Should I pursue MBA with my goals stated? Which University and Types of Program?

Gwen

3 5

Posted Jul 09, 2021 22:50

Hi all,

I would like to take your advice if I should (a) study MBA and if yes, (b) should I do a part time MBA in Malaysia, study online MBA from foreign countries, or (c) full time MBA in a foreign country such as Singapore, Paris, UK, US and Germany.

Here are some background about myself:
(1) 30 year-old female
(2) More than 5 years' experience in IT field.
(3) I work in a swiss based MNC
(4) Started GMAT preparation since 2-3 years ago but lack of commitment. Last CAT practice result in June 2021 was about 620.

My career goals:
(1) I would like to work in a blooming and exciting industry, in my opinion, FinTech would be an option. Other than that, I am generally fine with working in a software product company.
(2) I would like to pursue leadership role such as Digital Product Owner, Product Manager, or Manager of Product Owners.
(3) Examples: Banks, eWallet, DigiBank, and of course big companies like FB which seems to be out of my reach. I would like to work in a firm, which has positive culture which helps every individual to grow.
(4) I would like to work outside of Malaysia and earn much more than today.

Back to the question, the dilemma is mainly because of the ROI. Will MBA help me to achieve my goals? What kind of programs would be suitable - online, part time, full time? From the financial perspective, doing a local part time program will be the best, however, I have a doubt if it adds value to me at all. If I study full time in Singapore, such as NUS, would that help? Should I aim for M7 and other QS Top MBA ranking universities?

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Cheers,
Gwen

[Edited by Gwen on Jul 18, 2021]

Hi all,<br><br>
I would like to take your advice if I should (a) study MBA and if yes, (b) should I do a part time MBA in Malaysia, study online MBA from foreign countries, or (c) full time MBA in a foreign country such as Singapore, Paris, UK, US and Germany.<br><br>
Here are some background about myself:<br>(1) 30 year-old female<br>(2) More than 5 years' experience in IT field.<br>(3) I work in a swiss based MNC<br>(4) Started GMAT preparation since 2-3 years ago but lack of commitment. Last CAT practice result in June 2021 was about 620.<br><br>My career goals:<br>(1) I would like to work in a blooming and exciting industry, in my opinion, FinTech would be an option. Other than that, I am generally fine with working in a software product company.<br>(2) I would like to pursue leadership role such as Digital Product Owner, Product Manager, or Manager of Product Owners.<br>(3) Examples: Banks, eWallet, DigiBank, and of course big companies like FB which seems to be out of my reach. I would like to work in a firm, which has positive culture which helps every individual to grow.<br>(4) I would like to work outside of Malaysia and earn much more than today.<br><br>Back to the question, the dilemma is mainly because of the ROI. Will MBA help me to achieve my goals? What kind of programs would be suitable - online, part time, full time? From the financial perspective, doing a local part time program will be the best, however, I have a doubt if it adds value to me at all. If I study full time in Singapore, such as NUS, would that help? Should I aim for M7 and other QS Top MBA ranking universities?<br><br>I am looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.<br><br>
<br>Cheers,<br>Gwen

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Duncan

14.007 15.473

Posted Jul 10, 2021 01:57

I'm not sure why you think an MBA is needed.

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Gwen

3 5

Posted Jul 10, 2021 08:40

I'm not sure why you think an MBA is needed.

Hi Duncan,

Thanks for the quick response. These are the reasons:
(1) I would like to increase the breadth of knowledge in Business Administration such as Finance, Marketing, HR, Economics. (I do not deny that I also need to put more focus on the depth of certain topics such as Product Management, Industry knowledge, it is the matter of sequence which should I do first).

(2) I would like to work in a foreign country and in the industry and companies stated. However, I do not have any experience in the FinTech domain / Software Product companies.

(3) The current job scope is more IT internal facing than business / marketing facing. That means what I am doing is deciding the "how" of delivering something rather than deciding "what" to be delivered. The current industry is manufacturing.

(4) I would like to close my gaps in leadership and strategic capability, to be able to define and decide the right things to do.
Cheers,Gwen

[Edited by Gwen on Jul 10, 2021]

[quote]I'm not sure why you think an MBA is needed.  [/quote]<br><br>Hi Duncan,<br><br><div>Thanks for the quick response. These are the reasons:</div><br><div>(1) I would like to increase the breadth of knowledge in Business Administration such as Finance, Marketing, HR, Economics. (I do not deny that I also need to put more focus on the depth of certain topics such as Product Management, Industry knowledge, it is the matter of sequence which should I do first).</div><br><br><div>(2) I would like to work in a foreign country and in the industry and companies stated. However, I do not have any experience in the FinTech domain / Software Product companies.</div><br><br><div>(3) The current job scope is more IT internal facing than business / marketing facing. That means what I am doing is deciding the "how" of delivering something rather than deciding "what" to be delivered. The current industry is manufacturing.</div><br><br><div>(4) I would like to close my gaps in leadership and strategic capability, to be able to define and decide the right things to do.</div><div><br>Cheers,</div>Gwen

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Duncan

14.007 15.473

Posted Jul 10, 2021 11:53

That makes sense. It would help if you could focus on a specific country or conurbation. Take a look at

GMAT Tiers - strong schools for your GMAT www.find-mba.com/board/27082
Best MBAs for international students' placement http://www.find-mba.com/board/41143
How to use LinkedIn to find the best school www.find-mba.com/board/33571

That makes sense. It would help if you could focus on a specific country or conurbation.  Take a look at <br><br>GMAT Tiers - strong schools for your GMAT www.find-mba.com/board/27082<div><br></div><div>Best MBAs for international students' placement http://www.find-mba.com/board/41143</div><div><br></div><div>How to use LinkedIn to find the best school www.find-mba.com/board/33571</div>

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Gwen

3 5

Posted Jul 10, 2021 13:25

Hi Duncan,

Thanks for sharing the useful links. These give me a more targeted information and one step ahead for my decision.
I am considering the countries below:
(1) Singapore
Pros: Have good education quality. The MBA fees in NUS / NTU is 3 times lower than Insead campus in SG. That is quite tempting. Working in Singapore after graduation could help to recover the expenses for the study as the possibility of saving money after expenses and taxes are high. Cons: similar climate and cultural environment to Malaysia, that means do not getopportunity to learn new culture and experience many new things.

(2) Europe (Germany, Paris)
Germany
Pros: I am used to German working culture. Berlin seems to be multicultural, dynamic, and open minded, which would be more friendly to foreigners.Cons: Not sure of the reputation of the German MBA and if the course structure is kept up to date to the digital age.
Paris
Pro: There are a couple of good schools like HEC, Insead etc.Cons: Language barrier to live there, the barrier would be greater than Germany.

(3) USA and UK used to be my options, but I am afraid they are not so friendly for international placements after graduation. Correct me if I am wrong. The reason of considering USA is mainly because there are many tech companies.

Priorities: International placement after graduation to the job I like (internal and external factors), ROI, explore new culture.

W.r.t the last post about LinkedIn, I did a quick search on MBA FinTech, the top schools are Insead, Wharton, Said, LBS and Harvard. I have also modified the search with other keywords MBA Digital Product, and the results are Kellogg, NYU Stern, Wharton, IE and Insead.
From the international placement posts, the universities which have caught my eyes are Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore, Insead, Mannheim Business School and London Business School.

Do you think I have an objective view on the choices? What would be your recommendation?

Since I am looking for an optimum option, I am asking myself why not open up option like taking an Online MBA from a reputable school such as IE and Imperial BS from Malaysia and occasionally meet my cohort in the origin country for a week. What is your view on this?
Thanks again.

Best,

Gwen

[Edited by Gwen on Jul 10, 2021]

<div>Hi Duncan,<br></div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for sharing the useful links. These give me a more targeted information and one step ahead for my decision.</div><div><br></div><div>I am considering the countries below: </div><br><div>(1) Singapore</div><br><div>Pros: Have good education quality. The MBA fees in NUS / NTU is 3 times lower than Insead campus in SG. That is quite tempting. Working in Singapore after graduation could help to recover the expenses for the study as the possibility of saving money after expenses and taxes are high. </div><div>Cons: similar climate and cultural environment to Malaysia, that means do not get</div><div>opportunity to learn new culture and experience many new things. </div><br><br><div>(2) Europe (Germany, Paris)</div><br><div>Germany</div><br><div>Pros: I am used to German working culture. Berlin seems to be multicultural, dynamic, and open minded, which would be more friendly to foreigners.</div><div>Cons: Not sure of the reputation of the German MBA and if the course structure is kept up to date to the digital age.</div><br><div>Paris</div><br><div>Pro: There are a couple of good schools like HEC, Insead etc.</div><div>Cons: Language barrier to live there, the barrier would be greater than Germany.</div><br><br><div>(3) USA and UK used to be my options, but I am afraid they are not so friendly for international placements after graduation. Correct me if I am wrong. The reason of considering USA is mainly because there are many tech companies. </div><br><br><div>Priorities: International placement after graduation to the job I like (internal and external factors), ROI, explore new culture.</div><br><br><div>W.r.t the last post about LinkedIn, I did a quick search on MBA FinTech, the top schools are Insead, Wharton, Said, LBS and Harvard. I have also modified the search with other keywords MBA Digital Product, and the results are Kellogg, NYU Stern, Wharton, IE and Insead.</div><div><br></div><div>From the international placement posts, the universities which have caught my eyes are Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore, Insead, Mannheim Business School and London Business School.</div><br><br><br><div>Do you think I have an objective view on the choices? What would be your recommendation?</div><br><br><div>Since I am looking for an optimum option, I am asking myself why not open up option like taking an Online MBA from a reputable school such as IE and Imperial BS from Malaysia and occasionally meet my cohort in the origin country for a week. What is your view on this?</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks again.<br><br><br>
</div><div><br></div><div>Best,<br><br>Gwen<br></div>

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Duncan

14.007 15.473

Posted Jul 10, 2021 16:52

Europe is not one labour market. You will be limited to suboptimal choices unless you can focus more.

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Inactive User

2.941 1.801

Posted Jul 13, 2021 20:43

Since I am looking for an optimum option, I am asking myself why not open up option like taking an Online MBA from a reputable school such as IE and Imperial BS from Malaysia and occasionally meet my cohort in the origin country for a week. What is your view on this?

If you are seriously considering a major geographic shift (to a new country), this would not be an optimal choice.

You should instead focus on one country where you want to work, a country where you ideally speak the local language to a fluent degree, and then decide on a program. A full-time, in-class MBA will lead to broader career shifts (like to a new country and / or a new industry), compared to most other options.

Language will be key. I suggest sticking to the places where you already speak the local language to a fluent degree. For the US, H1B issues might be a concern, but in terms of visa issues, the UK, Ireland, or Singapore (not to mention Canada or Australia) are fairly good choices for many international students.

[quote]Since I am looking for an optimum option, I am asking myself why not open up option like taking an Online MBA from a reputable school such as IE and Imperial BS from Malaysia and occasionally meet my cohort in the origin country for a week. What is your view on this?[/quote]<br>If you are seriously considering a major geographic shift (to a new country), this would not be an optimal choice. <br><br>You should instead focus on one country where you want to work, a country where you ideally speak the local language to a fluent degree, and then decide on a program. A full-time, in-class MBA will lead to broader career shifts (like to a new country and / or a new industry), compared to most other options. <br><br>Language will be key. I suggest sticking to the places where you already speak the local language to a fluent degree. For the US, H1B issues might be a concern, but in terms of visa issues, the UK, Ireland, or Singapore (not to mention Canada or Australia) are fairly good choices for many international students. 

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Gwen

3 5

Posted Jul 18, 2021 20:22

For the US, H1B issues might be a concern, but in terms of visa issues, the UK, Ireland, or Singapore (not to mention Canada or Australia) are fairly good choices for many international students.

Thanks Duncan and MBA Hipster. You both talked about the focus on a specific country and language is the key. Considering the suggestion from MBA Hipster, I would say UK and Singapore are both good for me. I would rule out countries which are laid back such as Ireland and Canada. I am not too sure about Australia. I need to read up more about UK and Australia as I am not familiar with the labour market, salary package, life quality and etc. I personally knew two friends who studied Master degree in UK and they did not manage to get job placement after graduation. They graduated before the pandemic.
If you have more information, please share with me.

Otherwise, thank you very much for such a great help.

<div>[quote]For the US, H1B issues might be a concern, but in terms of visa issues, the UK, Ireland, or Singapore (not to mention Canada or Australia) are fairly good choices for many international students.  [/quote]<br></div><div><br>Thanks Duncan and MBA Hipster. You both talked about the focus on a specific country and language is the key. Considering the suggestion from MBA Hipster, I would say UK and Singapore are both good for me. I would rule out countries which are laid back such as Ireland and Canada. I am not too sure about Australia. I need to read up more about UK and Australia as I am not familiar with the labour market, salary package, life quality and etc. I personally knew two friends who studied Master degree in UK and they did not manage to get job placement after graduation. They graduated before the pandemic.</div><br>If you have more information, please share with me. <br><br>Otherwise, thank you very much for such a great help.<div>
</div><div>
</div>

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