Hello all,

I've been lurking on this website for quite a while and this is my first time posting. My question is kind of general and I would love to hear everyone's input regarding it.

I am a civil engineer and I've been working in the family small/medium construction business in the GCC for 5 years now as a project engineer, I've done well in my role however I want to make a change. I started a small online brand with a university friend and it's going relatively ok and would like to build on it but I feel lacking in terms of marketing/brand building knowledge/experience.

My main aim from a master's/MBA is to get a job working in a reputable eCommerce/online DTC company so I can develop my skills so I can come back and continue developing my small business.

Would an MBA or a marketing masters or neither be best for my goals?

I took the GMAT right before Covid and scored a 710. My GPA is 2.43

I'm looking at Imperial, City, Bocconi, Warwick, IE, and Rotterdam. I may be aiming too high on some of them but I'm relying on my GMAT and experience to prop up my profile a bit.

I'm not looking at US universities as I don't have a green card or citizenship and feel employment post graduation is near impossible there.

Hi, well your GMAT will help despite your low GPA. In this way, you should really have a stellar motivation letter to explain your low GPA and explain that you have matured (now you are capable of getting high grades and know what you want). 
Well, before giving an answer on which university I recommend, can you answer these questions. Where are you from, which languages do you speak and do you know which country/countries you would like to work post graduation? 
Thanks :)

[Edited by Andy776 on Oct 24, 2021]

Hi, well your GMAT will help despite your low GPA. In this way, you should really have a stellar motivation letter to explain your low GPA and explain that you have matured (now you are capable of getting high grades and know what you want). 
Well, before giving an answer on which university I recommend, can you answer these questions. Where are you from, which languages do you speak and do you know which country/countries you would like to work post graduation? 
Thanks :)

Do you really think that Dubai-based multinationals go to IE and RSM to recruit? Read: How to use LinkedIn to find the best school www.find-mba.com/board/33571
 

Thank you for your answers.

Well, I don't think IE and Bocconi are the best fit for you. You do not speak Spanish or Italian and Dubai is not one the areas in the world they are strong. I would also not recommend Hult as they have "strange" and "aggressive" tactics of recruitment including putting pressure and giving huge tuition discounts to convince students.... 

I would either go to Rotterdam, Warwick or Imperial. Rotterdam has historically had solid relationships with multinational corporations. Warwick and Imperial would also be very good options as the UK is highly valued in Dubai. However, it is to be noted that Imperial is a relatively new business school with far less alumni than the two. 

On the negatives of the other two: Warwick is located in Coventry, which is not so much fun. Similarly, Rotterdam is not as fun as Amsterdam.

But then, it depends on you and what you want. When making choices you necessarily need to make choices and trade-offs. I can recommend you to ask yourself the following questions: how much do I want to spend, what type of experience do I want to get and how much culture shock do I want?

Hope I could help in some way and would be glad to answer any other questions should you have any.

[Edited by Andy776 on Oct 25, 2021]

Rotterdam is way better than Coventry. 

The strongest schools in the UAE are the ones with campuses in the region: Birmingham, Bradford, City, HEC, Insead, LBS, Manchester, and Strathclyde. I think may be better options. 

I forgot all about the Linkedin method, a through look into the programs I have in mind & more clarity on my goals is needed to better align myself.

As Andy pointed out the location has a lot of weight when it comes to the decision making process more so for me since my wife and child will be accompanying me so housing, child care, activities..etc all should be looked at.

Thank you all for the insight and advice.

From the family perspective, I think there are many advantages to being outside a capital: 

Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, and Strathclyde are affordable, and Birmingham has the best climate and the most pleasant campus. You might see which of these schools gives you the best ability to take electives at their campus in Dubai.