Hello everyone,

While doing my MBA search on various schools, I came across an alumni who strongly suggested that it is sheer waste of money doing MBA in US because at the end of the course, an indian student does not get a placement. I am perturbed and I thought I could seek advice here. Also, I wanted to know if one year MBA would be better or a two year MBA. I have my Bachelor Degree from India and 5 year work experience in India. I want to work in the US because I am married here. I figured the only way I can work in the states, is if I do a course. I need some insight into these thoughts. I don't know how does it actually work in the US.

Thank you !

As a rule of thumb, Indian students will not find work in the US. Those who do are exceptional, and will have much more likely to have taken two-year MBAs at top schools.

Take a look at Tips from a European top 10 MBA in the US http://www.find-mba.com/board/39577

Thank you, Duncan !

It's hard to say without knowing the schools you are considering. In general, think about the following:

1. Am I competitive at ranked schools? Generally, foreign students have much better success in placements at top-tier schools - although there are no guarantees, getting an MBA from Haas, Stanford, Sloan, Harvard, etc. looks great, and the career resources at this class of school will serve you well.

2. As such, is there anything about my profile that sets me apart from other, similar applicants? Of course, as Indian applicants tend to be over-represented in top-tier b-school applications, you'll have to have a stellar GMAT score to even be considered; but you'll also have to look for other parts of your profile that might be interesting to b-school adcomms: do you have NGO experience or volunteer work on your resume? Or have you faced some difficult challenges in your life? These aspects will not only help you to get into a top-tier b-school, but also give you an edge - by setting you apart from the pack - when you're competing for jobs in the future.

3. How is my cultural fluency? Many Indian applicants overlook the importance of this. Of course, your English skills will have to be top-notch, but can you effectively network and make connections? Many students from India who do their MBAs in the US have backgrounds in information technology or engineering, two fields that don't exactly actively encourage the networking that it will take to get you a management-level job in the US.

Thank you, mbahipster. Appreciate your feedback. I have to do an MBA in Philadelphia (that's a restriction) and it leaves me with Wharton, Fox, Drexel and Smeal. I know Wharton is th best but they have a 2 year MBA. I wanted to know which is a better deal in US markets in terms of getting a job. A one year or a two year MBA. I have 5 plus work experience in India as a Lawyer. I am yet to take my GMAT.

If you want to change careers, then a two year MBA is usually better. Wharton is a great school.

Thanks a lot !!