1st time General manager needs advise on MBA programs


Hello everyone - I have been fortunate to land my dream role as a general manager for a startup (Africa) and have been considering upskilling by getting an MBA (I have looked through most of the curriculum offered by Tier 1 schools like Wharton, Harvard etc and would like an opportunity to fully get a formal business degree with a focus on strategy, innovation, negotiation & entrepreneurship - these are areas where I have identified that need strengthening as I progress).

While this role pays heavily below what's obtainable generally, it's a unique opportunity to launch my career that's been a bit stagnant and primarily focused on customer facing operations.

As of today, my total savings available to start an MBA program is around $10k - $15k. My employers might not be able to support my education.

Could you kindly offer some guidance around global online options I should be targeting? I need to work full time for multiple reasons and can only study part time.

Thank you.

Hello everyone - I have been fortunate to land my dream role as a general manager for a startup (Africa) and have been considering upskilling by getting an MBA (I have looked through most of the curriculum offered by Tier 1 schools like Wharton, Harvard etc and would like an opportunity to fully get a formal business degree with a focus on strategy, innovation, negotiation & entrepreneurship - these are areas where I have identified that need strengthening as I progress).

While this role pays heavily below what's obtainable generally, it's a unique opportunity to launch my career that's been a bit stagnant and primarily focused on customer facing operations.

As of today, my total savings available to start an MBA program is around $10k - $15k. My employers might not be able to support my education.

Could you kindly offer some guidance around global online options I should be targeting? I need to work full time for multiple reasons and can only study part time.

Thank you.
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Duncan

The Illinois MSM is a good choice. 

The Illinois MSM is a good choice. 
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Faisal123

Congratulations on landing dream job. When you are planning for an online MBA, you need to consider various aspects including completion rate, program support, duration and delivery mode. For few online programs, you will be required to visit the university campus for a brief bootcamp. 

There are many good business schools but if you are looking for an affordable and flexible program than I do advise you Bradford School of Management, MBA - Innovation, Enterprise and Circular Economy. Bradford is Triple Crown Accredited and they were recognized as top 10 distance program by Financial Times and number 1 in affordability. 

Congratulations on landing dream job. When you are planning for an online MBA, you need to consider various aspects including completion rate, program support, duration and delivery mode. For few online programs, you will be required to visit the university campus for a brief bootcamp.&nbsp;<br><br>There are many good business schools but if you are looking for an affordable and flexible program than I do advise you Bradford School of Management, MBA - Innovation, Enterprise and Circular Economy. Bradford is Triple Crown Accredited and they were recognized as top 10 distance program by Financial Times and number 1 in affordability.&nbsp;
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Duncan

Because Bradford costs double the other person's budget, at $26,000, that's not a helpful suggestion. 

Other options are discussed at https://findmbaonline.com/board/general-forum/value-alternatives-to-unaccredited-mbas-58288 

Because Bradford costs double the other person's budget, at $26,000, that's not a helpful suggestion.&nbsp;<br><br>Other options are discussed at https://findmbaonline.com/board/general-forum/value-alternatives-to-unaccredited-mbas-58288&nbsp;
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The Illinois MSM is a good choice. 


I hadn't considered it but just going through the brochure and I'll be exploring more.

@Duncan, thank you for the response.

I am now in an industry that rates further education highly and since I have only an undergraduate degree, I had only set my goal towards an MBA in the hopes of accomplishing the formal degree requirement which is useful in my current role and the actual business school knowledge which will be useful in day-to-day operations.

Could you kindly comment on whether I should plan to up my budget to achieve an MBA?

All things being equal, I can manage to scrounge up another $10k by Dec, 2021. Will this provide me better options to achieve my higher education goal?

Thank you.

[quote]The Illinois MSM is a good choice.&nbsp; [/quote]<br><br>I hadn't considered it but just going through the brochure and I'll be exploring more.<br><br>@Duncan, thank you for the response.<br><br>I am now in an industry that rates further education highly and since I have only an undergraduate degree, I had only set my goal towards an MBA in the hopes of accomplishing the formal degree requirement which is useful in my current role and the actual business school knowledge which will be useful in day-to-day operations.<br><br>Could you kindly comment on whether I should plan to up my budget to achieve an MBA?<br><br>All things being equal, I can manage to scrounge up another $10k by Dec, 2021. Will this provide me better options to achieve my higher education goal?<br><br>Thank you.
quote


There are many good business schools but if you are looking for an affordable and flexible program than I do advise you Bradford School of Management, MBA - Innovation, Enterprise and Circular Economy. Bradford is Triple Crown Accredited and they were recognized as top 10 distance program by Financial Times and number 1 in affordability. 

Thanks for the response Faisal. While it's a long way above my current budget, I'll still check out the school.

[quote]<br>There are many good business schools but if you are looking for an affordable and flexible program than I do advise you Bradford School of Management, MBA - Innovation, Enterprise and Circular Economy. Bradford is Triple Crown Accredited and they were recognized as top 10 distance program by Financial Times and number 1 in affordability.&nbsp; [/quote]<br>Thanks for the response Faisal. While it's a long way above my current budget, I'll still check out the school.<br>
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Duncan

It's hard to get clear guidance without knowing more specifics about you. The Illinois iMBA is very hard to beat as a comprehensive top-tier MBA at an affordable price. It's much better than the Bradford MBA.  Depending on your location and seniority, the Frankfurt MBA is a good choice if you can travel to Kinshasa.  https://find-mba.com/board/europe/72-discount-on-the-frankfurt-emba-65522

If you are interested in supply chain issues, the MIT Harvard pathway is excellent:  https://extension.harvard.edu/academics/programs/management-graduate-program/mitx-micromasters-program-pathway-to-the-management-degree/

It's hard to get clear guidance without knowing more specifics about you. The Illinois iMBA is very hard to beat as a comprehensive top-tier MBA at an affordable price. It's much better than the Bradford MBA.&nbsp; Depending on your location and seniority, the Frankfurt MBA is a good choice if you can travel to Kinshasa.&nbsp; https://find-mba.com/board/europe/72-discount-on-the-frankfurt-emba-65522<br><br>If you are interested in supply chain issues, the MIT Harvard pathway is excellent:&nbsp; https://extension.harvard.edu/academics/programs/management-graduate-program/mitx-micromasters-program-pathway-to-the-management-degree/
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Faisal123

Because Bradford costs double the other person's budget, at $26,000, that's not a helpful suggestion. 

Other options are discussed at https://findmbaonline.com/board/general-forum/value-alternatives-to-unaccredited-mbas-58288 


I am with you that the fees is beyond his current budget and sorry I forgot to add in the fee aspect. However, there are few aspects which will be quite beneficial for him and it includes Circular Economy and the research supported by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Tutor Support and yes flexibility. 

Having said so guiding the right MBA program needs evaluation of your profile, industry and even your interest area.

My only suggestion is do not fall for Unaccredited B Schools or some phony institutions.

All the best 

[quote]Because Bradford costs double the other person's budget, at $26,000, that's not a helpful suggestion.&nbsp;<br><br>Other options are discussed at https://findmbaonline.com/board/general-forum/value-alternatives-to-unaccredited-mbas-58288&nbsp; [/quote]<br><br>I am with you that the fees is beyond his current budget and sorry I forgot to add in the fee aspect. However, there are few aspects which will be quite beneficial for him and it includes Circular Economy and the research supported by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Tutor Support and yes flexibility.&nbsp;<br><br>Having said so guiding the right MBA program needs evaluation of your profile, industry and even your interest area.<br><br>My only suggestion is do not fall for Unaccredited B Schools or some phony institutions.<br><br>All the best&nbsp;
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Duncan

Do you have any suggestions that answer the other person's criteria? 

Do you have any suggestions that answer the other person's criteria?&nbsp;
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