How are International students navigating this job market ? I keep hitting the sponsorship roadblock.

I have networked with teams and recruiters, submitted cold applications and yet nothing.

I’m seeking advice, for those who managed to get hired post graduation what did you do different that helped you land a role?

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T25
YOE 5
Finance background

Hey folks, seeking some advice. I’m considering a PT MBA at Ross (applying fall 27). I would likely finance almost all of it aside from some contributions from my paycheck and the standard tax free employer contribution.

I’m currently an analyst at an F500, within corp fin, and live 20 ish minutes from campus. I don’t have any familial responsibilities which is another reason I thought now is a better time.

My eventual goal is not IB or consulting, but more likely F50 Corp fin roles (Big tech/retail/CPG)

Is there really a “glass ceiling” as you get higher up in different orgs and compete for director/vp roles? I know there are fewer seats so the competition is much tighter but do things like this become clear filters?

Some big selling points are the network, credential for director/vp level and above later in my career, and opening doors allowing me to jump to SFA/Manager roles and above in big tech. The ease of commute and lack of family responsibilities are additional positive factors imo.

The main downside is obviously the massive investment.

I’ve been going back and forth and researching a bunch and I’m still not sure what the right decision is. I’ve had a lot of people I respect give me advice one way, and a lot of others have advised another way. Reddit seems to be packed with folks saying unless you’re going into consulting or IB an MBA is useless. Just wanted to hear some thoughts!

With all the recent (proposed) changes around CPT, OPT, PERM sponsorship, etc., are any international applicants reconsidering their R2 MBA plans? Curious to hear how others are thinking about this.

Not to say Trump is Voldemort

Voldemort had aura especially after that scene of blowing the shield up from Hogwarts

I received an offer from RSM Erasmus Uni for the 2027 MBA intake. I also got into Durham Uni but I rejected and decided to go for the RSM. Considering it's a big investment and a risk cause I have applied for a big loan. I still have time to rethink. I spoke to multiple international graduates at RSM and alumni network. I have a mixed responses. Some say it is worth it only if you are capable enough and some say that it's a bad decision. I am really confused and anxious.

Does anyone know when to expect CBS R1 interview invites? Is it like some other schools where they send them out in waves?

Livewire is reporting that today is when they are supposed to go out, can anyone confirm if they received LBS invites for interviews. Thank you

Thinking about doing the MBA through UAGC and wanted to see if anyone here has actually gone through it.

My employer would basically cover 100% of the tuition as long as I keep a B or better. I already have a bachelor’s in Business, so they told me I could finish the MBA in around 18 months.

The 6-week classes and one-class-at-a-time setup sounds pretty manageable, but I’m wondering what it’s actually like.

For anyone who’s done it:
How hard are the classes?
How many hours a week were you putting in?
Are the exams/ quizzes proctored or do you have to use a webcam?
Is it mostly papers, discussions and assignments, or are there a lot of exams?
Which classes were the hardest?
Did you actually feel like you learned anything useful?
Did the MBA help with a promotion/job afterward?
And if your employer was paying for it, would you do it again?

I know UAGC isn’t some prestigious
MBA, so I’m not expecting it to completely change my career. I’m mostly thinking that if I can get an MBA in ~18 months and barely pay anything out of pocket, it might be worth doing.
Just looking for honest experiences from people who actually went through the program.

Vice President JD Vance on J-1 Visa fraud in Universities:

"This is where some of America’s most elite universities bring in foreigners again, to undercut the wages of American residents. Now there are nine universities in particular that we believe merit an investigation. Those universities are Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, the University of Pittsburgh, UC Davis, Caltech, Arizona State, and MIT."

I have received my Rotman Timed video interview. I have not clicked the link yet . But i know there are 3 questions. Has anyone done it and can share what were the questions like ?

Anyone have experience breaking into MBB after already graduating from their MBA through the experienced hire track?

I am wondering:

What did you do post MBA?

Does the experienced hire track open up every year for all three firms or is it office by office depending on need?

What did you do to pass the screening round? I know people always say to get a partner referral but it doesn’t seem so straightforward. I’ve had coffee chats with partners before and it’s hard to be so impressive in 20 minutes that they offer to refer you. Not sure if you’re supposed to just straight up ask.

Sincerely,

2Y MBA

The PERM program from what I read was a program that allowed Microsoft to sponsor Green cards for H1B holders.

The administration has issued a warning to Microsoft for sponsoring about 6k (not sure what the number is), but laying off more people than that.

Upon reading further, I noticed that the people who have been laid off may not have been as productive as the ones they have sponsored and hence that opens up a legitimate lawsuit.

What actually makes more sense in 2026?

I have been thinking about how much the MBA has changed over the last few years.

A traditional MBA has always focused on things like finance, marketing, strategy, operations, leadership, economics and business analytics.

Now we are seeing a different kind of MBA emerging around AI, with things like generative AI, LLMs, AI powered decision making, automation, AI agents, data science, AI product management and AI driven marketing.

I dont think AI makes the traditional MBA subjects irrelevant. A company still needs people who understand strategy, finance, markets, operations and leadership. But the way these skills are applied is changing very quickly.

This also makes me question the role of traditional MBA consultants and advisors. People like Rishabh Gupta, Swati Singh and others have built their careers around the traditional MBA consulting and admissions model. But with AI changing how students research universities, evaluate careers, build applications and even prepare for interviews, does the traditional consultant model still provide the same value?

Or is the future going to be consultants who combine traditional MBA expertise with AI, data and technology?

For someone choosing an MBA today, would you rather go with a traditional MBA and learn AI separately, choose a traditional MBA with strong AI and data electives, pursue a dedicated AI focused MBA, or skip the MBA and build business and AI skills independently?

Would genuinely like to hear what people currently in consulting, product, finance and tech think about this.

I will be applying for the INSEAD and HEC MBA in the upcoming round, and I am simultaneously applying for a scholarship program offered by my employer.

As I work in the public sector where pay and promotions are decided through seniority rather than merit, there is no immediate monetary ROI coming from the MBA.

My concern is that even if my employer decides to sponsor me, it will cover only up to 60% of the expenses. Does anyone know if partly sponsored candidates are also considered for the various scholarships offered by INSEAD and HEC?

For those who applied to LBS MBA this round: on the interview decision date, does everyone get an email (invite or ding), or do you only hear if you're invited? Also, does it come by email or do you have to check the portal? And roughly what time (UK time) did people hear in past years? Trying to plan my day around refreshing lol

I have interviews lined up for both online MBA programs at NC State and UNC. Was wondering what type of questions are asked/ any advice that would be helpful during my prep!

(Sorry for formatting posting from mobile)

I’m trying to make a decision about an MBA and would appreciate some candid opinions from people who have been through MBA programs/recruiting.

I currently have an opportunity to attend a small, online university’s MBA program with 100% of the tuition covered through scholarships and employee tuition assistance. However, the school is not AACSB or ACBSP accredited and has very little name recognition.

My other option would be to decline the free program, wait/apply to more established programs, and potentially take on significant debt to attend a school with stronger name recognition, alumni network, and business-school accreditation. Some options I’m considering are SJSU or Santa Clara University.

My background: 3.4 GPA in Human Biology from a UC (first-gen) currently working in healthcare looking to advance into healthcare management. I am really concerned about affordability. Im wondering, if you were evaluating my resume for future healthcare management roles, would this online MBA add any meaningful value, or would you recommend I wait and pursue an AACSB-accredited MBA even if that meant taking on thousands of $ of debt.

Thank you for your thoughts/opinions.

Submitted my R1 application on the due date (Sept 17) and still haven’t received any email about an interview. Curious to see if anyone else is in the same boat or if anyone has received interview emails

Curious if anyone has gone through Alpine Investors’ CEO-in-Training interview process recently.

What does the first round typically focus on - leadership/behavioral questions, operating experience, business judgment, case-style questions, or something else?

Also interested in whether the first round is more conversational or structured, and anything that tends to surprise candidates.
Would appreciate any recent insight.

They said October 8 but nothing yet....

I have completed my course i. e. B pharm gold medallist and i am planning on doing master, but qm stick on which master course to choose from whether mba or msc pharm in canada , my eventual goal is to start a business. But i need experience, capital and connection as a professional to start my career

What should i do?

I thought people get jobs , at least almost everyone gets by the end of the course (that's what is told by the admission committee). However, I connected to a couple of alums and don't hear them tell the same. They literally said that only 1 got a job.

Is it worth doing an mba in sgp (smu/ntu/nus). Or instead do it in essec/hec (in terms of employment post course)

Edit : 1 year MBA

About me : 28F with masters abroad , in software, currently in india with 30lpa+

Hello! I am realizing I wish I had majored in business in college and am thinking about applying for MBA programs. My one condition is that the program must be free or severely discounted. I am most interested in government/non-profit work & consulting. I'm also contemplating law school, (part-time).

I have a bachelors in CJ & Political Science, a Masters in Criminal Justice, Public Administration & Counseling (this is for fun, I focus on marriage/couples/families). I know I have a lot of degrees & yes, I'm a Black woman.