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what options are available to me?

Launched April 26, 2006
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by lennieris » Wed Feb 17, 2010 3:41 pm
Hi Stacy,

Would like to start by saying this isn't really a profile evaluation. Am in need of some suggestions as to what's best.

I am considering applying to INSEAD after taking a year out to do a language (in China). I feel that this combination will give me more value over a more traditional 18-24 month MBA programme. IMO it makes more sense to pursue the language first, followed by INSEAD - I can then make full use of career services to find a job post MBA. Ideally, I would like to know before I embark on my language (and leave current employment) that I have secured a place at INSEAD - unfortunately, INSEAD does not grant deferrals. If possible, I would like to spend 12 months on the language (Mandarin being the difficult language it is...)

Do you have any suggestions / ideas?

Quick profile of myself
5 years international work experience / M&A and PE / 29 yrs old
730/6.0
Undergraduate - first class honours
Asian

thanks!
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by Lisa Anderson » Wed Feb 17, 2010 4:01 pm
Dear lennieris,

Since INSEAD does not grant deferrals, then your only option is to proceed with your plan, apply on time, and see what your decision is. You will need to make a strong case for why you felt you needed the year in China to learn a language full-time relative to your career goals. Other options are to 1) not do the year in China and continue working, 2) apply to other programs or 3) find some other alternative to learn the language like a shorter immersion program or an evening/weekend program you can do while working. There is not a "perfect" or "preferred" solution here--you need to pick the option that works best for you.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by lennieris » Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:54 pm
Thanks Lisa.

Another option would be to finish the MBA first then head off to do language. The drawback however, is that I wouldn't benefit from on campus hiring opportunities. More generally, do schools accomodate post MBA students 1 maybe even 2 years out who are looking for jobs? I take it very few students consider taking meaningful time off after the MBA (for whatever reasons; language, travel, time off, etc.) before returning to employment?

Thanks
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Feb 19, 2010 5:01 pm
Some MBA programs offer career services for alumni, so that is something to research. However, programs add/remove services periodically so you would want to know how long the program has supported alumni career services to know if it is reliable for 3-5 years from now. I will caution you though--taking yourself out of the job market right after an MBA program to do an immersion experience and then to compete against the new crop of MBAs a year later will make your job search quite difficult. Many companies will not agree with/understand your rationale for the immersion program post-MBA and will think you should have done it prior to the program. In my humble opinion, doing it after your MBA is not an option as it will be detrimental to your career search.

Regards,
Lisa
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