[amit175]

Originally Posted by uguleri

Hi Amit

Couple of questions:

1. How would you rate Cranfield, Lancaster and Oxford MBAs for Management of Technology and Entrepreneurship specializations. I am yet to apply to Cranfield and Oxford, I have already got an admit for Lancaster. Even after doing some research, i am unable to figure out exactly which one should i go for.

Hi Utkarsh,

Though it is difficult for me to compare the different schools, I wanted to let you know that Cranfield is very well known for entrepreneurship. Infact, right from the beginning of the course, there are entrepreneurs invited (ex-Cranfield MBAs) to give talks to a select MBA audience interested in entrepreneurship. You might already be aware that there is a major theme in the latter half of the programme dedicated to Entrepreneurship and new ventures. My personal take on choosing a school for entrepreneurship is that it should have a rich and vibrant alumni network, which Cranfield does. Though there are not too many dedicated modules for management of IT (except one on Managing IT in Term 2, and possibly the strategic innovation elective), my personal experience in the program leads me to believe that all other core MBA topics can be applied to technology management as well. We have quite a few case studies that are based on technology spread across different subjects.

About your question on jobs, there are jobs in Milton Keynes (15-20 min) drive from here. There are many job sites, where you could explore whether jobs matching your wife's profile could be found in the region. One such website is reed.co.uk – jobs, careers, employment and recruitment. Search with post code MK43 0AL and 'Within 10 miles' option.

Regards,
Amit

[uguleri]

Hi Amit

Thanks for such a comprehensive answer.

Amit can you please tell me that in which month did you apply for Cranfield? and in how many days did get an interview call?

Regards
Utkarsh

[amit175]

Originally Posted by uguleri

Amit can you please tell me that in which month did you apply for Cranfield? and in how many days did get an interview call?

Hi Utkarsh,

As far as I remember, I applied in the first week of February and received my interview call within 8-10 days. I also requested them to pre-pone my interview & they agreed. The admissions team always kept me informed of the timelines for the next stage of the admissions process.

Regards,
Amit

[anandbatra]

Hi Amit,

I'm here to trouble you again! I was applying for accomodation for Cranfield, so I needed some information from you.

First, I assume self-catering means I will have to cook and all and catered means I'll get food, right? Also, do they cater Indian food(Yes, I can't live without my weekly dose of rajma chawal )?

For self-catered accommodation, there is Lanchester hall and Self Catering houses. Which one do you think is better for someone like me, who loves to stay among people(too much of a chatterbox). In Lanchester, they offer Small rooms and Medium rooms. Do you think it is worth spending around 30,000 rupees more on Medium rooms? Also, I'd be grateful if you could tell me about the self catering house, considering they are priced the same as the rooms in Lanchester hall. Which one, according to you, is better?

[amit175]

Originally Posted by anandbatra

Also, do they cater Indian food(Yes, I can't live without my weekly dose of rajma chawal )?

For self-catered accommodation, there is Lanchester hall and Self Catering houses. Which one do you think is better for someone like me, who loves to stay among people(too much of a chatterbox). In Lanchester, they offer Small rooms and Medium rooms. Do you think it is worth spending around 30,000 rupees more on Medium rooms? Also, I'd be grateful if you could tell me about the self catering house, considering they are priced the same as the rooms in Lanchester hall. Which one, according to you, is better?

Hi Anand,

The BLD canteen of Mitchell hall very ocassionally serves Indian food. There are a few kitchenettes in Mitchell Hall as well, so you could always heat ready-to-eat stuff (available in Indian shops at MK and also at Costcutter - a shop in campus) if you so wanted. I am put up in Mitchell hall (catered accomodation). I actually manage to cook in my kitchen, thanks to my next-door neighbour who has brought a electric burner. Believe it or not my last meal was rajma chawal. Since it was cooked in my kitchen by me, it might not have been as good as your weekly dose . Quite honestly, I have no idea about the size of Lancaster hall rooms, but I find my room size (as all others in Mitchell) reasonable for one person. Given that Mitchell rooms are one of the smallest ones, I personally would not pay for a larger size room. People say that they find time to socialise while cooking in the kitchens of Lancaster hall. While in Mitchell hall, you can socialise while eating in the BLD. Shared houses are no different from Lancaster hall except that you will see the same five faces everyday (assuming a house of six). Room allocations are random and you could be sharing the house with anyone from any part of the world (This is to help you visualise better). Given a choice in self-catered options, I would choose Lancaster.

It would be an incomplete reply, if I didn't tell you that in Mitchell hall, we pay a rent of around £320 of which we get a monthly food allowance loaded on a card of around £160. Also, Mitchell is just opposite to SoM (School of Mgmt), while Lancaster and shared houses are about 7-10 min walk from SoM. But, generally you will have company travelling that distance.

Regards,
Amit

[anandbatra]

Edited the post...

[in.ashok]

Hi,

I've started work on Cranfield MBA application. I find that we need to get an academic reference. Can anybody please clarify if this is absolutely essential ? Will 2 business references suffice ?

I moved out of university 5 years back and work in a different city. Getting an academic reference will be a logistical challenge.

My profile:
GMAT : 700
Experience : 5+ yrs

Thanks,
Ashok

[barunmoitra]

Hi Ashok,
Both the references can be business references. The university mentions that if it is difficult to obtain an academic reference then they would be happy to accept business reference. I am also in the same boat as you and have submitted two business references

Best of luck

Barun Moitra

[manty1532006]

Hi Amit and Sandeep,

Let me first thank both of you for helping out the prospective candidates with their queries. I am also one of the silent spectators who have been watching the Q&A session on this thread.

My profile:

Age: 27 yrs
Profession: Shipping- Sailing as 2nd officer with a leading shipping company based in Europe.
Work ex: 6 yrs as an marine officer
Academic Qualification: BS from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.
Professional ql. - FIRST MATE(FG) issued by Govt. Of India.
Gmat: 710 ( q-49, v-37, AWA- 5.5)
TOEFL: 267, essay- 5

I had submitted my informal assessment form and was invited to apply for the sep 2007 class.

As you can see that i come from a very different backgound and my short term goal is to join a consulting firm where i can use my past shipping knowledge to good consulting use. London being the hub of all shipping activities including consulting, I hope to secure a job there.

My specific query is as to what chances people from such an unconventional background like mine have to secure a place in Cranefield MBA. Since i would virtually be changing my job function from sailing to consulting, what are the chances of such posibilities vis-a-vis job prospects with this MBA.

Pls give your frank opinion based on your experience at the campus.

Thanks,
Manty

[barunmoitra]

Hi ,
I have an interview schedule on the 10th of January


Barun