Hello, my name is Shruti Gadia from Mumbai, India. I have currently accepted the Full-time MBA offer from University of Edinburgh but am still struggling to evaluate if it's worth the time and money to go this year or defer.

My current experience is of 5 years in the media and entertainment industry. My plan has always been to pursue a one year MBA and get a 1-2 years international work experience in broadcast networks in business or marketing role and come back to India to avail best opportunities for myself.

Currently, my heart says that I should go this year and maximise on the opportunity that is in front of me. But, my brain says that since I can, I should defer to next year and maybe try finding things to keep myself occupied this year and get maximum experience next year.

I am uncertain since the networking opportunities with companies, peer to peer interactions and job opportunities will be heavily impacted if I go this year. But then again, what is it works out in my favour..

I'm really confused and not able to analyse how to make this tough decision.

Will a better MBA in a years time help you more? 

@Shruti
I'm in the same boat, got admitted to Edinburgh but I really don't want to study online when I'm paying a hefty sum of 30L. Did you get a scholarship? I didn't get scholarship at all. so thinking all this I'm very skeptical of this year. I'm thinking if there is any option where i can join the Jan 2021 intake (aprt from UK and US) .

@Duncan-What do you suggest, for me to move up the ladder in IT indutry MBA is a must.

If you are aiming at the broadcast or entertainment industries, then I would look at LinkedIn. Oxbridge, London (LBS/City/LSE) and Manchester universities seem like the best connected in the UK. If you can get into a better school, then I would wait a year. If not, then let's better to be in the labour market now, networking. 

SO which college you would suggest if I wait for a year,cz if I wait I have to give GRE again for sure as my score is pretty low and Edinburgh was the best bet. I'm applying to Alliance Manchester as they are taking Dec2020 intake as of Sept 2020 so looking at my goal of working abroad and settling into IT industry sales.

I think you have to start from your goals. If Edinburgh doesn't place into your target industry, what sort of bet is that? 

Hi Duncan, I really appreciate your advice and thanks for taking out time to reply to my messages. 

Honestly, as you've mentioned, I feel I am quite happy with the University of Edinburgh and might not get a better school for my MBA studies (said on basis of multiple factors like GMAT, fees and so on). 

So for me it's either choosing Edinburgh this year or deferring the same program to next year. Hence a lot of confusion if it's worth to wait for a year or not. 

Waiting makes no sense to me. 

So studying online is good ? i was just thinking MBA is basically more of your cohort and what you learn ,studying online was not sounding good to me. For me Edinburgh was option cz it didnt ask for GRE/GMAT(though I have one but lower one) and fees as well.  I'm not targeting very high just want to get IT (mostly sales) job and stay outside for 5-6 years. Now m applying for allaince manchester as well as they have deferred the Sept 2020 intake to dec2020 and last date to apply is 3rd August 2020.

Studying online can be fine, and in some cases the only possibility for many students.  Today's online programs are quite robust and in many cases can substitute well for in-class programs (even including in terms of soft skill development, which as many are finding during this pandemic are essential for remote work...)

However, they are not for everyone. If you are looking to make broad career transitions, or need substantial career support, then an in-class program would be preferable. 

Studying online can be fine, and in some cases the only possibility for many students.  Today's online programs are quite robust and in many cases can substitute well for in-class programs (even including in terms of soft skill development, which as many are finding during this pandemic are essential for remote work...)
However, they are not for everyone. If you are looking to make broad career transitions, or need substantial career support, then an in-class program would be preferable. 

[Edited by puja25 on Jul 30, 2020]