Hi everyone,


Just a post for advice on which route to take. I'm working in aviation over 20 years and looking for a change of career and to propel into a better position, perhaps even start my own business preferably in S.E Asia like Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand. Aviation is a tiny market, so I'm looking to expand my horizons. Anyhow, I'm fluctuating between an MBA (online) and the MSC withh HEC in innovation and entrepreneurship. I'm just not sure that either with give enough "oomph" to secure a position later. I'm an expat (UK) living in Central Asia. Also, I'm a single male, 41 yo.





Thank you 

[Edited by Richard Barrett on Jan 12, 2023]

I have done an LLM online and currently working on my MBA with face to face workshops. In terms of building a network and sharing experiences I have found the face to face elements invaluable and it made me realise how much I missed out during my LLM. Of course everyone has their own reasons for choice of course, I just want to share what I learnt from both perspectives especially as the network will help when setting up your own business.

[Edited by MBA podcaster on Jan 12, 2023]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I'm leaning towards the Maastrict MBA as it is a good price, and involves interaction weeks on campus. I think the Dutch are a pragmatic people in general and offer value for money. 

I assume you mean the MSM MBA rather than the University of Maastricht. Do either of these schools have notable alumni networks in your target countries? I would consider online options with teaching hubs in south-east Asia (many of which are also run in the Gulf, which could be easier for you to get to). Bradford, Cass, Manchester, SMU, Strathclyde etc come to mind. If you could attend in block weeks, the Nottingham MBA in Malaysia could be an optionn

I assume you mean the MSM MBA rather than the University of Maastricht. Do either of these schools have notable alumni networks in your target countries? I would consider online options with teaching hubs in south-east Asia (many of which are also run in the Gulf, which could be easier for you to get to). Bradford, Cass, Manchester, SMU, Strathclyde etc come to mind. If you could attend in block weeks, the Nottingham MBA in Malaysia could be an optionn

[Edited by Richard Barrett on Jan 15, 2023]

Could you be making a rather sweeping generalisation about UK MBAs on the basis of your limited personal experience? It's hard to explain the self-evident outcomes of top UK MBAs if you think these are weak programmes. 

The Nottingham MBA does have tripple accreditation. As I explained, it is taught in short blocks both in Malaysia and Singapore. 

Is it really a weakness if a school is focussed on serving students in south-east Asia? You want to work there. A school with relationships with employers in the region and a more extensive alumni network could be an asset. 

I think you need to focus on the reality that business schools generally serve profoundly local labour markets. Few employers care if a school they are unaware of is triple accredited: this is more or a signal to applicants and international faculty than to employers. MSM might be economical, but it could offer poor value to money if it doesn't have a better than average alignment to your goals. 

Could you be making a rather sweeping generalisation about UK MBAs on the basis of your limited personal experience? It's hard to explain the self-evident outcomes of top UK MBAs if you think these are weak programmes. 

The Nottingham MBA does have tripple accreditation. As I explained, it is taught in short blocks both in Malaysia and Singapore. 

Is it really a weakness if a school is focussed on serving students in south-east Asia? You want to work there. A school with relationships with employers in the region and a more extensive alumni network could be an asset. 

I think you need to focus on the reality that business schools generally serve profoundly local labour markets. Few employers care if a school they are unaware of is triple accredited: this is more or a signal to applicants and international faculty than to employers. MSM might be economical, but it could offer poor value to money if it doesn't have a better than average alignment to your goals. 

[Edited by Richard Barrett on Jan 15, 2023]

What about Cass disappointed you specifically? The admissions, administration, teaching, cohort, assessment or resources? 

What about Cass disappointed you specifically? The admissions, administration, teaching, cohort, assessment or resources? 

[Edited by Richard Barrett on Jan 16, 2023]

As an alumnus, I think Bayes/Cass is quite different from the rest of City. A large part of City is focussed on serving the NHS, and much of the undergraduate education is not highly selective. Bayes on the other hand has much higher fees, way better resources, and a much higher standard of research. 

Maybe Manchester in Singapore is a better option? 

As an alumnus, I think Bayes/Cass is quite different from the rest of City. A large part of City is focussed on serving the NHS, and much of the undergraduate education is not highly selective. Bayes on the other hand has much higher fees, way better resources, and a much higher standard of research. 

Maybe Manchester in Singapore is a better option? 

I think you might be underestimating the value of having a school with an active alumni network in the region where you want to work. There are so many schools in the region with online programmes or hybrid programmes. 

I attended my first Manchester alumni event in December and it was a fantastic networking opportunity, something very important to me.

I think you might be underestimating the value of having a school with an active alumni network in the region where you want to work. There are so many schools in the region with online programmes or hybrid programmes. 

I attended my first Manchester alumni event in December and it was a fantastic networking opportunity, something very important to me.