Canadian MBA programs

Hi folks,

I am in a bit of a dilemma and wanted your thoughts on it.

To provide you with my background, I did my undergraduate at a decent Canadian b-school and worked at KPMG for 3 years servicing banking & capital markets clients. While I was there I obtained the Chartered Accountant designation, and started working towards my CFA . I left KPMG and took up an offer at RBC in their Finance leadership rotational program (rotating through various functions in finance and within all lines of businesses). This is a very well recognized program within the bank. In addition, I have personal references from the Global Account Partner from KPMG, and the CFO of Credit Suisse (Canada)

My career aspiration is to stay in Canada and pursue a career in either in equity research or in the investment management therefore I plan on applying to Canadian MBA programs.

The biggest deciding factor is cost. I know Ivey is the best Canadian b-school however after taking into consideration tuition, interest on loan, opportunity cost it comes out to almost 200K.

The alternative is going to Schulich (part time). Essentially by doing so, it will come out free via combination of scholarships, employer contribution etc.. The downside of this is the reputation/ brand name and perhaps career placement (the latter is a big question mark because I don't know for sure if this is true especially for someone who's not going into i-banking or mang consulting..)

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Please walk me through your thought process.

3 Comments
 
Best Response

I think considering you currently seem somewhat satisfied with your current role and that you have good work experience and are at a firm like RBC which can offer you a lateral transfer (maybe speak with someone in ER/AM at RBC to see if this is possible) then a part-time MBA is a good idea. Talking to someone there can also provide you insight as to what is most valuable to them CFA or MBA.

If you can finish at least level 2 by June and try applying to some firms you will have an idea what your prospects will be, if you dont, then go to b-school. I have a biased opinion but Schulich will offer you opportunities in AM/ER take a look at the placement stats. As far as reptutation/ brand imo it isnt as important for someone with youre experience and background, for that Schulich is more than good enough. Ivey and Rotman are great schools but especially so for those trying to break into finance without any prior experience, where you have a CA, possibly a CFA and good work experience. I was in a similar position as you and chose Schulich, fingers crossed it works out

 

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