The European international MBA experience

Western Europes MBA profile is strong in prestige and prominence among both students and employers. Kin Ly explores the factors that make Western Europe one of the most popular MBA study destinations

estern Europes MBA reputation has evolved since the late 50s when the qualification was first introduced to the continent. Now with a wealth of Western European business schools topping various MBA rankings and ratings, the region is one of the most sought after MBA destinations among students and MBA headhunters alike. Climbing to the top Over 2,000 organizations that are actively hiring MBAs took part in the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report and voted 14 European business schools as the regions top-tiered schools.This places Europe slightly behind the perennially popular study destination of the US, the birthplace of business schools and the MBA qualification. Schools in Europe also take up many of the top spots in QS employer ratings of 10 of the most popular MBA specializations, competing fiercely with their cross-Atlantic peers. Undoubtedly, the region is in good stead to compete with the US for the most talented MBA applicants. Over 4,500 aspiring MBAs who responded to the latest

TopMBA.com Applicant Survey, voted six European countries, the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Italy respectively among the top 10 MBA study destinations. While the US remained in first place, there has been a slight drop in the number of applicants choosing the US as their preferred study destination, suggesting a shift from North America to Western Europe.
The gift of diversity The regions cultural diversity is a huge appeal for prospective business management students and MBA emplouers. Western Europe has a long history of immigration and a wealth of diversity in culture, language and economic systems that few regions can claim. In a globalized business world, multi-national organizations are increasingly turning to Europe to appoint the next generation of business leaders who have been educated in a diverse environment. Studying in an international environment is an integral part of many Western European MBA programs. Javier Muoz, MBA career services director at IESE Business School in

Spain says this is one of the most attractive aspects of studying in the region. He explains that this combined with the use of case study methods, whereby students analyze research-based business cases and the

real-life challenges that international businesses face, helps students gain and hone their international management skills. Many students choose to study in Western Europe for this reason. Eric King, originally from the US decided to take an MBA at ESADE Business School in Spain because of the diverse learning environment. Nearly every company interacts internationally in the new flat world, and I wanted to get a more international worldview than the typical US school could offer, he says. Similarly, Kelly Longfield from the US chose Cass Business School in the UK for the international MBA experience: The US is huge and our associations are more with Canada and South America, so in many ways its insulated. Here there is more access to Europe, the old world and emerging markets. Indeed, studying in Western Europe can open up a wealth of opportunities to join international companies further afield. Muoz has witnessed this in the placement of IESE MBA graudates: We work closely with companies from all over the world and have a very international placement. A high percentage of students have found jobs abroad 37% in other European countries, 11% in Asia, and 12% in Latin America, he says. Getting a job after graduation While studying in Europe can be extremely attractive to multinational organizations seeking MBAs, it also opens the doors to opportunities within Europe. Despite continuing economic uncertainty and hiring restraint within the European finance sector, the demand for talented MBAs

in 2011 was strong.The UK and Germany in particular experienced large increases of 34% and 28% respectively in job opportunities for MBAs, the latest TopMBA.com Jobs and Salary Trends Report found. Margarita Alonso, director of alumni and careers at IE Business School in Spain says MBAs must increase their mobility through improving their language skills in order to raise the chances of finding the ideal job after graduation. Mobility is necessary to pursue an international career and one of the most important skills for mobility is language proficiency. It is nave to think that although English is the business language, that it is the only language of business, and that one can work in a multinational organization in Spain or France without speaking a word of Spanish or French. She adds that in order to be successful in the job hunt, graduates must become: Marketers of themselves and embrace the job search as an important part of pursuing an MBA. Students should become actively engaged with the schools career management team to learn about all of the resources available to graduating students, such as recruiting events, assistance with creating an effective resume and networking opportunities. Europes MBA admissions process With many aspiring business leaders wanting to gain their qualification in Western Europe, competition for admission to the best schools in the region can be tough. Alonso says taking an internship could help. Internships before and during a European-based MBA program are useful

QS TOPMBA CAREER GUIDE

Cultural diversity is a huge appeal for prospective business management students and MBA headhunters

for several reasons. Not only do they get students into the workplace, which will improve their business language in a specific region, but they also provide geographic experience with a better understanding of cultural differences. It is a way to reduce the culture shock that might come from an MBA outside ones own country. Muoz of IESE says a good way to stand out among the thousands of applicants is to bring their own culture with them. Applicants who are bilingual and can demonstrate that they can speak the language of the country they wish to study in, or willing to learn, would see benefits says Tony Somers, career management center director at HEC Paris. English is the only language required for doing an MBA at HEC, but it is advantageous for participants to have a basic understanding of the French language and culture before they arrive. While there are MBA student services to help with residency, insurance and daily issues, it is advisable that students enrol on a language course. A knowledge of the language will not only help participants to get a job in France, for example but also allows them to make the most of the different options available within the course such as electives taught in French by top professors, says Somers. For further information For further tips on the business school admission process from experts in the field, please see pages 68 to 69.

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