Hi !
I am about to apply to B schools in the UK... however, I am not so sure with my backgrounds as following would be getting me to Imperial or Manchester (These schools are my targets).

1) Female - age 32 from Thailand.
2) 8 years of experience in one of the big 4 service companies (Upstream oil and gas).
3) International experience for 3 years as a project manager and assigned to take care of IOC O&G operator - Total E&P.
4) I haven't got a GMAT result yet. Will have the test by the end of November. My mock test result is not so well - only 600...

I sent my CV to imperial for a profile review and they contacted me back. I was told that my CV is impressive... however, I was not told how much should I get for the GMAT to be able to get admitted to the school. In fact, the recruiter told me to apply for a scholarship as well as try my best to meet the deadline in the round 3...

My question is.... If I aim higher ... for the B schools like Cambridge or Oxford.. will I stand a chance for any of them? I am not so confident with my GMAT results at the moment but I keep working on it as the test date is getting closer...

I am planning to find a job in the U.K. after graduation.. but I am a little bit unsure on what school would be good for my backgrounds as I want to continue working in O&G.

Thanks for your help!
Anne

Yes, Manchester is a good fit for you because of your lack of UK work experience. If you can get over 600 and have a good application then you would be a better fit there than Imperial. Cranfield also work be a great fit. I think Cambridge would be much more more interested in you than Oxford.

Hi Duncan,

Thanks for your advice! I am also looking at University of Edinburgh for another option to apply. I have a friend who has the same background like me and found a job in Manchester after graduation (But not in Oil and Gas, changed industry). Not so sure if Manchester will be a good fit for O&G? What is your suggestion? What school would be the best fit for finding a job in O&G?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Anne!

Well this depends on who you are and what job you want. RGU is a great school for oil and gas, but Manchester gives you the option for a serious internship in the middle of the course and extensive project experiences. If you are not already working in the UK, that could be more important. Check the post about using LinkedIn, on my profile page.

Cranfield is a great suggestion. Maybe consider Warwick as well.

Duncan,

Would you say that Manchester is better than Oxford for non-EU nationals looking into working in the UK post-graduation as it gives you opportunities to do an internship and projects?

I have offers from Manchester and Oxford, and I was almost sold on Oxford, but reading this post got me started to wonder.

Let me know!

The FT ranking data show that Oxford has better outcomes but neither school can match LBS or Cranfield for employment or mobility.

You can use the oxford offer to try to get into LBS! Contact them and tell them you have an offer from oxford, it will definitely give you points.

If you don't get a spot at LBS, Oxford is still an excellent choice!

That's a brilliant idea.

I have already been dinged by LBS =(

Oxford is definitely a better choice than Manchester, for most students and typical career goals (consulting, finance, etc.) Oil and gas, though, I'm not sure about. Why not survey LinkedIn to see how many grads from each school are working in that industry (and especially, in the companies you plan on targeting?)

Perhaps a school like Cranfield / Edinburgh / Aberdeen would be better for oil and gas...

Or even Imperial...