Advice on which business school to aim for

v_d06

1 2

Posted May 09, 2021 23:47

Hi,

I am currently researching business schools mostly in the UK as I would like to pursue an MBA (2022 intake)

a brief about my background.

Indian, Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, did my B.Tech in electronics and communication from India. 5 years of work experience as a Technical Sales Engineer / Key Account manager in Saudi Arabia, handling heavy accounts as a distributor of OEMs from Germany, Italy, the USA, and India.

the biggest flaw in my profile is my abysmal grades during my bachelor's.
I've been meaning to pursue an MBA for quite a while but didn't proceed as I was working on building my profile and focus on my work ex to make up for my shortcomings.
I aim to join OEMs in the same field (Rotating Equipment), located mostly in the EU, UK, and USA.
Basically, I would like to progress my career forward and handle key positions such as Area Sales Manager/ Country Sales Manager, business development, product management.
My main focus is to join a business school that will help in this progression.

I am currently preparing for my GMAT (hoping for the best)

the business schools that I'm planning to apply for include Warwick, Durham, and Alliance Manchester.

I was also reviewing the curriculum of Simon Business school (Uni of Rochester, NY) and I was intrigued. also, it provides STEM- MBA which is a big plus in the US

I would like to know if I'm being too ambitious in applying to these universities?
are there any other business schools that would help me better?

Any form of feedback, criticism, or suggestion is welcome.

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted May 10, 2021 12:54

I'm confused. You want to be an account manager for a provider of Rotating Equipment. You are one already. Why do you need an MBA? Do you want to sell Rotating Equipment in the EU, UK, or USA, i.e. to move there? I would imagine there would be a strong preference for local talent in sales and marketing roles.

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v_d06

1 2

Posted May 10, 2021 13:47

Sorry for not being clear.

I'm currently an account manager (for aftermarket as well as new projects) in Saudi Arabia via a distributor for rotating equipment of OEMs (OEMs are from EU, UK and US)
My region of Sales is restricted to Saudi Arabia.

I would like to move to is work directly for the OEMs in EU/UK and handle a wider portfolio.

An MBA would enhance my existing skills, help me access an extensive business network and open the door to working in the UK/EU.

Sorry for not being clear. I'm currently an account manager (for aftermarket as well as new projects) in Saudi Arabia via a distributor for rotating equipment of OEMs (OEMs are from EU, UK and US)  My region of Sales is restricted to Saudi Arabia. I would like to move to is work directly for the OEMs in EU/UK and handle a wider portfolio.  An MBA would enhance my existing skills, help me access an extensive business network and open the door to working in the UK/EU.

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted May 10, 2021 14:55

I think it's most likely that you would find a role where you are either:
- In their direct sales team, or
- managing the channel relationships of these manufacturers with their local resellers. The first is probably a step to the second.

When you look at the educational backgrounds of those people, sure they are much more likely to have MSc or MEng degrees in mechanical or manufacturing engineering. Only 1 or 2% seem to have MBAs?

If English is your only European language, then I'd focus on the UK (oil operations are limited in Ireland). Rotating equipment is often used in oil and gas, so I would look at MSc and MBA options at Cranfield and Manchester, and MSc options at RGU, Strathclyde, and perhaps at Aberdeen University. A good example: https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/advancedmechanicalengineeringwithenergysystems/#coursecontent

I think it's most likely that you would find a role where you are either: - In their direct sales team, or - managing the channel relationships of these manufacturers with their local resellers. The first is probably a step to the second.  When you look at the educational backgrounds of those people, sure they are much more likely to have MSc or MEng degrees in mechanical or manufacturing engineering. Only 1 or 2% seem to have MBAs?  If English is your only European language, then I'd focus on the UK (oil operations are limited in Ireland). Rotating equipment is often used in oil and gas, so I would look at MSc and MBA options at Cranfield and Manchester, and MSc options at RGU, Strathclyde, and perhaps at Aberdeen University. A good example:  https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/advancedmechanicalengineeringwithenergysystems/#coursecontent

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Rahul Ray

2 3

Posted May 11, 2021 21:29

Hey Duncan

So I had done Post Graduate Diploma Management (2 years) in International Business here in India but landed a job in Sales and Relationship manager profiles. Worked for 3 years but now I am very keen on pursuing procurement/ purchasing. Hence looking for a MSc in Europe. Although UK should definitely be first choice but as I search I see 5-6 colleges that rank very high for this particular course like Skema, Neoma, Audencia, all in France and in my budget. I am willing to learn French so as to be able to work in france after the course.I am not too confident that I will get into the extreme top universities of UK. So realistically speaking I can only compare the aforementioned colleges of France and University of Plymouth.
Again my area of interest is not a generic MBA but a specialised area that is procurement and supply chain.
What is your take on this?
Should I learn and go for French colleges or should I stick to University of Plymouth or Strathclyde?
I have all the intention to study and then work there itself
Thanks

[Edited by Rahul Ray on May 11, 2021]

Hey Duncan  So I had done Post Graduate Diploma Management (2 years) in International Business here in India but landed a job in Sales and Relationship manager profiles. <div>Worked for 3 years but now  I am very keen on pursuing procurement/ purchasing. Hence looking for a MSc in Europe. Although UK should definitely be first choice but as I search I see 5-6 colleges that rank very high for this particular course like Skema, Neoma, Audencia, all in France and in my budget. I am willing to learn French so as to be able to work in france after the course.</div>I am not too confident that I will get into the extreme top universities of UK. So realistically speaking I can only compare the aforementioned colleges of France and University of Plymouth. <div>Again my area of interest is not a generic MBA but a specialised area that is procurement and supply chain.</div><div> What is your take on this?  Should I learn and go for French colleges or should I stick to University of Plymouth or Strathclyde? I have all the intention to study and then work there itself Thanks  </div>

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted May 12, 2021 10:16

Strathclyde is a world-class business school, not compatible with Plymouth: https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/business-and-management-studies

Also consider these schools: https://www.best-masters.com/ranking-master-purchasing.html

I can't see any reason to consider French schools if you don't speak French and want to work in-country. If you do, learn French first and then take a specialised masters taught in French.

Strathclyde is a world-class business school, not compatible with Plymouth: https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/business-and-management-studies  Also consider these schools: https://www.best-masters.com/ranking-master-purchasing.html I can't see any reason to consider French schools if you don't speak French and want to work in-country. If you do, learn French first and then take a specialised masters taught in French.

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Rahul Ray

2 3

Posted May 12, 2021 10:42

Thank you for the response.
I had already looked at that Best Masters list before
But like you have mentioned it will only makes sense to apply for colleges in France or Netherlands if I take it up in the local language, so in that case I should just stick to UK colleges?
Now since I have a very particular course in mind I have very limited options to select from in UK. If at all I am not able to get into Strathclyde, a university like Plymouth or RGU will be good enough with respect to career prospects?

Thank you for the response. I had already looked at that Best Masters list before  But like you have mentioned it will only  makes sense to apply for colleges in France or Netherlands if I take it up in the local language, so in that case I should just stick to UK colleges? Now since I have a very particular course in mind I have very limited options to select from in UK. If at all I am not able to get into Strathclyde, a university like Plymouth or RGU will be good enough with respect to career prospects?

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted May 12, 2021 11:22

RGU is well-above average, and has triple crown accredition. That's a strong school, with placement as good as Strathclyde. Plymouth is rather average, maybe slightly worse than average

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Rahul Ray

2 3

Posted May 12, 2021 11:37

Much appreciated!

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