You question implies unusual circumstances. What is your background or residency status. Few international students find work after a one year course.

[quote]You question implies unusual circumstances. What is your background or residency status. Few international students find work after a one year course. [/quote]

I am a resident of India, have a bachelors degree in Pharma. MBA marketing+finance from a tier 2 college and then 5 years of market research job experience. Right now on a break post baby. I still need to appear for GMAT.

On the basis of the information you have supplied, I don't understand why you think you will be able to obtain a H1B visa.

I dont understand, what points in my information are against me getting an H1 post the course?

The fact that you require one and are not already employed by a US employer. The vast majority of the annual quota of H1B visas is allocated at the start of the year to US subsidiaries of Indian tech firms. The fact that you don't know this is worrying. International students are highly unlikely to get the right to work in the US beyond the OPT period on their visa.

Maybe you can also explore a STEM designated program, which would give you more visa time after completing the degree. That's what I plan on doing!

[quote]Maybe you can also explore a STEM designated program, which would give you more visa time after completing the degree. That's what I plan on doing![/quote]
In that case they would be mostly limited to specialized master's programs, which is not a bad thing in general but would depend on their goals.

Having a STEM designation simply means that grads would have a 36 month work visa after finishing a program, whether that makes sense also depends on an applicant's goals. It's not a permanent options by any means because after that 36 months, most visa holders would need to transition to an H1B (or a green card...) Also many employers might not be willing to hire somebody with only a 36 month visa, but that's another discussion altogether...

Would a 1 year MBA be a good strategy to transition BACK to the US? I am an American citizen but I have been working abroad for 4 years. My goal now is to return to the US, do my MBA and then during that time network with employers. I am targeting the MBA at Cornell but torn between the 1 and 2 year options.

Yes, that works well. The two-year degree will give you many more opportunities for projects, internships and networking.

[quote]Would a 1 year MBA be a good strategy to transition BACK to the US? I am an American citizen but I have been working abroad for 4 years. My goal now is to return to the US, do my MBA and then during that time network with employers. I am targeting the MBA at Cornell but torn between the 1 and 2 year options. [/quote]
For many, this would be a good use of the 1-year MBA. However, if you are looking to make a substantial transition (out of your current industry for instance or into a new functional area), a 2-year MBA, with an internship opportunity, would probably serve you better.