Online MBA: Warwick vs U. of Manchester vs Imperial?

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Posted Mar 28, 2023 11:51

A bit of context: I am a Communications major with a specialization in Public Relations. For the past 12 years, I have worked in Shenzhen for several big tech firms, handling overseas PR. However, I am now considering a career change into consulting. While speaking to friends in the consulting industry, I discovered that an MBA, while not required, can be beneficial when applying for jobs at these firms. Therefore, I have decided to pursue an MBA, as I did not receive proper financial or business education during my undergraduate studies.

I have chosen to apply to these three schools for the following reasons:
1. Manchester and Imperial have a good reputation in Asia, particularly in China, and also have study centers in Shanghai and HK, which makes it convenient and affordable for me to attend face-to-face electives and workshops.

2. All three schools are within my budget, which is why I did not consider any US programs.

3. Lastly, the courses offered by these schools align with my interests, but overall Imperial offers more business and finance education that I have not received before.

However, I am curious about the reputation of these schools outside of Asia and the UK. Although they seem to be ranked well, I would like to hear from anyone who has experience with these MBA programs in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere. I would greatly appreciate any advice, comments, or feedback.

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Duncan

13.507 15.154

Posted Mar 28, 2023 14:46

To make a career transition, study full time in the country where you want to work.

To make a career transition,  study full time in the country where you want to work. 

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edfieldscn

1 2

Posted Mar 28, 2023 14:50

To make a career transition, study full time in the country where you want to work.

It's impossible for me to stop working. Got people to take care of which is why I decided to do an online MBA. Also there's a lot of uncertainty as to where I'll end up in the next 2 years so again, impossible to say where I'll be.

[quote]To make a career transition,  study full time in the country where you want to work.  [/quote] It's impossible for me to stop working. Got people to take care of which is why I decided to do an online MBA. Also there's a lot of uncertainty as to where I'll end up in the next 2 years so again, impossible to say where I'll be.

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MKennedy

206 52

Posted Mar 28, 2023 22:56

1. Manchester and Imperial have a good reputation in Asia, particularly in China, and also have study centers in Shanghai and HK, which makes it convenient and affordable for me to attend face-to-face electives and workshops.

2.

However, I am curious about the reputation of these schools outside of Asia and the UK. Although they seem to be ranked well, I would like to hear from anyone who has experience with these MBA programs in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere. I would greatly appreciate any advice, comments, or feedback.

On the first point, China does not recognize online degrees. It is unlikely to be certified as a "real" degree by the Chinese government, if that matters to you.

I've lived in both the US and Canada and I can say for sure that all 3 of these universities will be considered as "generic" masters degrees from no-name schools. It will satisfy employers' requirements for a masters (a.k.a. a check-box degree) but it won't give you any advantage when looking for a job. With the exception of truly elite schools like LBS (and maybe Oxbridge because of the parent universities), UK MBAs are not really well-known in North America.

[Edited by MKennedy on Mar 28, 2023]

[quote]1. Manchester and Imperial have a good reputation in Asia, particularly in China, and also have study centers in Shanghai and HK, which makes it convenient and affordable for me to attend face-to-face electives and workshops. 
 
2.  However, I am curious about the reputation of these schools outside of Asia and the UK. Although they seem to be ranked well, I would like to hear from anyone who has experience with these MBA programs in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere. I would greatly appreciate any advice, comments, or feedback. [/quote] On the first point, China does not recognize online degrees.  It is unlikely to be certified as a "real" degree by the Chinese government, if that matters to you. I've lived in both the US and Canada and I can say for sure that all 3 of these universities will be considered as "generic" masters degrees from no-name schools.  It will satisfy employers' requirements for a masters (a.k.a. a check-box degree) but it won't give you any advantage when looking for a job.  With the exception of truly elite schools like LBS (and maybe Oxbridge because of the parent universities), UK MBAs are not really well-known in North America.

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Duncan

13.507 15.154

Posted Mar 29, 2023 00:44

The reputation of schools more or less equates to where their alumni are. LinkedIn is a great tool to help you see which schools are best represented inside your target firms. In China, that means:
- Fudan University

- China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

- INSEAD

- Shanghai Jiao Tong University

- Peking University

The reputation of schools more or less equates to where their alumni are. LinkedIn is a great tool to help you see which schools are best represented inside your target firms. In China, that means: - Fudan University - China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) - INSEAD - Shanghai Jiao Tong University - Peking University

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