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Need inputs on the Sloan Fellows Program

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Need inputs on the Sloan Fellows Program

by ECLS » Tue Aug 31, 2010 6:49 am
I am considering Sloan Fellows program at MIT, Stanford, LBS. Have 10 yrs of exp, 31 yrs of age.

While SF, MIT and LBS offer a Masters in Sc., MIT has an option of getting an MBA instead of a M.Sc. While all programs interest me, I am inclined towards Stanford due to its location and small class size.

I would like to know from experts

1) which degree makes more sense. MBA or M.Sc.? That is if someone wants to eventually grow to a Cxo kind of position.

2) any inputs on the prestige, brand, or the program itself would also help.

3) how much role does career services play for an experienced candidate (like 10 yrs). i have researched and apart from LBS the other two schools dont offer any assistance. - but then i have also heard that one has to search for job mostly on their own whether they go to a regular Mba or such specialised programs like sloan.

4) MIT has started asking for gmat from this yr. How much role does GMAT plays for these programs.

5) For someone who has 10 yrs exp, does it make more sense to do a regular MBA or go for these specialised programs. as these are way too expensive than a regular MBA.

Thank you.
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by Anurag@Gurome » Thu Sep 02, 2010 6:30 am
I think Sloan Fellows is a great program for those with 10+ years of experience. You are right at the cusp for this program. MBA may be a better option, depending on the career path you have had and the immediate goals you may have. Generally speaking, the Sloan Fellows program is better for mid-level executives looking for an alternative to Executive MBA.

All the three Sloan programs have common heritage and have similar prestige. Alumni from these programs have gone on to become CXOs, but not all do. Moreover, the career search is entirely dependent on your initiative. So if you are looking for help post-MSc/MBA, an MBA may be a better option.

GMAT does play a role but the average scores of accepted candidates are lower than those for the MBA programs in these institutions. It is slightly easier to get into the Sloan Fellows program than into the MBA program, but not by a large margin.
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by ECLS » Thu Sep 02, 2010 7:07 am
Thanks Anurag. This surely helps. In fact, you have hit the right spot about the career services. During my initial research, I had ruled out these programs as the school provided little help to look for a job. But after I spoke to several MBA students in the US almost all of them confirmed that irrespective of the program or school, one is usually on his own to look for the right job. What do you think.?

Overall, I think the Fellows program makes more sense for me due to the class profile and the history of these programs. Also, it will not be easy for me to get in the top programs in US considering I am 31. Plus these fellows program are one year it makes more sense for me.
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by Anurag@Gurome » Thu Sep 02, 2010 7:55 am
You are very welcome. If you have done reasonably well in your career so far (perhaps you manage people), and are a good networker, you should be able to leverage the MSc well. One important advice if you attend one of these three programs: know exactly what you want to do even before you start. Work on the post-MSc plans from day one.

While the onus of finding the positions is increasingly shifting towrads students in MBA programs worldwide, the on-campus recruiting plays a major role in all top full time programs.

Incidentally, have you considered part-time and Executive MBA programs?
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by ECLS » Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:17 am
Thanks again Anurag.

Yes, I currently lead a team of 120 people across 4 countries. My leadership is strong and my career has been progressive across two diverse industries (hospitality & ITES)

I did not go for an MBA earlier as I kept on getting progressive roles. But right now I feel the need to do it and not delay it further.

I want to do a full time programme, more inclined towards the schools in US. While part time or EMBA may the option, I dont think I want to juggle between work and studies.

I saw that you were with Stanford too. Any feedback you would have on the Fellows program.? I am assuming its difficult to get in because of a small class size (57 only)
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by Anurag@Gurome » Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:42 am
Excellent background. You are perfect for the Sloan program. I am at Stanford but am not affiliated with the Sloan program. So I feel free to share my frank thoughts. Stanford Sloan program is quite selective (as are the other two Sloan programs), but not any more so than other top MBA programs. In fact, it maybe slightly easier to get into the Sloan program than the regular MBA because very few really qualify to apply to the former (the program will discourage applicants who don't meet certain experience and career profile guidelines).

Go for it.
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by ECLS » Mon Sep 06, 2010 12:18 am
Anurag@Gurome wrote:Excellent background. You are perfect for the Sloan program. I am at Stanford but am not affiliated with the Sloan program. So I feel free to share my frank thoughts. Stanford Sloan program is quite selective (as are the other two Sloan programs), but not any more so than other top MBA programs. In fact, it maybe slightly easier to get into the Sloan program than the regular MBA because very few really qualify to apply to the former (the program will discourage applicants who don't meet certain experience and career profile guidelines).

Go for it.
Thanks Chief. Valuable inputs.

Just one last ques :

How would you rate M.Sc Vs MBA degrees ?

I understand that MBS is more widely accepted and M.Sc is more of a specialised degree. But since you have an MBA and Phd. I would like your perspective. Which will be more appropriate

a) for someone who would like to grow to a Cxo level and
b) for someone who would like to move to consulting.?

Thx.
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by Anurag@Gurome » Mon Sep 06, 2010 12:53 pm
Frank answer: MBA for both (assuming you can get into equally good MBA and MSc programs)

Having said that, Sloan is an exclusive program and will give you access to a network that may bring about CxO opportunities sooner.

You will be looking for senior roles in consulting and at that level, consulting firms will be agnostic to the program. They will look for top brand on your resume, however.

I know it is hard making a choice. I think you should visit the place(s) and/or talk to alumni. And then pick one. Trust your gut. You will not go wrong with either.

Another option (I think I mentioned this earlier) - apply to both and pick one later.
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by ECLS » Tue Sep 07, 2010 1:16 am
Thanks Anurag. Thats all I have for now.

Your inputs make a lot of sense and have been extremely valuable to me.

Once again, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Cheers..!!
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by RahulD » Sat Oct 30, 2010 11:01 am
Found this thread to be very relevant.
I am considering a Sloan Fellows Program at MIT and would request clarity on some issues. Hope you can help.

I have around 13+ yrs of experience, most of it in the military. I was a combat pilot for the first six years and then into Strategy Planning in terms of HR requirements for the Indian Air Force. I am presently heading the Air Operations for providing offshore support to a Oil major, engaged in operations as well as client management. Have had extensive experience in leading teams.That's a brief on the background.
Will be 36 shortly and I think would be out of place in a regular full time MBA. I am considering the Sloan program more as a means of a career switch, and hope to get into the field of management consulting, leveraging my past experience. The cost is a bit of a deterring factor, more so in the present situation where post course prospects are still unclear.
Would like your inputs on the relevance of this program in the context of my background.
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by ECLS » Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:19 pm
RahulD wrote:Found this thread to be very relevant.
I am considering a Sloan Fellows Program at MIT and would request clarity on some issues. Hope you can help.

I have around 13+ yrs of experience, most of it in the military. I was a combat pilot for the first six years and then into Strategy Planning in terms of HR requirements for the Indian Air Force. I am presently heading the Air Operations for providing offshore support to a Oil major, engaged in operations as well as client management. Have had extensive experience in leading teams.That's a brief on the background.
Will be 36 shortly and I think would be out of place in a regular full time MBA. I am considering the Sloan program more as a means of a career switch, and hope to get into the field of management consulting, leveraging my past experience. The cost is a bit of a deterring factor, more so in the present situation where post course prospects are still unclear.
Would like your inputs on the relevance of this program in the context of my background.
I am sure the experts can pitch in here but in my opinion, Sloan is meant for people who want to continue in their current career and take up senior roles in future. Your experience, age are fine and will meet the requirement of the program. Leading teams is an integral requirement for the Sloan program.

Having said that its not impossible to shift careers as I have seen some people do it after the Sloan program. Pm me for further information and I can introduce you to someone who can guide you.
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by mba_vijay » Sat Feb 04, 2012 8:40 am
my 2 cents; if i were you i would go for Stanford Sloan.
reasoning:
-main campus (better oppurtunities to network)
-fulltime 10.5 month (short, intense and more oppurtunities to network)
- gels extremely well with ur final goals: to work in VC/startup OR start a new venture

having said that Wharton EMBA is a great admit to have too.
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