Seeking Advice on Career Relocation and Executive Education Options

Question

Dear All Members/Community/Leaders,

IESE EMBA (Munich) vs Oxford MSc Major Programme Management vs Cambridge Mst Entrepreneurship

Dear Community Members and Respected Leaders,

Background:

Education:
- Bachelor's in Business Administration (2008)
- MBA (Non Target school from a low profile University which no one knows back in 2010) and i usually do not mention it in my CV.
- MSc in Business Informatics (2018) from Furtwangen University in Germany
Professional Experience:
- 5 years in Oil & Gas
- 4 years in Healthcare
- Last 8 years in Management Consulting (5 years at Accenture, 3 years at Cognizant)
Current Role: Senior Consulting Manager
Nationality: German
Relocation Preferences: 1) UAE, 2) KSA, 3) Switzerland

I am currently exploring options for a second master’s degree to enhance my professional profile and support my relocation goals. Based on my research and current financial considerations:

Best ROI (in my view): IESE EMBA - Munich(18months)
Best brand recognition: Oxford or Cambridge (Master’s programs) (18-24months)

I’ve actively applied to MBB, Tier-2 consultancies, and Big Four firms. While I’ve progressed through some initial interview rounds, most processes were halted due to hiring freezes, filled roles, or cancellations.

Some senior professionals have recommended pursuing an EMBA from a top-tier school such as INSEAD/LBS before reapplying. However, I am hesitant to invest €130K–€150K at this point. The IESE EMBA seems more feasible, with a total effective cost of around €47K after applying a €20K scholarship and tax benefits (€20K). The Oxbridge Master’s programs are also in a similar cost range. Moreover, I will not leave my job and thats why i am opting for part-time/executive programs.

I would greatly appreciate your insights and recommendations on:

The value of pursuing a second master’s vs. waiting to get a job offer.
EMBA vs. traditional master’s from a branding, longterm leadership corporate role and career ROI standpoint.
Strategic guidance for consulting roles in my target geographies.

Thank you in advance for your valuable advice. Your guidance means a lot to me.

Kind regards,
Mr. A

Answer 1

Hello,

Other coaches may disagree with me on this one.

I am honestly not sure that either another master's or an EMBA really improves your chances for MBB, T2, or Big 4 in any of these markets.

After 8 years of consulting and a Senior Manager position, your profile should be strong enough. Perhaps you have been unlucky with recruiting so far, especially given the recent slowdown.

If I were you, I would seek to save time and money by networking with consultants and speaking to recruiters at your target firm.

If they can help you to find the right role and give you a referral (from the consultants, not recruiters), you could potentially land one of these jobs without needing to invest in further education.

Answer 2

hey!

given your seniority and goals, the IESE EMBA sounds like the best fit, strong ROI, reputable brand, and well-aligned with leadership roles, especially if you're staying employed. Oxbridge programs have prestige, but the IESE EMBA is more targeted for career progression in consulting or leadership. if relocation is your top goal, the EMBA network and career services can really help. no need to wait for an offer—investing now can strengthen your position, especially in UAE and CH markets. happy to chat more if needed!

best, Alessa 😊

Answer 3

Hi Mr. A,

A very consultant like overview. Thanks!

Basically, from my point of view, if you want to diversify your geographic footprint and relocate to ME, then it would make sense to diversify your education experience as well, otherwise, on paper, it would still look like you have most of your studies done in Germany. So the Ox or Cam programs would be best.

Needless to say, in the end, it all comes down to chance and the opportunities that will come along the way, so it's difficult to tell upfront which is the perfect approach.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 4

Hi there,

With your background and consulting experience, an Executive MBA might not move the needle much — especially in the Middle East, where experience and connections often speak louder than credentials.

Instead of investing months and thousands of euros, test the waters first. Network aggressively, position your experience sharply, and try your hand at the interview process. Worst case? You get feedback and refine. Best case? You save yourself a detour and land the role directly.

The EMBA will be waiting for you if you don't make it.

Best,

Alberto