Posted on: 07-10-08 20:48:52
Hi,
With the idea of settling well in canada, I had taken the GMAT and got a fair enough score. By Fall 2009, I will be nearly 40 years old.
I have two options:
1) Apply for a full time MBA program in HR.
Question --By the time I finish the program, I will be 41-42 years old. The "Canadian education" issue will be taken care of, but what about the age factor? How inclined are Canadian employers generally to hire a 40+ but- fresh -graduate? It wouldn't be nice to be left with a student loan to pay off (and MBA programs cost a lot of money!) and no job to pay it off with.
2) Apply for a PhD program in marketing (some of my experience is related in a very distant manner to marketing...so I really need to do some aggressive selling to the admission committee in my Statement of Purpose)
Problem with that --- Getting into a PhD program seems to be very very tough (with a 2-3% success rate).
So I am back to the questions in the first option.
Thanks for any input!
Diamond
Yes age discrimination is an issue in the MBA marketplace. Most graduates are in the 28- 32 year range on graduation and get first preference. One of my friends did an MBA from UFT and graduated at 39. He was unable to find a job and finally became an SAP consultant where he is making much more than as an MBA. In Canada employers in most MBA fields like marketing, consulting etc prefer young, Canadian born, employees. Older immigrants get last preference. Sorry to be blunt but thats the reality. Bay Street is dominated by Canadian born WASPS. Just visit one of the tall buildings in Toronto downtown and you will see for yourself. Unless you have excellent experience in a field which is in demand, excellent references and excellent academics on graduating with an MBA do not think of doing an MBA at this age. Getting good grades in the MBA program is essential since most consulting fields require very good academics before they even call you for an interview. This is peculiar to Canadian colleges where your MBA grades are very important. And getting good grades in MBA school requires political skills since the grading process is subjective. So think of all these issues.
Try getting into a technical field where there is a lack of talent in Canada like IT, Engineering, etc. All the Canadian born people with money flock to MBA schools and hence there is an oversupply of Generalists in this field due to which immigrants cannot compete. I have seen young caucasian females with average grades get interviews with investment banks and consulting firms while qualified older caucasian males with very good grades have been rejected. Yes all this happens.....personality and looks plays a big part in the selection process for investment banks and consulting firms. So consider all these factors.
If you are brilliant academically and can try for a job with one of the investment banks in a mathematical field such as derivatives go for it. I have seen immigrants succeed in these fields. But make sure you have a strong academic college where you did your prior degree and have a brand name company in your background.
Hi Newton,
Thanks a lot for the detailed reply.
Have to do some serious re-planning! 
Diamond
Have you considered CPA ?
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You know you are a desi when ........ You spew forth the virtues of India, but don't want to live there...............You've never had a tanning salon membership
Hi Loser,
Can't think of CPA . Not that great at Maths. Only so-so.
In that case you should go ahead with the MBA. Without it your chances are much less.
Quote:
Originally posted by diamond_n
Hi Loser,
Can't think of CPA . Not that great at Maths. Only so-so.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You know you are a desi when ........ You spew forth the virtues of India, but don't want to live there...............You've never had a tanning salon membership
Quote:
Originally posted by diamond_n
Hi,
With the idea of settling well in canada, I had taken the GMAT and got a fair enough score. By Fall 2009, I will be nearly 40 years old.
I have two options:
1) Apply for a full time MBA program in HR.
Question --By the time I finish the program, I will be 41-42 years old. The "Canadian education" issue will be taken care of, but what about the age factor? How inclined are Canadian employers generally to hire a 40+ but- fresh -graduate? It wouldn't be nice to be left with a student loan to pay off (and MBA programs cost a lot of money!) and no job to pay it off with.
2) Apply for a PhD program in marketing (some of my experience is related in a very distant manner to marketing...so I really need to do some aggressive selling to the admission committee in my Statement of Purpose)
Problem with that --- Getting into a PhD program seems to be very very tough (with a 2-3% success rate).
So I am back to the questions in the first option.
Thanks for any input!
Diamond
Hi diamond_n,
M.B.A. is overall very good course however, personal suitability is one of the most important factor to be considered while spending approx. C$50,000/=and very valuable time. In short, if I have to make a decision, I would wait for at least two more years to see how economic conditions of Canada evolves. Under normal economic conditions I would have enrolled in M.B.A. program because I am sure to find suitable opportunity. Those candidates who will graduate with M.B.A. this year will find it little more challenging to find suitable opportunity.
Try to get past student list from the university you are targeting for last three years and short list students who nearly matches your individual profile and get their opinion with open mind. I guess this may give you an idea of ground reality from different angle.
All the best.
Ecom
