Executive MBA for an IT Professional

JS123

4 7

Posted Sep 17, 2020 17:27

Hi, I am working as a technical architect with around 15 years of experience in the IT industry. I also have more than 3 years of managerial experience.
At the moment, I feel that I have hit a glass ceiling in terms of my career progression and want to explore the option of doing an Executive MBA in London. The aim is to gain knowledge and skills (specially in finance and accounting as they are my weak areas), develop a network and climb corporate ladder.

Based on my research, it looks like that LBS is possibly the best program out there in London. However If I have to choose between Warwick and Cass, what would be your recommendation? Are there any other programs you recommend?

Thanks.

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StuartHE

1.200 720

Posted Sep 17, 2020 18:05

LBS is absolutely the best EMBA in the UK. Chicago and ESCP are also strong options in London. The City EMBA [remember, the Cass name is gone] is better than Warwick for most people. Is the Warwick cohort even happening in London? Their campus in the Shard seems very hard to reopen with the current COVID restrictions, while City has a much larger estate.

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JS123

4 7

Posted Sep 17, 2020 18:23

LBS is absolutely the best EMBA in the UK. Chicago and ESCP are also strong options in London. The City EMBA [remember, the Cass name is gone] is better than Warwick for most people. Is the Warwick cohort even happening in London? Their campus in the Shard seems very hard to reopen with the current COVID restrictions, while City has a much larger estate.

Thanks @StuartBB for your reply.

I believe the Shard campus is open now. Someone posted on linkedin saying that they are following government guidline of social distancing and have started EMBA classes. Warwick offers mentorship programme for two years after completion of EMBA which I think can be very helpful but I have never heard from anyone on how effective it is. I checked with City EMBA (Cass) and they don't run any programme like that. Are there any specific differentiators between these EMBAs which may help to choose one over the other.

Chicago booth is an expensive option for me but I will look into ESCP.

Thanks.

[quote]LBS is absolutely the best EMBA in the UK. Chicago and ESCP are also strong options in London. The City EMBA [remember, the Cass name is gone] is better than Warwick for most people. Is the Warwick cohort even happening in London? Their campus in the Shard seems very hard to reopen with the current COVID restrictions, while City has a much larger estate. [/quote] Thanks @StuartBB for your reply. I believe the Shard campus is open now. Someone posted on linkedin saying that they are following government guidline of social distancing and have started EMBA classes. Warwick offers mentorship programme for two years after completion of EMBA which I think can be very helpful but I have never heard from anyone on how effective it is. I checked with City EMBA (Cass) and they don't run any programme like that. Are there any specific differentiators between these EMBAs which may help to choose one over the other. Chicago booth is an expensive option for me but I will look into ESCP. Thanks.

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aslamo

720 219

Posted Sep 18, 2020 08:43

What roles are you targeting? Do you want to become a CIO for example? For senior managerial roles in IT, strategy and marketing would probably be better areas to focus on than finance and accounting. Leadership skills are very important too.

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JS123

4 7

Posted Sep 18, 2020 09:30

What roles are you targeting? Do you want to become a CIO for example? For senior managerial roles in IT, strategy and marketing would probably be better areas to focus on than finance and accounting. Leadership skills are very important too.

Thanks for your input aslamo. In the long run, I am targetting for a C level position. If strategy, marketing and leadership are more critical skills, which business school would be the best to gain them?

Thanks.

[quote]What roles are you targeting? Do you want to become a CIO for example? For senior managerial roles in IT, strategy and marketing would probably be better areas to focus on than finance and accounting. Leadership skills are very important too.  [/quote] Thanks for your input aslamo. In the long run, I am targetting for a C level position. If strategy, marketing and leadership are more critical skills, which business school would be the best to gain them? Thanks.

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aslamo

720 219

Posted Sep 18, 2020 16:50

What roles are you targeting? Do you want to become a CIO for example? For senior managerial roles in IT, strategy and marketing would probably be better areas to focus on than finance and accounting. Leadership skills are very important too.

Thanks for your input aslamo. In the long run, I am targetting for a C level position. If strategy, marketing and leadership are more critical skills, which business school would be the best to gain them?

Thanks.

What's your budget? The FT Exec MBA rankings have LBS, Oxford and Cambridge as the best schools in the UK followed by Warwick and City. The first three cost from £70-100k.
I have a broadly similar background to you and aiming to be a CIO within 2-3 years. I decided on going down the MOOC route so am doing Oxford's Exec Leadership programme plus both the Maryland Core MBA and a Digital Leadership Micromasters with Boston University via EdX. Total cost is less than £5k. My approach isn't suitable for everyone but I suggest you consider whether you really need an actual MBA degree to be a CIO. I know a very large number of CIOs and less than 15% have an MBA.

[quote][quote]What roles are you targeting? Do you want to become a CIO for example? For senior managerial roles in IT, strategy and marketing would probably be better areas to focus on than finance and accounting. Leadership skills are very important too.  [/quote] Thanks for your input aslamo. In the long run, I am targetting for a C level position. If strategy, marketing and leadership are more critical skills, which business school would be the best to gain them? Thanks. [/quote] What's your budget? The FT Exec MBA rankings have LBS, Oxford and Cambridge as the best schools in the UK followed by Warwick and City. The first three cost from £70-100k.  I have a broadly similar background to you and aiming to be a CIO within 2-3 years. I decided on going down the MOOC route so am doing Oxford's Exec Leadership programme plus both the Maryland Core MBA and a Digital Leadership Micromasters with Boston University via EdX. Total cost is less than £5k. My approach isn't suitable for everyone but I suggest you consider whether you really need an actual MBA degree to be a CIO. I know a very large number of CIOs and less than 15% have an MBA.

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JS123

4 7

Posted Sep 18, 2020 18:07

What roles are you targeting? Do you want to become a CIO for example? For senior managerial roles in IT, strategy and marketing would probably be better areas to focus on than finance and accounting. Leadership skills are very important too.

Thanks for your input aslamo. In the long run, I am targetting for a C level position. If strategy, marketing and leadership are more critical skills, which business school would be the best to gain them?

Thanks.

What's your budget? The FT Exec MBA rankings have LBS, Oxford and Cambridge as the best schools in the UK followed by Warwick and City. The first three cost from £70-100k.
I have a broadly similar background to you and aiming to be a CIO within 2-3 years. I decided on going down the MOOC route so am doing Oxford's Exec Leadership programme plus both the Maryland Core MBA and a Digital Leadership Micromasters with Boston University via EdX. Total cost is less than £5k. My approach isn't suitable for everyone but I suggest you consider whether you really need an actual MBA degree to be a CIO. I know a very large number of CIOs and less than 15% have an MBA.

Thanks aslamo. I am aiming for the LBS EMBA and should be able to manage budget for it. If in case, I can't get into it, I wanted explore about other potential options which you have highlighted.

Thanks for sharing the details about MOOCs. I have done similar online courses before e.g. MBA essentials from LSE etc. They are good in providing the knowledge but obviously there is less human interaction which means there are less networking opportunities. I agree with you that not all C level execs have MBA or having an MBA do not guarantee anything but an EMBA from a reputed institute could be a brand which would stay with you all your life.

For someone like your profile who knows lots of CIOs, may alreay had an opportunity to be guided and mentored by them so possibly MOOCs might be a good choice.

[quote][quote][quote]What roles are you targeting? Do you want to become a CIO for example? For senior managerial roles in IT, strategy and marketing would probably be better areas to focus on than finance and accounting. Leadership skills are very important too.  [/quote] Thanks for your input aslamo. In the long run, I am targetting for a C level position. If strategy, marketing and leadership are more critical skills, which business school would be the best to gain them? Thanks. [/quote] What's your budget? The FT Exec MBA rankings have LBS, Oxford and Cambridge as the best schools in the UK followed by Warwick and City. The first three cost from £70-100k.  I have a broadly similar background to you and aiming to be a CIO within 2-3 years. I decided on going down the MOOC route so am doing Oxford's Exec Leadership programme plus both the Maryland Core MBA and a Digital Leadership Micromasters with Boston University via EdX. Total cost is less than £5k. My approach isn't suitable for everyone but I suggest you consider whether you really need an actual MBA degree to be a CIO. I know a very large number of CIOs and less than 15% have an MBA.  [/quote] Thanks aslamo. I am aiming for the LBS EMBA and should be able to manage budget for it. If in case, I can't get into it, I wanted explore about other potential options which you have highlighted. Thanks for sharing the details about MOOCs. I have done similar online courses before e.g. MBA essentials from LSE etc. They are good in providing the knowledge but obviously there is less human interaction which means there are less networking opportunities. I agree with you that not all C level execs have MBA or having an MBA do not guarantee anything but an EMBA from a reputed institute could be a brand which would stay with you all your life. For someone like your profile who knows lots of CIOs, may alreay had an opportunity to be guided and mentored by them so possibly MOOCs might be a good choice.

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aslamo

720 219

Posted Sep 18, 2020 19:39

Yes, fair point - I've usually mentioned it in other posts. I don't really need the networking or career services as I have a big network of people in my sector including headhunters. I'm in my early 50s so am not going to get a massive salary jump even if I become a CIO. If you get an exec MBA from LBS, I'm sure it will open up lots of doors for you. I'm not familiar with their programme but take a look and see what their offering is in areas like soft skills development and leadership coaching. That is what will largely differentiate you as you rise in the IT ranks to senior management level.

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