S3 Asia MBA - Anyone Game?

[sungodsg]

Just some queries. Would help me a lot if someone can clear my doubts. Is it easier to get into the S3 MBA than NUS MBA? Is it because the S3 MBA is a new programme??? And what is the total number of student intake for the S3 programme??

Thank you.

[ashwincu]

Sungodsg
You could (must be) right about the entry criteria, but I would suggest that you look at it differently
1) The NUS MBA is a long established and widely sought after course - and the school's job is to build an ideal student profile in the class every year, which is not easy given that they get many applications. Apparently, this year, they received more than 5000 applications.
2) The S3 MBA is the first of its kind, with the first batch starting this year. I do not think anyone who received the offer started off by explicitly wanting to join this course. NUS would have probably gone through their waiting list of NUS MBA candidates, and decided on which of these would be suited to S3 based on the interview and application feedback.

The initial estimate, when the program was announced, was that this initiative would start with 60 students in Sep 2008. In my last email correspondence with the NUS folks, I found out that this number is whittled down to around 15 for this year. It is probably an indication that they are not trying to fill up the numbers with whoever they can find, but are making an attempt to see for which candidates the S3 may be a suitable fit, in terms of matching their background and career aspirations.

Like I said, it is still a tough call

- Ashwin

[howCouldI]

I agree with Ashwin. They are definitely not trying to fill up the seats.
I had raised this question to them "Do you find me fit for the S3 MBA, and not the NUS MBA? Why?"
The response was that based on my one of my essays, they decided that I would be a better fit for the S3 Asia MBA.
I had written about the exact same thing that they are trying to achieve through this MBA in the essay. Goes without saying that I was not aware of the program then.

[sungodsg]

Originally Posted by howCouldI

I agree with Ashwin. They are definitely not trying to fill up the seats.
I had raised this question to them "Do you find me fit for the S3 MBA, and not the NUS MBA? Why?"
The response was that based on my one of my essays, they decided that I would be a better fit for the S3 Asia MBA.
I had written about the exact same thing that they are trying to achieve through this MBA in the essay. Goes without saying that I was not aware of the program then.

Yes. I must agree with your point. I had also mentioned in my essays about the NUS MBA programme having a strong focus in Asia and pointed out during the interview of my interest to work in the APAC region. It is understandable now that I too have been offered a place in the S3 MBA programme. This is a good opportunity for me to gain exposure through studying overseas.

[abhi1982]

Originally Posted by sungodsg

Yes. I must agree with your point. I had also mentioned in my essays about the NUS MBA programme having a strong focus in Asia and pointed out during the interview of my interest to work in the APAC region. It is understandable now that I too have been offered a place in the S3 MBA programme. This is a good opportunity for me to gain exposure through studying overseas. THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK.

Guys,

It seems we have all struck a common chord with our essays and have landed offers for the S3 Asia MBA....I too had mentioned some stuff of the advantages of being in SE Asia vs the US, plus I was being asked stuff about my experience of China, and the Mumbai-Shanghai comparison and stuff.....and 1 week down the line I was offered the S3 seat.....

Rgds,

[avitalks]

Hi All,

Thought of startinga new discussion thread at the NUS student forum.
Please do visit this link. Joining the forum is pretty easy and quick.

Sign in to Join The NUS MBA - Join The NUS MBA

Regards,
Avi

[prags_k]

hey guys..

I need to reply back to NUS by tomorrow telling them whether I am interested in being considered for this s3 Program or not. Just one question what will the job scene be like after the course ? It shouldn't be like we become second fiddle to the full time graduates of each of the three universities. Can someone throw more light on this ?

Prags

[howCouldI]

hey Prags

Forgive my assumption, but your question makes me feel that you have somehow come to believe that the Universities conducting this course have absolutely no stake in it.
Quite the contrary actually. They have a very high stake. They are giving us degrees that are in no way different from their regular students. So on paper we are REGULAR students. Moreover, to ensure the success of this program, they will probably give us more importance (not preference, mind you) or treat us at par with their regular students. No reason for us to play the second fiddle.
They understand that if the placements of the first batch are not attractive, there will be no takers for subsequent classes. But mind you, as against in India, the job people land up with has lot more to do with them then the degree they hold.
And the last point, as against the regular students, we have the added advantage of being able to leverage the placement cells of three renowned Universities.

[prags_k]

hmmm yeah I felt so as well... but just wanted to hear it from another person to feel more confident.. neways I have decided to say yes to being considered for this program. Lets see wht happens afterwards.. Will let u guys know !!!

[ashwincu]

prags,
howcouldI is right on the button about the career possibilities after the S3 MBA....and yes, finally it boils down to the individual.

I would say also that since we do not have any history to fall back on, there's room for a lot of speculation.

But suffice to say, the 3 univs would have seen the potential (in education and industry) of such an MBA when they came together...and would ensure that the S3 class is attended by a certain set of folks who would fit their profile as ideal S3 MBA candidates. The success of this first batch will be key to the continuation and spread of this program, so my advice is - let's just grab the bull by the horns, give it (not the bull) our best shot and see what can come out of it.



- Ashwin