Hi there!
So .. I am a full time MBA student currently at Strathclyde Business School. I read earlier today a negative posting in regards to the MBA. And as I am sure many of you will feel, when you are loyal to something, you feel the need to answer it correctly.
So I am here hoping to open up a channel of communication between myself and prospective MBA students who are interested in joining and would like to know a 'real' student perspective rather than a glossy brochure/website.
I personally chose Strath over say Edinburgh and a number of other schools because of the focus on Strategy. In my own personal experience, strategy is a skill that every successful entrepreneur or manager needs.
Haven joined the school and spent 6 months learning I can pass on my experience so far:
- Its tough, its very tough. I believe most students are working an 80-100 hour work week currently. I would personally define tough, not as effort required, but as intellectually challenging.
- There is a broad mix of students, with the largest group coming from India.
- Some subjects I know well due to my previous work experience, others are brand new to me and I find incredibly difficult. However we have strong class spirit and help each other.
- There are areas where the business school needs to improve and evolve, but I think that is an issue most businesses and schools deal with.
- Glasgow is a fun city. Its cheap by comparison to Southern English cities and nicer than most of the Northern Cities. I am British/Scottish, so potentially biased also :-)
- The weather is British weather, anyone expecting a 'holiday' in the UK shouldn't be apply to do an MBA anywhere! If you come to Scotland, bring warm clothes and an umbrella. Having said that torrential storms, snow, hail, provide quite a bit of fun and enjoyment.
- The university listens. I am surprised to the extent to which the university listens to the MBA students questions and concerns. Any of you guys joining next year, will most likely see changes as a result of implementations we have asked the school to do.
- Trying to think of others ... if you have questions ... email me.
So, if you guys want to know more, please feel free to mail me or get in contact.
My info is
James Wilson
james.wilson@strath.ac.ukLook me up on LinkedIn: "James Wilson MBA Student".
Profile:
8 Years Management Experience (Director Level)
British, Male, 29 Years Young.
Previous Ed: BA & MA (Switz), ExecEd (Harvard)
GMAT: Didn't do one.
Desired future position: Chief Strategy Officer.
Cheers & good luck with your applications to Strath and any others.
James W.