What are your prospects for doing an MBA abroad, if you don't have work experience?
According to Education Abroad counsellor Karan Gupta, "Without work experience, you should not even think of doing your MBA abroad. All good business schools require that candidates have at least 3 years of full time work experience."
These were the kind of questions that Karan answered during a chat on December 14.
For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript.
Radha asked, hi there.. can u suggest some good websites to look for past interview experince of the students to various colleges..
KARAN answers, I would recommend you find such websites through google.com
Jai asked, I have a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering (May 2000) and a MS in Industrial Engineering (May 2003) with total 3 years of professional experience. Currently working with Siemens as a Management Consultant. Would like to know if I do a MBA after 10 years of total experience, will I have problems getitng admissions to European or US universities
KARAN answers, No. The more the work experience you have the better. Universities want diversity and will value older applicants. You might even consider doing an executive MBA programme.
chut asked, am 49 years and have finished high school Grade II SSCE Pune Board 1975 - (11 years school) and done few computers courses also worked in bank - what chances are there for me sir BC
KARAN answers, Most MBA programmes require applicants to have a Bachelor's degree. Without this, you may not be able to find a suitable MBA programme.
Ayush asked, I aspire to gain entry to University of Manchester. What is the cost involved here and what qualifications are necessary?
KARAN answers, It depends on what course you want to apply for. If you are looking at an MBA, you should have at least 3 years of full time work experience and a GMAT Score of over 650.
ziad asked, Hi I have an MBA from (Nottingham University, UK) plus an Engineering degree in IT. After course I had an HSMP permit to work in the UK. When I applied for jobs after my MBA I felt that for most of the management positions(even entry level) they prefer Brits. The lower techi jobs were left to me. Although I got an opportunity in Germany (Texas Instrument) I couldn't pursue it because of the long visa waiting time. I think there are more opportunities in US than in Europe because of all this after completion of MBA. So I chose another destination and presently working in Middle East with a national bank(MBA profile). What is your opinion about job prospects after MBA in US compared to UK?
KARAN answers, If the applicant is good, the applicant will not have a problem finding a job in the US or the UK. Generally speaking, there are more opportunities in the US, but our past students in the UK have also managed to get jobs.
vijaysm asked, Is age a matter for US admissions, scholarships and visa ? I am 38 and would like my family to be with me while studying - any hiccups there? (I can show funds of USD 300K) I have lived (with family) and worked in the US for 6 years and visiting regularly...since I returned for good like 7 years ago. I have a commitment of a part-time course from Wharton, spread over 2 years with weekend only classes. Your inputs Sir?
KARAN answers, Age is never a factor for admissions. Remember, student visas are issued for full time courses only.
prakash asked, hi iam an BCA graduate from Ignou university i have 5 years of work experience so can i do my MBA there with less cost and what is the procedure i need to follow...
KARAN answers, Appear for the GMAT and TOEFL and then apply to universities where the costs are lower. Universities like Texas A&M University have lower MBA fees.
surender asked, iam going on work permit to uk can i pursue mba there
KARAN answers, Yes, but only a part time course. If you are working full time, you can opt only for a part time MBA.
samir1 asked, Hi this is samir gupta.i have +13 yrs experience.i also did MBA .presently at middle mgmt.Looking for Global MBA degree for better growth.
KARAN answers, With your work experience, you might want to consider an executive MBA rather than a 'normal' MBA.
dpak asked, What are the chances of getting a decent university and a well-recognised course (in MBA) with a 50% aggregate in graduation (commerce stream) in UK? Is the Northumbria University is the best deal one can get with this score? What are the prospects of the course "MA in Global Financial Management" offered by the aforesaid university?
KARAN answers, Northumbria is an average university, and with your academics, you most likely will get admission here.
Arun asked, Hi Karan, I have done 5 yrs Integrated Masters(thro IITJEE) In Mathematics and Computing.I passed out in 2005 may and since then I have cleared few papers from Actuarial Society of India.It would be gr8 if you can provide me with some kind of guidance/prospects for doing MBA abroad keeping this in mind tht I don't have a work-ex, Thanks
KARAN answers, Without work experience, you should not even think of doing your MBA abroad. All good business schools require that candidates have at least 3 years of full time work experience.
tushar asked, Can you please suggest any good MBA institute in Singapoor and in South Korea?
KARAN answers, National University Singapore and Nanyang are two good institutes in Singapore. I don't think anyone looks at South Korea for an MBA.
Fernandes asked, Could you pls suggest some good business school cost effective in Europe other than UK
KARAN answers, Check out IE Business School in Spain. They offer 50 per cent scholarships to a few Indian applicants and have co-signor free loans as well.
kannan asked, I Did My Diploma in Electrical & Electronics and Diploma in Computers application. and work experience of about 14 yrs. can I do any MBA abroad at my expeneses
KARAN answers, Yes you can. However, consider an executive MBA as well.
Saurabh asked, hi. i have done BE in Computer Engineering and have been involved in Gaming Industry in India from the past 2 years. I would like to go for MBA next year, but someplace where i can stay back and work and recover my cost. Does going over to Scotland sound like a good option? At present i found two good Universities there. Stratylyde School of Management and University of Edinuburgh. What are the chances of doing MBA from these schools and getting a job in Scotland?
KARAN answers, Both these schools are good schools. Besides these schools, you should also consider universities such as City University London, among others.
Mukul asked, Hi Karan...I am an M.B.A in Marketing and have work exp of 1.5 years in International sales in IT company.I would like to do dual M.B.A but from some foreign university..Can u suggest me something
KARAN answers, Appear for the GMAT and TOEFL and then apply to universities such as Baruch College, Fordham University and so on.
chicken asked, what are the chances of getting a job in USA after an MBA in europe ? is mba in canada a good option ?
KARAN answers, If you study in Europe, you most likely will work in Europe itself. Canada has some good universities such as McGill, University of British Columbia and so on.
sohil asked, Hi karan, I have a total of 4+yrs of exp.. working in an IT company.. I would like to shift my career into Investment banking.. I am planning to pursue MBA in finance, any tips or names of good B-Schools in europe ?
KARAN answers, London Business School, INSEAD, IE Business School, HEC, IMD, City University, Oxford.
anurag asked, I'am an graduate engineer in the construction field(now working as a project manager) with 14+ yrs of experience.What MBA will suit me (global perspective) and suggest some institutes.
KARAN answers, Yes, with your work experience, an MBA will be invaluable. Look at LBS, Harvard, Wharton, Stanford and so on.
vish asked, Hi i am working in s/w industry form past 4 years and looking to pursue MBA is it really worth doing MBA from there and what is the cost involved and will it repay later on
KARAN answers, Evaluate your career goals and your finances and see if an MBA really suits your needs. In most cases, an MBA will be very beneficial.
Part I: Will a one year MBA get you a job?
Part III: Should you do a second MBA abroad?
Part IV: MBA abroad? Get good letters of recommendation
Karan Gupta, founder of Karan Gupta Consulting, has been working as a professional counsellor since 1999. He studied at Ithaca College and then at the University of Texas at Austin in the United States. While pursuing his education, he worked at the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid office and the International Office. Karan is now the honorary study abroad counsellor at Jaihind College, Mumbai.
DON'T MISS!
More from rediff