Hi,



I'm currently 37 and have been at senior management/director level in a range of corporates over the past 10 years. I'm looking at the merits of doing an MBA to provide more breadth to my knowledge of executive mgmt as well as position me for making the jump from a senior corporate manager to an EXCO candidate of a FTSE 250/100 business.



Can I ask,

- Is an exec MBA worth doing at 37 considering my above goals?

- Is Manchester Global Part-Time MBA a good course, respected by the FTSE 250/100 community? (I live and work in Manchester and am an alumni of MBS Bsc). If not, where do you think would be a better fit for me to complete an Exec MBA programme?



Thanks in advance for your help.

[Edited by Matt_C on Sep 19, 2020]

I was only a bit younger than you when I completed my EMBA. It was the best choice I could have made. It's a great choice for the ExCo, and the network is really powerful. Better courses have better students and better brand equity.

The Global MBA is not an EMBA. It's a part-time MBA with a very range of seniority. The design is excellent and, if you are in Manchester, it's a very easy choice to take it or the MSc in management practice at MBS (since that's free for the next intake). 

The Global MBA is aimed at functional managers moving into general management, not senior managers moving into board roles. For that, you should consider a serious investment in a programme aimed at senior managers. Most of these are EMBAs offered in London, like Chicago, ESCP, LBS and LSE/Trium. If you are aiming at UK firms, LBS the best of these options. 

[Edited by Duncan on Sep 19, 2020]

Great advice - thank you, Duncan. Much appreciated.

It's a shame as I live in Manchester and it would obviously be more logistically convenient to study in Manchester.  However, its the course and outcome that's important - I'll get researching LBS. 

Last question, even if I achieve my goal and jump to exco level - is £98k really a prudent investment when ill be nearly 40 when graduating?  I was looking at £30k in MBS (and was to receive a 20% discount due to previously studying there too!) which I was clearly more comfortable with.  £98k is a significant investment to make.

[Edited by Matt_C on Sep 19, 2020]

Sorry, one more question!  What do you think of Oxford SAID school and Cambridge Judge Schools?  I see they both offer Exec MBAs and I presume Oxford/Cambridge would hold significant cachet with business in terms of elevating to board positions?

[Edited by Matt_C on Sep 19, 2020]

I think the extra investment produces a huge extra left in outcomes. Oxbridge has a great reputation but if you compare the programs and business school networks you will see LBS is a stronger offer. However, Oxford is really convenient and right by the station. 

Great advice - thank you, Duncan. Much appreciated.

It's a shame as I live in Manchester and it would obviously be more logistically convenient to study in Manchester.  However, its the course and outcome that's important - I'll get researching LBS. 

Last question, even if I achieve my goal and jump to exco level - is £98k really a prudent investment when ill be nearly 40 when graduating?  I was looking at £30k in MBS (and was to receive a 20% discount due to previously studying there too!) which I was clearly more comfortable with.  £98k is a significant investment to make.