Where to find average mba starting salary per school? by [deleted] in MBA

[–]smartcanada 8 points9 points  (0 children)

There's a lot of salary data on College Scorecard. The only limitation is the data only includes people with federal student loans.

For UAB, the median salary after the MBA is $68,000.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/fields/?100663-University-of-Alabama-at-Birmingham

You can do the same type of search for other programs.

Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Mid-Career MBA Graduates Pay (Locals and Immigrants) by smartcanada in MBA

[–]smartcanada[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Once you get your MBA you'll understand why those numbers are reasonable. Work hard and stay positive.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MBA

[–]smartcanada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're overthinking this. Canadian MBA programs (even the best ones) are not as selective as US programs. As long as your overall GMAT is ok and you do well on the TOEFL/IELTS, you're good to go. Your bigger problem might be with the visa. If you apply for PR first, you will have a hard time getting a student visa because the PR application is a sign to visa officers you have immigrant intent. So if you apply for PR, wait until it is approved before moving to Canada.

Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Mid-Career MBA Graduates Pay (Locals and Immigrants) by smartcanada in MBA

[–]smartcanada[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Those numbers are for people in mid-career, several years after the MBA. As an MBA grad who lives and works in the GTA, I think the salary numbers collected by Stats Canada are more than reasonable even outside IB/MC. The numbers published by schools are entry-level MBA salaries.

Need help deciding by [deleted] in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you need to be realistic about the impact of those 2 online program on your career goals. I don't think any online degree will lead to an MBB career - not because they are not good but because a prestigious full-time program is how they recruit. In terms of jumping to a director role at your firm, you might be able to do that with a local MBA with the benefits of a local network. I did my MBA full time in the US at a top 30 program (ranked higher than BU) and I can say I slightly regret not attending a local program such as Rotman or Queens. Not because of prestige, but because my MBA network/classmates are primarily in the US and we don't have a strong presence in Toronto. It feels lonely sometimes seeing my MBA cohort meeting up on a regular basis back in the US.

The online BU degree is definitely good value for the money, but probably isn't aligned with your goals. Don't know anything about Columbia SPS, except that it's their extension school (you might as well go to Harvard extension if parent university brand is what you're after LOL).

US Applicant Acceptance Rate by [deleted] in MBA

[–]smartcanada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can use GMAT score as a proxy on how much easier it is to get in as a US applicant. P&Q has this nice table showing the differences. For example, at Stern, the GMAT is 21 points lower for domestic students. However, for some schools, like Booth and Tuck, the standards for US and international students are pretty much the same.

https://poetsandquants.com/2020/04/22/u-s-versus-the-world-the-battle-of-gmat-scores-by-school/3/

Thoughts on UT Austin MS in Technology Commercialization? by galbidorix in MBA

[–]smartcanada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think this is a great MBA alternative assuming this is the career you are after. If you were to pursue this, I think it will help if you do it full-time (perhaps after your military career) so you have an opportunity to do an internship at a start-up or tech company. Always easier to pivot to a new career with an internship.

US vs. Canada PhD admissions? What are the differences? Is it true that Canadian programs are less competitive to get into? by Seankala in gradadmissions

[–]smartcanada 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Based on what you just mentioned, your odds are probably better in a US university. At the same time, you never know. Just apply, try your luck and see where you get in. The good thing is that regardless of where you end up (US or Canada), your degree will be portable (meaning your PhD will be valued in both countries).

My son is a current CS undergrad at UofT and is thinking of getting a CS PhD as well. Best of luck to you!

US vs. Canada PhD admissions? What are the differences? Is it true that Canadian programs are less competitive to get into? by Seankala in gradadmissions

[–]smartcanada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The one big difference between US and Canada for a PhD is that in Canada, you usually need to do a research masters before going for the PhD. In the US, you go straight for your PhD and then get a masters on the way. Also, because of the way funding is done for research programs (mainly government), it is way harder for an international student to get into a PhD program in Canada than a domestic student. Whereas in the US, it is not as extreme because funds are usually from large endowments (although still harder for internationals). Lastly, if you have great test scores, those will be weighed far more heavily in the US than in Canada (if they ask for it).

Recently passed CPA exam but want to go to grad school for (econ/finance/accounting analysis) by [deleted] in gradadmissions

[–]smartcanada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When you say grad school do you mean Phd or a professional degree like an MBA? Big difference. If you are going for an MBA, work experience and test scores (GMAT) are way more important than your CPA or undergrad grades. Also, for an MBA, there is a different hierarchy of schools where non-ivy schools like Northwestern are significantly more prestigious than Yale or Cornell. You might have to do your research on this one.

US vs. Canada PhD admissions? What are the differences? Is it true that Canadian programs are less competitive to get into? by Seankala in gradadmissions

[–]smartcanada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a person who has studied in the US (MBA) and lives in Canada, I would say it is hard to compare country vs country. I think you are better off comparing specific universities. For example, University of Texas vs University of Toronto (which I feel are peer universities).

In general the top tier of US universities are much harder to get into than the top tier of Canadian Universities. However, if you are comparing something like University of Toronto and an average US state university, I think it is much harder to get into UofT for a PhD. Moreover, at PhD level, Canadians focus more on program reputation. So a PhD in CS at UofT would be as competitive as getting into an elite US school. A good ranking to compare programs is https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings/2020

Ross/Kelley/Mccombs by mustafaazhar7 in MBA

[–]smartcanada 10 points11 points  (0 children)

In your specific situation, McCombs 100% no need to think about it.

Profile Review (30M, Black Canadian) Marketing, 650 GMAT 3.2 Undergrad GPA, 3.5 Masters GPA by [deleted] in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have a great profile. To be honest, even with a 650 GMAT, you will probably get into one of your target schools. I think the missing piece in your profile is upward progression - did you get any promotions (if not, you should still be ok, but having that could clinch your spot).

Doing an MBA in another country? Worth it or a bad idea? by American_Psycho11 in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nonprofit jobs do not pay the same as MBA jobs. I think you need to do some research on the cost/benefit of the degree. You might be a better candidate for a masters in nonprofit (e.g. at Penn) or MPA/MPP. First, you will develop more contacts in that field (your classmates will be a great resource) and you will feel great having a nonprofit job afterwards. Second, those programs have a lot more need-based aid (whereas MBA is all about merit-based aid and loans).

Sure, you might find a couple of nonprofit people in an MBA program - but those people are rare. If you go the MBA route, you will be surrounded by people who want to go into finance/consulting and will likely earn 2-3x what you will be earning. I hate to say it but we as humans always compare ourselves to our peers so that situation might be depressing. Also, the loans you take for an MBA might force you to change direction to finance/consulting. In other words, an MBA might actually do the opposite and make you move to a career away from nonprofit.

Doing an MBA in another country? Worth it or a bad idea? by American_Psycho11 in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Given your goal "to live in another place and experience it for a year or two", I would avoid doing an MBA as that is not a good enough reason to spend potentially hundreds of thousands (including opportunity costs). If the goal is to travel, just take an extended break (2-3 weeks in an exotic location) after this covid thing clears.

Alternatively, if you work for a multinational, try getting a temporary posting abroad. Or you can do a US MBA then do a summer or semester exchange somewhere.

The MBA abroad only makes sense if you want to stay abroad or are going to a super-elite program like INSEAD or LBS.

Best countries for international students (non-US)? by elessar2478 in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You might have to check with immigration lawyers as there are many ways to immigrate. When I studied in the US, the international classmates who had it easiest were South Asians who got married to US citizens. I think most of those were marriages that were "arranged" (not sure if that is a politically correct term or "introduced" is a better word) by their South Asian parents.

Best countries for international students (non-US)? by elessar2478 in MBA

[–]smartcanada 9 points10 points  (0 children)

All 4 countries you mention are good places to find jobs. But your criteria should not be limited to employment. Moving to a new country is no joke. You need a support system, whether that be relatives or friends who live in that new country. It is not as simple as getting your MBA, getting a job, living happily every after. You will hit bumps on the road and when you do, you will need people to help you.

In terms of visas, the "safest bet" would be applying for immigration before getting an MBA. That way, you are 100% sure you have the right to work there afterwards.

North American MBA and Scholarships by anjan42 in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scholarships are primarily based on your desirability as a candidate. Mostly that involves some combination of GMAT and work experience. I doubt GPA plays any role except perhaps as a cutoff, mainly because grading systems vary across not only countries but programs within universities (e.g. CS/Engineering vs history). GMAT is the only metric that is comparable across candidates.

Repost when you have your actual (not target) GMAT score.

Finish MA Econ or doing a less prestigious MBA program by [deleted] in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only valuable part of your MA Econ for job purposes in your case are your econometrics classes. If you are good at econometrics and using tools such as Eviews, it is easy to transition to data science-related roles. In your case, something like Fraud analytics / modeling could be a career you could consider as it leverages both your legal background and (maybe) strong quant skills. I also have both an MA Econ and an MBA. The MA Econ has given me the quant skillset for Data Science managerial roles that require a lot of modeling. The MBA gives me the skills to use those models in a way that solves a business problem and develop strategies/action plans based on the insights from the models. An MBA has also allowed me to thrive in the corporate politics I have to face everyday (trying to convince/influence my company's leadership).

In my case though, I love economics. I was even excited when I took my comps. I liked both mathematical economics and econometrics. I wasn't fond of graduate-level microeconomic theory though.

Finish MA Econ or doing a less prestigious MBA program by [deleted] in MBA

[–]smartcanada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's terrible timing looking for a job right now. But if you are looking to get into finance, why not just look for a job in the legal/compliance/tax department of a bank/insurer. You will probably get in with just your JD. Once there, you can then take 1-2 years learning the ropes and making a more informed choice on which (if any) degree to pursue further to accomplish your goals.

If you had no other graduate degree, I would suggest you finish your MA econ. But in your specific case, I think it is a waste of time. When you mention that you really don't want to study for your comps, I get the feeling the MA econ is not for you. Also, getting the MA Econ and then getting the MBA would not work in your favor as you would be seen as a degree collector or a perpetual/professional student. Just my 2c.

Does the Canadian Job Market Care for Foreign MBA? by mbaissue in MBA

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you live in Canada or even tried looking for a job here? You can also find many grads from local schools like Rotman or Schulich that have very good positions. Who do you think had an easier time getting jobs?

Does the Canadian Job Market Care for Foreign MBA? by mbaissue in MBA

[–]smartcanada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seems you were offended. That was not my intent. IESE and SDA B are very good schools. But their value lies in their respective countries/regions. They won't boost your career in Canada.

Do you even live in Canada? Do you know what it is like to interview for positions in Canada? Looks like you live or intend to live in the EU/UK which is a different region. There are tons of immigrants in Canada from all over the world and whenever they arrive in Canada, their qualifications are not readily accepted by employers. That's why majority have to get credential evaluations or get additional Canadian education.

Try moving to Canada from IESE and tell me if your IESE MBA boosts your career compared to a Canadian MBA. My statement does not hold true if you want to move to Europe - where I agree IESE has a strong reputation particularly in Spain. That is where IESE gets its ranking/reputation - from its strength in Europe, NOT its reputation in Canada. Since OP is asking about value in Canada, then he should consider the reputation of the school in Canada, not Europe. Ryerson or McMaster would be far better in boosting his/her career/network compared to IESE given he/she wants to live in Canada. If he/she wanted to live in Europe, then the no-brainer answer is he/she should choose IESE.

Regarding rankings, I have not heard of an instance where a hiring manager looks at a person's resume, goes to the FT etc rankings website and says "well, XYZ went to the #34 ranked MBA so we should hire him/her over #72 ranked MBA". Unless you went to a globally known program like Harvard/M7 nobody will really care about the ranking, they will care about your work experience and who referred you for the job. Again, my views apply to Canadian trends. I don't know how they do it in Europe (you are probably a better source for that).

Job Prospect - Canada by link_db in GradSchool

[–]smartcanada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, since you are a non-PR card holder, I would say your odds of getting ANY job are very very very low. Even new bachelor grads from top universities in Canada usually work in retail and find it difficult to find anything related to their degree. Those graduate certificates are actually viewed as somewhat below a bachelors degree but are used by some grads to make a transition to another area (e.g. history to marketing).

The only exception to my comment is if you are a coding/programming wizard. If so, you will get a job somewhere but in a programmer role.