1. Working with Postgraduates MBA
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2. Background A post-experience, management degree.
Specialist MBAs also available e.g. MBA Financial Studies, Public Services MBA.
Length of course
Full-time: 1-2 years
Part-time: distance learning and executive modes also exist
High proportion of international students common.
Highly competitive and volatile marketplace - MBA programmes are ranked in national, European and global ‘league tables’.
High fees - an MBA can cost anything from £3,000 to £600000!
Some business schools invest in specialist careers support – where this sits in relation to a university’s careers service will be determined locally.
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3. Characteristics of Cohort
Usually experienced professionals, some may be sponsored by their employer.
Often mature students, sometimes career changers, sometimes career enhancers.
Depending on the entry requirements of your institution then some could have limited work experience.
Full Time MBAs – often a very high % of international students.
Decision to take an MBA often influenced by a business/management school’s reputation e.g. external accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) and rankings (e.g. Financial Times MBA ranking, Economist MBA ranking).
Investing time and money and expecting a return on investment.
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4. Expectations
Triple Jump: that the MBA will enable a change of country, function and industry.
Salary Increase: an immediate return on investment.
Career Progression: to re-enter the job market at a higher level.
Rankings/Accreditations: business schools’ expectation of careers service standards, support levels and outcomes.
On-campus recruiting: ‘why isn’t McKinsey on campus to hire us – they go to XXX business school where my friend is’.
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5. Suggested Approaches
Early conversations/interventions to establish experience levels and career ambitions.
Work with admissions teams and course directors to get a sense of the incoming cohort.
Share destination data – showing examples of where previous graduates have been successful in making career changes.
Encourage active use of LinkedIn and dedicate time to networking skills – these will be key in the MBA job search.
Source guest speakers from the MBA alumni community.
Consider how the MBAs can be showcased to potential employers e.g. CV yearbooks
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6. Suggested Approaches cont.
If you are nervous about working with this group then assertiveness, coupled with professional confidence is key.
Flexibility of provision may be required and badging the provision as MBA can help.
Many MBA resources can be costly. You need a business case!
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7. Resources
There are many providers and guest speakers who specialise in the MBA market.
For examples that were provided at our MBA Sharing Good Practice Day in see: practice-London
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