Hi,

I am 43 year old and worked in Manufacturing operations in Semiconductors for 18 years . I have Bachelors degree in Production Engineering. I wanted to work in Finance/Consulting, so I did EMBA(Finance) from SP Jain Singapore in 2010. I realise its not possible to switch even after EMBA as I have to compete with full time MBA's. Now I want to do full time MBA in Finance , but since I am already 43, I am not sure which schools will still consider 40 plus for full time. Although there is not guarantee I can switch my career into finance and consulting, but I still want to give a last try. Which are the schools I should focus in US and outside US. Please advice .
Thanks

If an EMBA did not do this for you, how will an MBA do it? How you considered the applications in finance or consulting of your existing operations knowledge? Why not move as an experienced hire into those fields?

Are you still in Singapore? Why not take a masters in finance?

Duncan makes some valid points. Your profile (somebody who has already done a high-level management degree, and how has over 15 years of experience) is not typical of those who enroll in full-time MBA programs, and as such the schools will most likely ask you these very critical questions: why a full-time MBA, and why now?

And even more, since your past management degree had a focus in finance, I'm not sure that another degree in the same field would add more value to your profile. If your goal is to network, or to build leadership skills, etc., there are other options - perhaps targeted executive education courses would beef-up your profile a bit?

If an EMBA did not do this for you, how will an MBA do it? How you considered the applications in finance or consulting of your existing operations knowledge? Why not move as an experienced hire into those fields?

Are you still in Singapore? Why not take a masters in finance?
I have good knowledge of operations in Semiconductors, and I want to join a consulting firm to help clients to transform operations , mainly in field of productivity and financial efficiency. Most of the consulting companies hire MBA direct from schools. I have written to few of them but in vain. Yes, I am still in Singapore . The reason I want to pursue as it would cover wider field and may help me move to consulting.

I think you should consider the Nanyang Fellows programme: that's aimed at people your age, and the Waseda-Nanjang programme (http://www.nanyangmba.ntu.edu.sg/programme/full-time-programs/nanyang-waseda-double-mba/) which is focused on technology, and then also look at specialist programmes in operations (I know there's a good one in Hong Kong which UC Berkeley supports). But above all else, I suggest you hire a careers advisor. Consulting is a very wide field. If you are a credible experienced hire in operations management, then start speaking to people who are operations consultants and they their suggestions/ I don't think most of those people will have MBAs, will they? Why finance? Are you looking at finance operations? Surely that's technology optimisation, not really OM...

Most of the consulting companies hire MBA direct from schools.

I don't know if this is true. And even if it is, why not leverage SP Jain's network?

BTW Duncan's suggestion on the Nanyang Fellows program is a good one.

Most of the consulting companies hire MBA direct from schools.

This is such a general statement that it doesn't mean much. Consulting companies hire from different places, and they hire associates from top MBA programmes. An experienced hire with an MBA does not fit into an associate program because they would be more valuable as an experienced hire, and unsettled as an associate on a par with people in their 20s.

You need to focus on the role you want, and speak with people in that role.

Most of the consulting companies hire MBA direct from schools.

I don't know if this is true. And even if it is, why not leverage SP Jain's network?

BTW Duncan's suggestion on the Nanyang Fellows program is a good one.

Ralph and Duncan,
I will try for Nanyang fellow Program. In the meantime I would also see if any consulting firms are hiring experienced consultants.

Duncan, you mention hiring career advisors, could give some more details? And also if you know any good career advisors ,do let me know . Thanks

Hi Bobby, well, I am a careers coach specifically for MBA applicants, students and graduates. You can read a little about my approach on my profile page and on my website which is linked from there. I'd suggest you contact your undergraduate alma mater's careers team: they may have careers advisory services for alumni, or be able to recommend a careers advisor to you.

Either way, I think careers advisors often use career aptitude tests like Harvard's Career Leader solution to help you see where your skills will lead you to the most satisfying career. They they coach you through the process of setting goals and working towards them.

Hi Duncan,

I am a hotel management graduate, after working for four years in customer service with Marriott in india, I joined a cruise line in the UK, and worked with them for another ten years. However due to economic conditions in Europe and small size of the company, there is not much growth (three promotions over the decade) but the salary has been good. Now I face kind of mid career crisis. Also the Hotel management qualification does not help me get in to other sectors. I am a manager and handle a team of 10, I have mostly worked in Customer service, Finance, Logistics and administration. I have traveled all over the world and have worked in a multicultural workforce (29 nationalities). Do you think an MBA would help me in a career switch. I am not open to an Executive MBA and would rather go for a full time one. Please can you suggest me a suitable college?s As of now I have been offered admission for SP Jain Global MBA.

An MBA would certainly help you. I recommend getting into accredited, respected business schools with summer internships. If you want to change career, look at the schools that are best for the career direction you want to take: http://www.find-mba.com/specializations

An MBA would certainly help you. I recommend getting into accredited, respected business schools with summer internships. If you want to change career, look at the schools that are best for the career direction you want to take: http://www.find-mba.com/specializations

Hi Duncan
Thank you for your advise. However I am thinking of moving from hospitality to luxury goods/retail. Will an MSC in Luxury market from University of Monaco would be good enough. I am not willing to spend more than $80K on my education. However if you can suggest better options, I would be obliged.

Take a look at http://www.find-mba.com/board/24603

Take a look at http://www.find-mba.com/board/24603

Hi Duncan,
The discussions on Luxury have given me the inside story and it would not meet my career goals. However keeping in mind my long hospitality background and international exposure, I have now added either general management or Marketing to my specialization. However my qualification ( 3 year Diploma in hotel management) does limit me, for instance IE Business school - Spain and IMD Switzerland have declined my profile based on the same. I have HEC Paris in mind but I can barely speak french. When looking at Spain the economy does not seem inviting enough, plus my Spanish is not up to the business level. I also read the discussions on schools in non English speaking countries and it made me rule out Scandinavian Schools. Do you think my research is going in the right direction? Which other schools are within the reach of my budget ($80K)? Please guide me.
Thanks

It sounds like you need to focus more on clarifying your goals.