All,

I?m considering Cass EMBA, but would appreciate your advice on the programme.

My Background:
- Over 13 years experience within Financial Services
- Finance professional
- Currently working in the city
- 34 years old

My Goals:
- Need an MBA to augment my experience and broaden my horizon.
- Keen to use the MBA as a vehicle for professional and personal development
- Wish to remain within Finance, but also considering the possibility of starting own consulting firm.
- Require an internationally recognised MBA programme ? a programme recognised beyond the UK, specifically in Africa.


Constraints:
- Low GMAT
- The programme must be in London

Other than LBS, which is highly unlikely due to my low GMAT, Cass is the next alternative for me. However, I'm very confused with some of the negative comments I have read on this forum and on the Internet (e.g. The Student Room)re the quality, value and international recognition of the programme.

Given the enormous investment requirement of this programme ? time (application process, and the programme itself), and financial (£42,000 tuition and other ancillary expenses), I though I?d come here to seek advice beforehand.

My questions are:
- Is the programme really that bad?
- Why does it remain one of the top 5 EMBA (according to the recent FT ranking) programmes if it?s that bad?
- Is the programme recognised beyond the shores of UK?
- What's the job prospect for graduates of this programme?
- I did a quick search on LinkedIn but couldn't many Cass Alumni, who occupy top positions in top companies; can anyone please educate me on this?
- Does McKinsey, for instance, recruit from Cass MBA?
- What?s the ROI on this programme?
- Can any previous alumni provide a brief sypnosis of their experience on this programme, and most importantly how employers regarded their qualification from Cass?

Thank you in advance.

I'm also confused: why are you targetting Cass if you have a low GMAT? Both Cass and LBS ask for a 600 GMAT for the EMBA, and I guess their average scores will be 630-650. If you able to attend Cass then you should certainly apply to LBS since you have international aspirations.

My questions are:
- Is the programme really that bad?
Probably not. The FT rankings give a good idea of how it's doing: neither great nor terrible considering the rather limited work experience of the cohort.

- Why does it remain one of the top 5 EMBA (according to the recent FT ranking) programmes if it?s that bad?
Strong salary growth; high salaries on the way in of City workers

- Is the programme recognised beyond the shores of UK?
By whom? Pretty good in the City.

- What's the job prospect for graduates of this programme?
Similar to other EMBAs

- I did a quick search on LinkedIn but couldn't many Cass Alumni, who occupy top positions in top companies; can anyone please educate me on this?
Small school. Not many: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cass_Business_School#Notable_alumni

- Does McKinsey, for instance, recruit from Cass MBA?
Not in the way it does at LBS etc. See http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/join_us/university_recruiting

- What?s the ROI on this programme?
Pretty good: 63% salary growth according to the FT

- Can any previous alumni provide a brief synopsis of their experience on this programme, and most importantly how employers regarded their qualification from Cass?
I suggest you ask some Cass EMBA alumni. Find them on LinkedIn, but remember that this will only give you feedback from those who have invested in Cass. It might be better to speak to some recruiters in your sector.

Duncan, thanks for the the comprehensive response - much appreciated.

1) I'm not very clear with your comment 'If you able to attend Cass then you should certainly apply to LBS since you have international aspirations' Do you mean if I'm applying to Cass; then I should consider applying to LBS too?

2) 'Probably not'? Duncan, I think you are being a bit neutral here. I value your insight and knowledge on this topic. So, please what do you really think of the programme based your expertise in this field. Bad? Poor? Great? And why?

3) 'Limited work experience of the cohort' - Please Duncan you mind elaborating a bit on this point?

4) 'Is the programme recognised beyond the shores of UK'? I meant is it recognised by employers internationally e.g. in Africa.

5) 'Similar to any EMBAs'? Does this mean the school does not matter then? Would the job prospect at Cass be at par with LBS EMBA job prospect for instance?

6) Would you suggest I retake the GMAT?

Muchas Gracias ;)

1. Yes, apply to LBS.

2. Clearly it's a strong school. If students are happy, that's because of both real experiences and expectations. Strong schools get things wrong, but not hugely wrong. So, we can assume that expecations are inflated. Considering the high salary outcome, I think the programme is probably working as planned, but not meeting demanding expectations. People want a LBS/Chicago/Insead experience for a Cass price, perhaps.

3. See the FT EMBA rankings. Cass EMBA participants have less work experience.

4. No, I don't think Cass is well known in Africa.

5. Generally EMBAs work out pretty well. Cass performs similarly well to other FT-ranked EMBAs. Of course there are exceptional EMBAs, more global EMBAs, and the FT EMBA ranking shows that. Cass is on a par with its peers.

6. Yes, certainly retake the GMAT. You'll find the EMBA easier if you improve it, and it's a good sign to schools.

I'd also consider other programmes with a base in Africa. Chicago comes to mind. I'd also look at the CEIBS EMBA in Africa, which is commutable.