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


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.

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.
quote
Duncan

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. 
quote

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,&nbsp; study full time in the country where you want to work.&nbsp; [/quote]<br><br>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.&nbsp;<br><br><br><br>
quote
MKennedy

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.<br>
<br>
2.&nbsp;<br><br><br><br>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]<br><br>On the first point, China does not recognize online degrees.&nbsp; It is unlikely to be certified as a "real" degree by the Chinese government, if that matters to you.<br><br>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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
quote
Duncan

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:<br>- Fudan University<br><br>- China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)<br><br>- INSEAD<br><br>- Shanghai Jiao Tong University<br><br>- Peking University
quote

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