So how easy is it to get into a top European Business School as a 2.1 Master's Degree holder (Valedictorian) from Africa, with a CFA, 720 GMAT, 3.5 GPA equivalent and 5 years IB experience at global firms?
Do the diversity points really help?
Particularly at LBS ; INSEAD; IE; IMD; Said; Judge and IESE.
This article seems hopeful but not conclusive
http://www.topmba.com/articles/africa/African-MBA…
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I'd love to hear from any current candidates at these schools, perhaps with African colleagues
Note: I am NOT a current candidate at any of those schools. I'm only gonna talk about LBS and INSEAD. I think you're golden for the other ones.
This sounds like a solid profile. GMAT: above average for both programs. GPA: right around the average so no issues there. CFA: doesn't hurt. Africa: spin it into an interesting story and its a great plus.
So far all good. Now to the main point: 5 years of IB experience...whats the story there? Any lateral or vertical movement? Typically top schools start to have issues when IBD experience goes beyond 3 years. Are you an associate now? Tell us more about the career progress. Right now 5 years of IB would definitely raise eyebrows.
Thanks for acute observation, I actually don't have those yet. I currently have 2 but I intend to have 5 when I go. I have been working in pan-African Corporate finance and real estate IB but I am changing to pan-African Energy IB so shift is why I'd like to wait a while and get the interesting energy experience before I go.
The schools I listed earlier have average experience of at least 5 years according to their class profiles and recruitment reports. It would seem that would put me in line for a good "fit".
As for the spin... So far I have: - Solid Education ( 2 Bachelors degrees (Actuarial Sci & Investment Management)+ Masters( financial economics) ) - Entrepreneurial ( Started a business tutoring MBA's in statistics, financial maths, accounting, economics, etc.. ) - Philanthropic ( I'm a volunteer maths teacher at a school in an underprivileged neighbourhood and I provide free financial services to small businesses ) - Travelled ( I've worked on deals and lived in over 10 African countries ) - Adaptive ( Speak 4 languages )
What's the recommendation in IE Business School? I am looking for an Executive Masters in Finance program that will provide good European PE contacts. I'm not a fan of on-line learning, so would choose the classroom options at IE. It seems that IE doesn't have a very positive reputation in Spain, but internationally it seems to rank high.
I am looking for a 1 year or less program at the most reasonable cost. At 35 years old, time is money.
Any thoughts or opinions from those who have studied at IE or know someone who has?
Thanks
Good question. I've seen very mixed reviews about IE - some even questioning the accuracy of the data it feeds league table compilers, as many doubt the exorbitant average salaries it puts forward...
How prestigious really are Oxford Said or Cambridge Judge? Are they really good business schools because they are in Oxbridge, or they really have amazing business programs?
What do you want to do post MBA? IMD does not place at all in finance... Anyway, I think you tick all the boxes you need to get into LBS and INSEAD. Good luck!
Yeah, you have some great stuff my friend. You might even look at some programs over on the other side of the Atlantic too. Why not shoot for HBS, Stanford, Wharton too? Otherwise LBS, INSEAD, Oxford are all right up your alley.
Could someone elaborate how it becomes a disadvantage if one has extensive IB experience when applying for business schools?
Anyone have any particularly good rankings for international MBA programs? Maybe with average GPA/GMAT per school?
Why not look at HBS or other top US programs? You have good stats and you are African. B-schools will fall all over themselves to get you.
How prestigious really are Oxford Said or Cambridge Judge? Are they really good business schools because they are in Oxbridge, or they really have amazing business programs?
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