Posted on: 23-04-10 12:54:08
If you are new to Canada and wish to do MBA then here's my advise and the timeline:
1. As a first step, do not empty your pockets and enroll in a full time MBA program. As others have quoted, this could cost you anywhere from $30,000 to $75,000. Believe me, it's a LOT of money. Back to the first step, try to find a job in your field that would pay you at least $45000.
2. Gain all the solid (I stress on this, if you aspire to do MBA) experience for the first 3-4 years in your job.
3. Earn and save as much as you can(even if you have to rent), have a long term vision for yourself, build your contacts, improve communications, presentation skills, and build your area of expertise. Try to become an SME (Subject Matter Expert).
4. After the above and 3-4 years' of solid experience, you can now go ahead and enroll in any part-time executive MBA from a top rung University. DO NOT leave your job, so as to receive a regular paychecks. I know it will be difficult for you first to manage your education while work, but is this not why you have enrolled in the MBA. One of the key aspect is time management and hard work.
5. The above (4) would ensure that you are still gaining experience from your job, getting the regular paychecks, and at the same time enrolled in MBA. What else could be better than this?
6. After you are done with your MBA, try to secure a management level job in your own company. If not available, try to look elsewhere. Remember, you are now equipped with an experience and an MBA.
Think about the above 6 points (in order), and I am sure they will help.
Quote:
Originally posted by nntksv
funnyboy, I'm in a similar situation as you - CA from India working in the gulf. However, my choice for MBA is narrowed to Canada as I plan to settle down there.
Considering the feedback I've got on this forum (and also from my other friends in Canada) I might not opt for an expensive program at this stage.
I've also seen the experience of 3 of my friends who did their MBA from the world's best biz schools in UK in 2009. None of them was able to land up with a job. Looks like things won't be very different in Canada either.
Rotman MBA is superb and well worth it...great return
Quote:
Originally posted by febpreet
If you are new to Canada and wish to do MBA then here's my advise and the timeline:
1. As a first step, do not empty your pockets and enroll in a full time MBA program. As others have quoted, this could cost you anywhere from $30,000 to $75,000. Believe me, it's a LOT of money. Back to the first step, try to find a job in your field that would pay you at least $45000.
2. Gain all the solid (I stress on this, if you aspire to do MBA) experience for the first 3-4 years in your job.
3. Earn and save as much as you can(even if you have to rent), have a long term vision for yourself, build your contacts, improve communications, presentation skills, and build your area of expertise. Try to become an SME (Subject Matter Expert).
4. After the above and 3-4 years' of solid experience, you can now go ahead and enroll in any part-time executive MBA from a top rung University. DO NOT leave your job, so as to receive a regular paychecks. I know it will be difficult for you first to manage your education while work, but is this not why you have enrolled in the MBA. One of the key aspect is time management and hard work.
5. The above (4) would ensure that you are still gaining experience from your job, getting the regular paychecks, and at the same time enrolled in MBA. What else could be better than this?
6. After you are done with your MBA, try to secure a management level job in your own company. If not available, try to look elsewhere. Remember, you are now equipped with an experience and an MBA.
Think about the above 6 points (in order), and I am sure they will help.
Great points. Completely agreed!!!
Febpreet, I agree with your points. However, there are certain disadvantages to Part-Time MBA program.
1) The total duration to complete part time MBA program is ~3 years whereas Full time MBA program is ~2 years.
2) Part Time students may not qualify for campus placement programs.
3) There is no guarantee that the current employer will promote someone just because he/she has acquired a MBA degree.
4) Employers who provide tuition assistance for Part-Time MBA programs usually force the employees to sign an agreement to work with them for specific no. of years after completing the course, failing which the tuition assistance might have to be paid back in full.
4) It will be very stressful to manage work, family and school with Part-Time MBA program. Mind you, there might be weekend classes too.
5) Part Time students should be employed or reside within a reasonable distance to the university. Or else they might have to spend too much time commuting between work-university-home.
To summarize, Part-Time program may work ok for singles. For people who have spouses, one person can work and the other person can attend school full-time.
Yes, GoldFinger. Everything has pros and cons. However, Part time is an excellent option for those who couldn't empty their pockets close to $70,000 or for that matter $30,000 right after landing in Canada, and those lack a true Canadian experience for an MBA. Makes it much more difficult if you have a family immigrated with you. Now, if you have a tons of money then why not, right? Do Full time then.
MBA is worthless and just a paper if you can't compliment it with the right experience (in this case Canadian), exceptional communication and presentation skills. One of my friend did her MBA from Australia's top university and worked here in a call centre (not even $35,000) for two years. She's still unemployed.
MBA is a lot more than 'let's do it'.
Agree with Febreet on his points.
Canadian employers seek Canadian experience over and above your qualifications.
nntksv, funnyboy and prospective immigrants to Canada.....Do not assume that Canadian education will open doors for prosperity. Canadian education combined with Canadian experience will do the trick.
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Best regards
Lali
Quote:
Originally posted by lali
Agree with Febreet on his points.
Canadian employers seek Canadian experience over and above your qualifications.
nntksv, funnyboy and prospective immigrants to Canada.....Do not assume that Canadian education will open doors for prosperity. Canadian education combined with Canadian experience will do the trick.
It would appear then that it is better to go for a part-time program and try to get a job to get the valuable Canadian experience.
