much clearer and a refined picture. I whole heartedly thank you for taking your valuable time out, over these past couple of days to offer such a sublime expertise, the attention to detail is absolutely immense. it's been an absolute privilege to receive a truly world-class counsel guidance and perspective. Thanks an absolute ton for sharing your legendary wisdom & expertise. I deeply appreciate it, It genuinely means a lot. Thank you very very much and hope you have a blessed time ahead!

Warmest of Regards & Gratitude,
Juzo

[Edited by Juzo on Nov 07, 2024]