Hi everyone



I would appreciate some advice please.

I am a 42 year old Nigerian-British Doctor . I qualified in 2004 and practiced as an emergency doctor for 8 years before becoming a GP ( family physician ) 5 years ago

I am also a property investor which I have done informally since 2011 but set up my Property Investment company last year . I have a small team of builders and admin staff and the long term goal is to build the company up to provide social housing in the UK and possibly set up something similar in Nigeria . I have also run a few businesses in beauty and fashion with my wife which unfortunately we had to wind down



I envisage that I will leave the NHS in the next 5 year ( or sooner) to work full time for myself. I would also like to set up a not for profit organisation or join one after leaving the NHS.



I am considering an Executive MBA next year. My goals are :



1. Networking with a diverse group of peers and learning from them as much as possible .

2. Learning more about business, the language ,culture , strategy and analysis of business.

3. Equip myself for my planned change of industry .



In an ideal world my preferred options would be LBS or Cambridge . However considering the fact that I would most likely be self funding I was considering Manchester or Warwick as cheaper but decent alternatives.

So my question is :



1. Do you think that the extra £40000+ for LBS and Cambridge is a justifiable expense as I would not be looking for  job  or looking to advance further in my current job.

2. I was considering taking the Executive assessment instead of the GMAT . Would that place me at a disadvantage ?

3. What are my chances of getting into the schools above with my background ? What do I need to do to improve my chances of being accepted?



Thanks in Advance

[Edited by Zimmy on Jun 15, 2020]

I am an LBS EMBA graduate.  I left another program to join LBS. I think the added cost is tiny compared to the better classmates, wider LBS cohort in electives and alumni network. Coffee is sadly not better. 

If you habitually resident in the UK so look at the MBA and MSc apprenticeship degrees which are 95% or 100% government funded. The Cranfield MBA and Manchester MSc stand out. They will lose funding soon so grab them if you qualify. 

PS You have a rare background and an interesting mission. As long as your gmat is over 600, schools will want you. 

[Edited by Duncan on Jun 16, 2020]

PS Manchester has a webinar tomorrow about the MSc. https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/events/apprenticeships-at-alliance-mbs-webinar-17-june-2020/?gator_td=0Vs3zYVLq2J3TT7wtRpuxk7%2bpBiWYRCrkDWdADfsHsgt2b99fqn9BqBvV4xIsOjIuQgJuc%2fvPHzIDl8G7Zyq55TmntJTmJ1CZcc6r2Ki5BfFwR0S17E4CaehdwW2WgXRD11L%2bjhYQEepf7v%2bxWY%2bE9qjQwJwsy8zwYL6wFuRFEHij2%2fmIU8CiD6KLUmdaQleF4ABcq%2bCsehAF9%2bTzv7wc9mwvGYNeKcIXRYoAoogCHc%3d

Thank you Duncan 

Do you feel the GMAT confers any advantage over the executive assessment  when considering candidates for admission especially at the top business schools?

My two cents: the has to be. The GMAT is a more accurate assessment, because it's more extensive. There must also be  a high level of self-selection. Executives who take the GMAT are better prepared and are more likely to accept an offer. 

[Edited by StuartHE on Jun 16, 2020]

PS Manchester has a webinar tomorrow about the MSc. https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/events/apprenticeships-at-alliance-mbs-webinar-17-june-2020/?gator_td=0Vs3zYVLq2J3TT7wtRpuxk7%2bpBiWYRCrkDWdADfsHsgt2b99fqn9BqBvV4xIsOjIuQgJuc%2fvPHzIDl8G7Zyq55TmntJTmJ1CZcc6r2Ki5BfFwR0S17E4CaehdwW2WgXRD11L%2bjhYQEepf7v%2bxWY%2bE9qjQwJwsy8zwYL6wFuRFEHij2%2fmIU8CiD6KLUmdaQleF4ABcq%2bCsehAF9%2bTzv7wc9mwvGYNeKcIXRYoAoogCHc%3d

If you are self-employed in the UK, then set up a company or use an umbrella company, Then that company can sponsor you. The company will need to contribute 5% of the £18000 levy amount]. 

Thank you for this. I'll speak to my accountant. I hope it's not too late to join the scheme

If you are self-employed you should certainly set up a company for the tax advantages alone. 

If you are self-employed you should certainly set up a company for the tax advantages alone. 

[Edited by aslamo on Oct 28, 2020]